Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

May 14, 2019

Petition, website launched to push for Tweed expansion

PHOTO | File Proponents of a longer runway at Tweed say it would attract more commercial flights and boost the region's economy.
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

A group of New Haven-area business leaders have launched a website and are petitioning state lawmakers with the goal of expanding the runway at Tweed-New Haven Airport.

Garrett Sheehan, president and CEO of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber supports the expansion, as the airport “plays a crucial role in the region’s economy.”

The chamber and partner organizations formed the Tweed Airport Coalition in hopes of swaying lawmakers, who are considering Bill No. 7143, "An Act Concerning the Length of Runway 2-20 at Tweed-New Haven Airport." The coalition wants lawmakers to act on the bill during the current legislative session, which ends in early June.

Currently, the runway can't exceed 5,600 feet in length, and the proposal is to remove that restriction. Airport officials would like to make it longer to attract more commercial flights, and many business leaders want the convenience of a local airport that can accommodate more flights and destinations.

The coalition’s website, at www.tweedairportcoalition.org, has a petition people can sign to express their support for expanding the airport.

“The chamber has been a loud voice for the expanded runway at Tweed,” Sheehan said. “We have had so many businesses come to us who support the airport and believe the expansion can help their business. This is a single point where people can sign up and express their support.”

The chamber will share the petition with lawmakers. The website also features logos of companies who get involved. As of this week, there were over 20 logos, including for Yale University, Yale New Haven Health, District, Holberton, Digital Surgeons, the City of New Haven, Omni Hotels & Resorts, and Radiall.

The website has the message: “Grow the Runway, Grow the Economy. The New Haven Region is Poised for Growth, But Not Without a Decent Airport.” The coalition supports repealing the state statute that limits the runway length and paving 1,000 feet at the south end of the runway and about 400 feet at the north end. It also wants more destinations, including two to three outbound flights daily to Chicago, Washington and Florida.

Currently, about 63 percent of air travelers from the region choose airports like Kennedy and LaGuardia in New York City instead, according to the coalition.

The chamber also plans to host a Tweed Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the north lobby of the State Capitol, to push for the airport’s expansion.

The proposal also has detractors who are worried about noise, property rights, possible flooding, and any potential impact on the environment.

Morris Cove resident Janis Astor del Valle was among those who submitted public hearing testimony against any expansion of the airport. She cited multiple concerns, including pollution, traffic, noise, and a negative impact on property values.

“There is already an overabundance of air pollution and air traffic from this airport, creating horrendous, persistent noise,” Astor del Valle said.

New Haven officials have said the city is working to address issues related to traffic and to mitigate noise through soundproofing homes.

However, according to Astor del Valle, soundproofing homes does nothing to help people who want to enjoy the outdoors.

“Property values will surely decline — who wants to buy a home in a neighborhood surrounded by the constant sound, sight and stench of commercial jets and traffic congestion?” Astor del Valle said.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com

Sign up for Enews

Most Recent

Most Recent

0 Comments

Order a PDF