Aiming To Reduce Delays -- But Noise Is The Tradeoff

The Federal Aviation Administration is currently accepting public comment on proposed changes to air traffic patterns over New York, New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. Those changes are designed to reduce delays at some of the most congested airports in the country -- but area residents say if the new routes increase noise over their homes, they want no part of it.

The Asbury Park Press reports the FAA is considering four alternatives, including modifying the southbound departure route, adding a western departure corridor, routing traffic over the ocean and consolidating radar control in the area -- which officials say would allow some relaxation of distance restrictions between aircraft.

Area residents who attended a meeting on the proposed changes in Tinton Falls Wednesday night said they want the ocean option -- which the FAA admits would reduce noise on the ground, but would also increase delays by an average of 18 percent.

The other options could reduce delays at Newark Liberty, Teterboro, JFK International, LaGuardia and Philadelphia International by as much as 32 percent -- but would add to the noise.

Some in the audience Wednesday offered their own solutions, including outright restrictions on the number of airline flights permitted from the airports -- something that's already done in Europe.

Residents said health issues and environmental impact should be the top priorities for the FAA in determining what choices to make.

"I can't even go out in my back yard in the summer," said Middletown resident Sybil Heine, citing noise from jets passing overhead.

Another resident said wildlife near her home has been driven away by the noise from air traffic.

"If we don't pay attention to the environment, someday soon we are going to be kicking ourselves," said Warman, who supports restrictions on airline flights.

Another meeting is planned for Thursday at an area school, with several more planned. The FAA will accept public comments on its proposals through the first of June, with a choice expected within one year.

FMI: www.faa.gov