Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Monday, September 27, 1999

Release #377-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter 212-788-2958
Bernadette O'Leary (EDC) 212-312-3523


MAYOR GIULIANI RELEASES HELIPORT MASTER PLAN STUDY

First Comprehensive Look at NYC Heliport System

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today released New York City's Heliport and Helicopter Master Plan Study. Major recommendations of the study include: the continued prohibition of sightseeing flights at all City-owned heliports; establishment of a single-entity to manage the City's heliports, and the creation of a Helicopter Oversight Committee. In addition, the study found no safety violations at any of Manhattan's three heliports.

"This is the first comprehensive analysis of the New York City heliport infrastructure and helicopter activity," said Mayor Giuliani. "This Master Plan Study will serve as the primary information source to guide all policy and development decisions pertaining to the City's heliport system and helicopter activity in our airspace."

The study analyzed the operations of all three heliports operating in Manhattan: East 34th Street Heliport, owned by the City and operated by a private company, West 30th Street Heliport, owned by the State Department of Transportation and also privately operated by another private company, and Downtown Manhattan Heliport which is owned by the City but operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The major findings and recommendations of the study include:

"This in-depth study presents the City with a solid foundation for moving forward positive discussions with all concerned parties on the issue of New York City airspace and noise abatement," said Randy Levine, Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, Planning and Administration.

The Master Plan Study followed Federal Aviation Administration's framework and guidelines and evaluated the City's heliports to make recommendations on policy initiatives to achieve a balance between local helicopter efficiency, safety requirements, and the local communities' quality-of-life concerns.

Sponsored by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the agency that oversees the operations of the City's heliports, the study was prepared by Edwards & Kelcey Engineers, Inc. The study incorporated information from a number of sources, including a technical advisory committee, public meetings and a community noise survey that was circulated to all 59-community boards.

Executive summaries of the 900-page Master Plan Study are being mailed to local elected officials and community boards most affected by helicopter traffic.

EDC is the City's primary vehicle for economic development services. Using its real estate and financial resources, it helps develop businesses and create jobs throughout the five boroughs.

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