Hempstead Takes Action Against Airport Noise Disturbances
In a significant legal move, the town of Hempstead, located on Long Island, has filed a lawsuit seeking relief from the persistent noise generated by low-flying jets from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The legal action comes as residents express growing frustration over what they describe as a constant barrage of noise and vibrations, a situation that has worsened since 2022 amid a resurgence in air travel.
Hempstead, along with three local residents, is appealing to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to revise outdated noise maps that fail to depict the current impact of air traffic in the area. This update is seen as a crucial first step toward addressing the serious noise disturbances affecting local homes and businesses.
The frequency of noise complaints has surged dramatically, with over 372,000 grievances registered against JFK Airport between April 2024 and April 2025. This is a sharp increase compared to the just over 142,000 complaints observed from December 2017 to December 2018, highlighting the intensified disturbances experienced by residents.
The current noise maps are criticized for only accounting for a few homes within certain areas while relying on outdated modeling scenarios. Hempstead Town Attorney John Maccarone emphasized the town’s determination to combat the overwhelming noise from aircraft that residents must endure daily. He expressed concern for the health and well-being of Hempstead’s citizens and pledged to explore every avenue to fight what he termed an "unlawful burden."
Earlier this year, Hempstead and North Hempstead filed a similar lawsuit against the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), but that case was dismissed. However, Maccarone stated that the town intends to request a meeting with the federal agency to seek alternatives to further legal action, underscoring a preference for resolution through dialogue instead of litigation.
One of the main complaints revolves around Runway 22L, where the Port Authority has claimed that increased usage is not a permanent change. Hempstead’s lawsuit aims to counter this assertion with data indicating a significant and likely enduring rise in air traffic and its associated noise.
The noise exposure maps, as the lawsuit points out, are essential because they define noise contours around airports. Homes and properties located within these contours may qualify for noise mitigation measures, which could include physical changes to properties or adjustments to flight paths.
As the town moves forward with its legal claim, many residents hope for prompt action that aligns with their right to peace and quiet in their homes. It represents a broader concern for communities living near airports, where the balance between aviation growth and residents’ quality of life remains delicate.
A representative from the Port Authority declined to comment on the ongoing litigation, emphasizing the agency’s policy of not discussing pending legal matters.
In a time when travel is increasing, towns like Hempstead are prioritizing the needs and voices of their residents against the backdrop of what they see as government oversight failure. This situation highlights the need for authorities to maintain a careful balance—a reminder that while the economy benefits from air travel, communities deserve to live without the constant intrusion of loud aircraft overhead.
