Last week Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle met with Jeff Hyman, CEO of HHI Heliport in Kearny. The elected officials expressed concerns about increased helicopter activity in parts of Hudson County.
The HHI Heliport is located in Kearny and is the largest operating heliport in the entire United States. It sits on 7.26 acres of land just a half mile from Exit 15E of the New Jersey Turnpike and just two minutes flying time from Manhattan.
While concerns over increased helicopter traffic in the Hudson County – Manhattan region have been going on for years, the recent tragedy in which a tourist helicopter crashed into the Hudson River off of Hoboken, killing the pilot and a vacationing family from Europe, have only heightened concerns among residents and public officials.
In a press release, County Executive Guy said, “We had a productive meeting with CEO Jeff Hyman of HHI Heliport regarding grave concerns we and county residents have about increased low altitude helicopter activity. We agreed that there are items we could work to immediately address, while there are some issues that remain under the control of the Federal Aviation Administration.”
Guy added, “We are constantly hearing from people throughout the county, especially residents of Jersey City and Hoboken, whose lives are being disrupted by constant helicopter flights. Furthermore, Kearny has deep concerns about the facility’s hours of operation, which exceed what was originally represented. The people of Hudson County deserve straight answers and full transparency, and we are committed to continuing meeting with Mr. Hyman as well as members of our federal delegation, particularly Congressman Rob Menendez, to address all matters and bring relief to our citizens.”
The joint meeting took place on May 29th.