US Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx) and NYC Councilman James Vacca have joined forces with Bronx residents for lower noise from neighboring airports. Crowley invited officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address flight traffic, noise issues, and take questions from the community. Also on hand were representatives from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), as well as numerous community groups, including the Country Club Civic Association which has been working with Rep. Crowley and Councilman Vacca to ensure these issues are addressed.
“Living near two of the nation’s busiest airports can have its advantages, but excessive noise isn’t one of them. And while JFK and LaGuardia will never be perfect neighbors, we can try to make them better neighbors,” said Rep. Crowley. “That’s why Councilman Vacca and I wanted to meet with residents to discuss their concerns. My number one priority is to make life better for my constituents and connecting the residents of the Bronx with those in charge of our nation and city’s airspace is the best way to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed. I’m glad so many residents were able to take time to join us for this important meeting and I will continue to work with Councilman Vacca and the community to help build a better Bronx for everyone.”
“For years, residents in my district have complained about excessive airplane noise over their homes at all hours of the day. My constituents and I both understand how close two of New York’s largest airports are to our surrounding communities, but if there is a way that we can limit the amount of noise the planes make, it will make a tremendous difference,” Councilman Vacca said. “I would like to thank the Country Club Civic Association for assisting Congressman Crowley and myself in addressing these growing concerns, and I would also like to thank the FAA and PANYNJ for joining us in discussing possible ways to resolve them.”
Crowley has worked extensively with community leaders, federal officials, and representatives from New York City and State to abate the congestion and noise that schools, businesses, and homes are subjected to because of their close proximity to LaGuardia Airport. In April 2001, Crowley authored a plan to alleviate community concerns associated with the airport. In 2002, he secured $100,000 in federal funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out an air quality and noise study in the neighborhoods surrounding LaGuardia. He also secured $240,000 for LaGuardia Airport Noise Monitors to track airport noise at LaGuardia and ensure curfews were being met. Crowley is the author of H.R. 455, legislation that would create a commission to study and make recommendations regarding the establishment of curfews for civil aircraft over populated areas.