Flight Path Changes

Pose Problems For Newtown

To the Editor:

It was most interesting to read the article in last week’s Bee that First Selectman Borst opposes joining the other Fairfield County towns and the state against the Federal Aviation Administrations’ proposed changes to major aircraft flight patterns that would greatly affect increased aircraft traffic and noise, compromising safety and quality of life across Fairfield County. The Alliance for Sensible Airspace Planning comprises local towns joining together to fund legal action against the FAA to keep planes from flying closer together and at lower altitudes over our communities; to fight a three-fold increase in noise pollution; to protect against noise and air pollution that threaten to damage our parks and nature preserves; and to ensure the safety of travelers in the air and citizens on the ground. As many as 150 more planes a day could fly over northern Westchester County, New York and western Fairfield County. Planes flying over our communities would fly closer together and at lower altitudes, potentially compromising air and ground safety.

The FAA implemented the flight path redesign plan without following due process, therefore, the alliance has filed a lawsuit on behalf of the communities affected by this redesign. In addition, Governor Rell and Attorney General Blumenthal have filed a separate lawsuit on behalf of the DEP.

The FAA says it is implementing the plan to ease air traffic congestion at New York area airports. It has been suggested that far more emphasis needs to be placed on improving the antiquated air traffic control technology and the training of new flight controllers. This would provide the public with far greater assurances of safety than the current plan. The real problem is a lack of adequate capacity at the airports themselves.

Selectman Mangiafico and Selectman Rosenthal have endorsed joining the alliance since it was first brought to their attention months ago and a presentation was given to the Board of Selectmen by First Selectman Rudy Marconi of Ridgefield. Mr Borst opposes, and his comment is that “the worst increases were projected on the western side of Newtown.” I happen to live on the western side of Newtown, as do many other residents of town and I personally have already noticed a substantial increase in air traffic and greater noise problems. I have also heard the same comments from residents in all sections of Newtown. Mr Borst does research by having a conversation with Oxford Airport personnel.

Thank goodness Mr Mangiafico and Mr Rosenthal are thinking of what is best for Newtown while Mr Borst, knowing the two majority votes will pass an action, can sit back and vote the way he feels will make him more popular. Spending money on lawsuits is never popular. This action to help protect Newtown airspace will cost approximately the same as defending the frivolous lawsuit brought two years ago by one of our Newtown residents.

Please go the www.sensibleairspace.org and sign the petition to help keep our communities safe.

Jan Andras

16 Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown                        February 26, 2008