Public opinion of Teterboro teeters back and forthFrom:
http://leadernewspapers.net/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=9228&new_topic=18 By Bernadette Marciniak
Reporter
TETERBORO (Jan. 5, 2009, 4:45 p.m.) — Over the years, the residents who live along the elevated “ridge” in Carlstadt and Wood-Ridge have dealt with the consequences of Teterboro Airport and its constant comings and goings. Whether it’s the sound of a passing airplane drowning out a conversation or the flight path of an aircraft a little too low for comfort, these residents have a backyard view to a controversial neighborhood staple.
But for many, Teterboro Airport is a lifeline to gainful employment. These people are either employed by the airport themselves, or they are one of the many who bank on the local business the airport brings in every year.
The difference between the two extremes is sharp, and local officials are looking for middle ground to appease both sides.
U.S. Rep. Steve Rothman (NJ-9) is at the forefront of such efforts.
“As long as progress is being made, in terms of reducing the overall number of flights; reducing the nighttime flights; keeping the largest aircraft out; making safety improvements, security improvements and the like; it would be unwise to close the airport,” Rothman pointed out in a phone interview.
Teterboro employs roughly 1,200 workers and creates up to 16,000 more jobs in industries that depend on the airport, generating $1.8 billion, according to the Teterboro Economic Impact Study conducted in 2005.
“We want to work hard in these tough economic times to make sure we don’t damage this vital economic center,” Rothman continued.
A voluntary curfew was put on the airport in 2006, restricting pilots from taking off or landing between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for extreme cases, such as ambulatory aviation. Congress has also pushed for the abandonment of Stage II aircraft — the older planes that make some of the loudest noise. In addition, Rothman has asked for efficiency to be considered, so that empty or near-empty planes wait until more cargo can be added before taking off.
With this progress, Teterboro is “still making money” while decreasing the number of flights that leave from the airport, said Rothman.
With these measures in place, the number of complaints around the airport has decreased, cited Bob Decheine, Rothman’s chief of staff.
As of right now, 60 percent of airplane operators using Teterboro have agreed to the voluntary restrictions recommended by Rothman and others. The goal is to have these operators use “peer pressure” to persuade the rest of the operators to sign on as well, said Decheine.
But some pilots conduct their business at night only, making the nighttime curfew impossible to follow.
Also, the 60 percent of pledging pilots was supposed to be 90 percent by 2007.
In addition, National Air Transportation Association Vice President Eric Byer said that even though running newer airplanes is cheaper in the long run, Stage III aircraft are almost three times more expensive than Stage II and not everyone can afford them.
If a compromise can’t be reached, restrictions could be made mandatory, said Decheine. Many of the pilots then could be compelled to take their business elsewhere, like nearby Morristown Municipal Airport.
However, this might not be the best choice either as Teterboro’s problems would simply just be passed on, according to an article in the Centennial Aviation & Business Journal. Morristown, along with many other airports, is also trying to phase out the louder airplanes and combat common airport problems.
Decheine stressed that pilots who move wouldn’t have the same proximity to New York City and other facilities such as medical labs that lie close to Teterboro.
According to the economic study, many of the 2,800 employees at Quest Diagnostics, a medical testing center, say that they wouldn’t be in the area if it weren’t for Teterboro.
Furthermore, Bergen County property values would decrease by almost $500 million because the gross economic activity the airport provides would substantially decrease, according to the economic impact study.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has been trying to work with Rothman and his supporters on this issue.
“The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has made a concerted effort in recent years to be a good neighbor to Teterboro Airport’s surrounding communities,” wrote Port Authority spokesperson Ron Marsico in an e-mail. “We have worked with Rep. Rothman and our aviation partners to reduce noise and the size of aircraft landing at the facility. … We appreciate his comments and look forward to improving on the progress we already have made to help ensure safety and improve the quality of life for nearby residents.”
In 2004, the Port Authority approved $45 million for a school soundproofing program, with the purpose of creating quieter classrooms in schools that are affected by the noise coming from Teterboro and other area airports.
“As a general rule, things have improved,” said Andrew Anderson, a resident of Wood-Ridge, who lives on Woodridge Street. “It’s still noisy. … (But) things have changed.”
Rothman said he still wants to see more effort being made so that the value of Teterboro can stay intact while local residents can rest quietly.
“Progress needs to be made every single day,” Rothman said.