Following another East Hampton Town Board discussion of a "re-envisioning" of East Hampton Airport on Tuesday, analysis and discussion will continue with four public workshops in September.
Each workshop will begin with a brief presentation followed by time working in small groups, allowing participants to voice their concerns and opinions about the future of the airport. They will have similar content and format, with the understanding that participants will not be expected to attend more than once.
The workshops, said Peter Flinker, a consultant to the town, are to "provide as wide an opportunity for people to participate as possible, but over a short period of time. Everyone who wants to will have opportunity to speak."
The workshops will happen on Sept. 9 at the LTV Media Center in Wainscott, on Sept. 10 via Zoom, Sept. 13 at the Montauk Playhouse, and Sept. 20, again over Zoom. All workshops will start at 7 p.m. and last about two hours, Mr. Flinker said. More information, including a link to preregister for both in-person and virtual sessions, will be provided before the first workshop and posted on the town's website, ehamptonny.gov.
Comments can also be sent to [email protected] or mailed to Carole Brennan, the town clerk, at 159 Pantigo Road, East Hampton 11937.
Mr. Flinker and Lisa Liquori, another consultant to the town, will develop a summary report based on the workshops and information already presented at work sessions.
Many residents of East Hampton as well as Southampton Town, the North Fork, and as far away as Queens have pleaded with the town board to close the airport or restrict flights when Federal Aviation Administra-tion grant assurances expire in September, citing the incessant noise and pollution from aircraft, particularly helicopters and jets.
Results of a study of diverting air traffic are expected early next month. Some residents of Montauk have expressed concern that closing East Hampton Airport would only lead to an explosion of traffic at that hamlet's small, privately owned airport.
The board has been analyzing and discussing the airport and its future via fact-finding presentations, listening sessions, and other outreach focused on sharing and discussing essential facts and gathering ideas and opinions from stakeholders and the public at large. Presenta-tions have included reports by consultants in environmental resources, economic analyses, land use and zoning, and airport planning and operations, including diversion.
The board intends to reach consensus built on a common set of facts. It is seeking to identify key issues of concern and to gather public opinion on whether the status quo is acceptable, whether a modified or closed airport would be preferable, or, if some modification is desired, what would need to change.
But any decision as to the airport's future will not have been made upon the expiration of grant assurances, the board said on Tuesday. "There's still a lot of work we have to do," said Councilwoman Kathee Burke-Gonzalez.
Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said he appreciates some residents' desire for immediate change, but that the board needs a greater understanding of the implications or repercussions of whatever decision it comes to. If restrictions are imposed on airport operations, they can also be adjusted, he said. "It's important for people to understand that this can be a work in progress."
A decision and enactment of any changes before the end of 2021 would be optimal, he said, "well ahead of next year's summer season."
Documents and presentations can be found on the town's website, at bit.ly/37Pb9wR.
