It is with pleasure that I read of the accomplishments of Queens Quiet Skies and other entities in convincing Gov. Andrew Cuomo to advocate for mitigation of the noise and pollution problems of aircraft flying over our communities.
The governor ordered the Port Authority to increase the number of noise monitors keeping track of violations of the allowable noise levels of aircraft and to carry out a Part 150 noise study to see how noise from aircraft is affecting residents.
He also called for the establishment of roundtables where community representatives, elected leaders and federal and other officials would meet regularly to discuss aircraft noise and flight pattern concerns. The Federal Aviation Administration would need to cooperate and participate in these measures.
This is just the beginning of the process to mitigate the noise issue involving aircraft flying over our communities. Those involved in this fight must monitor that all the conditions and requests ordered by the governor are followed through with over time and appropriate action is taken by the powers that be.
In the meantime, the residents of our area owe a great deal of thanks to the work and effort put forth so far. Janet Mceneaney, Bob Whitehair and all the people involved with Queens Quiet Skies have been extraordinary. Visit their website at queensquietskies.org to see what you can do to aid their efforts.
Locally, Community Board 11 Aviation Committee Co-chairs Andrew Rothman and Joan Garippa have worked hard on this issue alongside Chairman Jerry Iannece and other board members.
Our local elected leaders — including U.S. Reps. Grace Meng (D-Flushing), Steve Israel (D-Melville) and Joseph Crowley (D-Jackson Heights); state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside); and state Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) — have all stepped up to the plate and spoken out and acted upon this problem.
Cuomo should be complimented for listening to the concerns of his constituents.
In other matters, the Bayside Historical Society will be celebrating its 50th anniversary May 3 by hosting a gala honoring several people who have served our communities well. One of those being honored is McEneaney. You can call the society at 718-352-1548 for information and details if you would like to attend.
Everyone is invited to purchase a ticket to attend this community celebration to be held at the castle on Fort Totten.
Henry Euler
Bayside
