Brooklyn’s Noise Nuisance During Ryder Cup
Brooklyn recently found itself in a bit of a frenzy thanks to the Ryder Cup!
Residents in the Elevated District have become increasingly frustrated with the constant racket from $1,275-per-seat charter flights transporting affluent golfers to Long Island. This noise has prompted some local politicians to demand an outright ban on these low-flying helicopters.
One letter from a lawmaker representing northwest Brooklyn described the situation vividly. The helicopters not only flew low enough to disturb people in their homes but also hovered long enough for passengers to snap selfies onboard.
“The relentless noise and vibration from these flights has made it nearly impossible for locals to work, rest, or even enjoy being outdoors,” voiced local elected officials including Rep. Jo Ann Simon and state Sen. Andrew Gounardes. They expressed that communities shouldn’t have to tolerate such noise pollution just so a few wealthy individuals can bypass regular transportation.
While helicopter noise isn’t new for Brooklynites, it escalated significantly during a three-day golf tournament at Bethpage Black last month, with many fans opting for aerial travel to dodge traffic.
Some residents were so alarmed that they called 911, fearing something serious was occurring. “It felt like waking up to the sound of a military operation,” said Brianna Aguilar Austin, who experienced three sleepless nights in Boreum Hill due to the chaos.
Politicians received over 500 complaints during that hectic weekend, with neighbors labeling the noise a major topic of discussion.
Flight data revealed that most of these helicopters took off from downtown Manhattan and the West 30th Street Heliport, home to Blade, a luxury charter service that counts celebrities like Andy Cohen among its clients.
Blade appeared to be at the center of what Aguilar Austin described as a “military” style operation, facilitating helicopter transport for what it called “the largest sporting event in U.S. history.”
Despite multiple requests for a comment, Blade did not respond.
Aguilar Austin highlighted that the issue extends beyond just noise. She recalled a tragic helicopter accident last spring when a malfunction led to a crash in the Hudson River, resulting in the death of a family and the pilot. “What if we face a mechanical failure in downtown Brooklyn?” she pondered.
Her broader concern pointed to a stark reality: an elite few seem to exploit the city as their personal playground while tens of thousands of New Yorkers suffer as a result.
Local leaders are pushing the city’s Economic Development Corporation and the Hudson River Park Trust, which manages the helipad operations, to halt all non-essential helicopter flights to protect residents.
However, the EDC clarified that their helipad is publicly accessible, and restrictions on flight types are not under their jurisdiction, as the FAA manages airspace.
“We are committed to a quieter future for air travel. That’s why we’re investing in upgrades to the city-owned helipads, transitioning to technologies that promise better air quality and reduced noise for New Yorkers,” stated an EDC spokesperson.
The Hudson River Park Trust mentioned they are reviewing the noise issue but haven’t made any promises regarding future restrictions on helicopter rides.
“We’re gathering data requested by elected officials about the disturbances during the Ryder Cup. Flight paths are determined by the FAA, and while we recognize the historical significance of a west side helipad for transportation, tourist flights are already banned here,” their spokesperson said.
Due to the ongoing government shutdown, the FAA hasn’t provided any comments.
