The uber-wealthy went looking for new spots to land their helicopters in East Hampton after the privatization of the East Hampton Airport. But residents and town officials are canceling the effort before it gets off the ground.
During a town board meeting last week, several residents mentioned that a helipad at the Bistrian Materials supply yard on Springs-Fireplace Road had been renovated, the East Hampton Star reported.
The discussion seemingly came in response to a NextDoor post by a member of the East Hampton Aviation Association, who commented on improvements to the helipad, writing “there’s not a single thing the town can do to prevent its use in whatever manner the owners choose.”
She was right about the improvements, but wrong about the rest. Chopper takeoffs and landings are allowed at only three places in the town, and the private helipad is not one of them.
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Politics
Tri-State
Battle royale over East Hampton Airport rages on
Residential
Tri-State
East Hampton Airport to limit access from noisy aircraft
“No person, firm, or corporation shall land or cause to be landed, take off or cause to take off, or taxi any helicopter on or from the waters, beaches or on any land within the Town of East Hampton except on Gardiner’s Island, the Town Airport, and the Montauk Airport,” the town code says, as resident Jacki Esposito read at the meeting, according to the East Hampton Star.
Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc said the town was aware of improvements at the sand mine and was investigating.
Even if the Bistrian Materials spot isn’t viable, helipads are still being sought in the town. As 27East reported, aircraft booking company Blade has approached the Shinnecock Nation, a Sagaponack farmer and the sand mine owners about places to land.
The farmer said he couldn’t legally allow commercial aircraft to land at his airstrip. The chairman of the Shinnecock Nation said discussions about the idea didn’t go far.
In a statement, spokesperson for Blade said, “Blade continues to explore legal alternative landing zones that may be required, depending on the level and type of restrictions placed upon East Hampton Airport.”
Last week, East Hampton Town officials announced the temporary closure of the airport in Wainscott would be delayed and shortened as it looks to transition the facility to private use. The airport has been at the center of a fight regarding noise from choppers and jets. Pilots will soon need advanced permission to land at the airport.
[East Hampton Star] — Holden Walter-Warner