But NIMBYs Vow The Fight Is Not Over

The East Hampton, New York town board has snubbed NIMBYs and unanimously decided to seek an FAA grant to build a deer fence around the airport's perimeter. The fence is expected to cost as much as $800,000. Some residents are against it, not because the fence isn't needed, but because they fear the grant will give the FAA too much power to override local noise and safety concerns.

The board's unanimous vote followed what the Sag Harbor Express called a "contentious" three-hour public hearing in which nearly 50 residents spoke, most in favor of accepting federal money. The following day, attorney Jeffrey Bragman, representing The Committee to Stop Airport Expansion, was turned down by state Justice John J. J. Jones, Jr. in his request for a temporary restraining order against the town.

Town board member Dominick Stanzione tells the Express the application has been filed with the FAA, and he hopes for approval "sooner rather than later." he also hopes working with the FAA will eventually lead to at least a seasonal control tower for the airport, and that the resulting Class-D airspace would allow controllers to better implement noise abatement procedures.

The town board believes it can take a federal Airport Improvement Grant, yet still implement measures such as a curfew. Much remains to be seen.

FMI: www.airnav.com/airport/HTO