East Hampton Helicopter Restrictions Put Off Another 18 Days
East Hampton Town was expecting a court decision on its new airport noise restrictions by June 8, but the town announced Wednesday that the judge now says she needs more time, due to the complexity of the issues involved, and will render a decision by June 26.
Judge Joanna Seybert will rule on a temporary restraining order called for by opponents of the new restrictions—members of the aviation industry and others who do not want access to the airport curtailed. Should the court rule against the town, East Hampton will not be able to enforce the laws until the injunction is lifted.
The restrictions, designed to reduce the nuisance of aircraft noise, were approved by the East Hampton Town Board April 16 and were originally set to take effect in May.
The laws prohibit aircraft operations year-round between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., prohibit noisy aircraft year-round between 8 p.m. and 9 a.m., and limit noisy aircraft to a single landing and takeoff each week during the summer. The restrictions do not sit well with the aviation industry, and a lawsuit was filed against the town challenging the East Hampton Town Board’s authority to implement the restrictions.