Helicopter Noise Complaints on the Rise

By on November 16, 2020 1:31 pm in brooklyn bridge park, Health, Noise

The City (website) reports that complaints to 311 about helicopter noise have increased greatly from 2019 to 2020. The article attributes this, at least in part, to COVID restrictions causing people to work from home and making them more sensitive to noise during working hours. It also quotes Brooklyn Heights Association executive director Lara Birnback:

You’ll be trying to take a stroll along Brooklyn Bridge Park or in that waterfront area, but there’s one every couple of minutes…. They’re so loud, it’s so oppressive.

Have readers noticed more helicopter noise, or found it unusually disturbing?

Photo: C. Scales for BHB

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  • Jorale-man

    I’ve only noticed it when there are protesters marching through Downtown and one hovers over the area for an extended visit. But I’m several blocks from the water so any sightseeing traffic doesn’t make it that far.

  • JaneonOrange

    Absolutely. The protests obviously bring news and police helicopters, but there is so much noise again. My husband and I don’t understand it–they aren’t tourist helicopters–so is it people taking them to the airport? All I know is there are again days where it is unbearable…

  • Forsythia100

    it’s unbearable and nearly constant in Brooklyn Bridge Park!

  • Cindy Lawrence

    Why is it that after YEARS of late hour diruptions and the very real DANGER of low flying helicopter flights, there is NEVER any serious legal action to effectively stop the disruption and danger. With all the size of funds available to Heights and downtown organizations why is it an unwritten rule, that no effective legal action is ever to be taken….

  • streeter
  • Pierrepont

    Not so long ago, jets heading into LGA were spaced 90 seconds apart in “rush hour.” Subtracting all the jet noise might enhance the chopper noise, perhaps.

  • Andrew Porter

    Yes, the BHA is rolling in money, from the small percentage of locals who are actually members. (That includes you, right?) And who would you take action against? The city? The NYPD? Individual tourists? Helicopter flight plans (regulated by NYC and/or the FAA)?