WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. (EDITED) September 15, 2004: County Executive Andy Spano today signed historic legislation that formalizes restrictions on the number of commercial flights at the Westchester County Airport, and significantly stops the F.A.A. from opening up the airport to more flights per day and evening hours.
“This is a very important piece of legislation,” said Spano. “It means these traditional protections for the communities around the airport will now be part of the laws of Westchester County. They will now have permanence.”
He added, “ This is an important element of my ‘Good Neighbor Policy’ for the airport, which balances the needs of the flying public with the rights of people who live near the airport.”
Spano commended the Board of Legislators, particularly Martin Rogowsky, for its hard work to develop and approve the new law.
Commented Rogowsky, “This is a historic moment in the life of the Westchester County Airport. As the legislator representing the community surrounding the airport, I am thrilled that the Spano Administration has been able to accomplish this.”
The new legislation provides the following:
- A maximum of 4 scheduled commercial aircraft may enplane or deplane per half hour,
- On average, there may not be more than 240 scheduled passengers per half hour (either arriving or departing),
- Continuation of the lottery allocation system for flights, to determine what airline can use the airport at what time,
- County control of ramp operations.
These restrictions are similar to what has been in effect by contract at the airport since 1984. Over the years, the airlines agreed to periodic extensions of the restrictions. With the latest extension set to expire Dec. 31 of this year, Spano initiated an effort to codify the restrictions, to make it less likely the restrictions can ever be successfully challenged.
