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ARC Packet 11-15-2021CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION November 17, 2021  6:00 p.m. City Hall  1101 Victoria Curve 1. Call to Order 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes a. Approval of Minutes of the September 8, 2021 Regular Meeting 4. Public Comments 5. Unfinished and New Business a. MAC Community Relations/Stakeholder Engagement Office Presentation b. ARC Meeting Dates for 2022 c. Strategic Priorities- Work Plan Timeline 6. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports and Correspondence a. Review of Airport Operational Statistics (link: https://www.macenvironment.org/reports/) i. Complaint Information ii. Runway Use Information iii. Turboprop Information iv. Noise Monitor Information b. News Articles 7. Commissioner Comments 8. Adjourn Meeting CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA AIRPORT RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 The regular meeting of the Mendota Heights Airport Relations Commission was held on Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Mendota Heights City Hall, 1101 Victoria Curve. 1. Call to Order Chair Norling called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm. The following commissioners were present: Gina Norling, David Sloan, Jim Neuharth, Kevin Byrnes, Arvind Sharma, and Jeff Hamiel. Absent (Excused): William Dunn Staff present: Assistant City Administrator Cheryl Jacobson and Communications Coordinator Sharon Deziel 2. Approval of Agenda Motion by Hamiel/Second by Sharma to approve the agenda. Motion carried 6-0 3. Approval of Minutes a. Approval of Minutes of the May 19, 2021 Regular Meeting No comments or changes were presented. Motion by Neuharth/Second by Sharma to approve the minutes of the May 19, 2021 meeting. Motion carried 6-0. b. Approval of Minutes of the June 3, 2021 Work Session Motion by Neuharth/Second by Sloan to approve the minutes of the June 3, 2021 work session. Commissioner Sloan presented a clarifying change to paragraph 5 of section 2. Strategic Planning Session. Sloan requested that beginning with the sentence “he said”, that the record read, “He said they had organized their own neighborhood ARC. In later years, the city organized what is now the ARC”. Sloan also recommended that beginning with the sentence “in his current Lemay neighborhood”, that the record read, “In his current Augusta Shores neighborhood, the construction and insulation is better”. Motion by Hamiel/Second by Sloan to approve the minutes of the June 3, 2021 work session as amended. Motion carried 6-0. c. Approval of Minutes of the July 13, 2021 Work Session Motion by Sharma/Second by Hamiel to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2021 work session. Airport Relations Commission Page 2 Meeting Minutes 09-08-2021 Commissioner Neuharth noted that his attendance should be listed as an excused absence. Motion by Sloan/Second by Neuharth to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2021 work session as amended. Motion carried 6-0. d. Approval of Minutes of the July 13, 2021 Joint Meeting with the City of Eagan ARC Motion by Hamiel/Second by Sloan to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2021 joint meeting with the City of Eagan ARC. Commissioner Neuharth noted that his attendance should be listed as an excused absence. Motion by Neuharth/Second by Sharma to approve the minutes of the July 13, 2021 joint meeting with the City of Eagan ARC as amended. Motion carried 6-0. 4. Public Comments No public comments were received. 5. Unfinished and New Business a. ARC Strategic Priorities Chair Norling provided a status update of the strategic priorities and noted the version provided in the packet was edited based on feedback and discussion from the July 13 work session. Norling opened the topic up to Commissioners for comments, corrections and further discussion. Commissioner Sloan provided a correction under strategy one, and the action item creating and implementing an ARC Education Program. He noted that the item was to be assigned to Commissioner Hamiel and Commissioner Dunn, and not himself. Commissioner Neuharth asked about the intent and timing of the listed assignments. He understood that the assignments were too be made as the document became a working document. He requested additional time to review the document to gauge his availability in participating in assignments. Commissioners agreed to use the priorities chart as a working document and to plan future meetings and what they would like to accomplish based on the priorities identified. b. ARC Communications Plan Chair Norling opened the conversation noting that a priority for the group was the development of a communications plan, using existing city channels. The City’s Communications Coordinator Sharon Deziel was introduced. Airport Relations Commission Page 3 Meeting Minutes 09-08-2021 Assistant City Administrator Jacobson reviewed the city’s communications tools and highlighted the city’s website, Friday News, Heights Highlights and social media. Jacobson noted that the City’s website includes pages for the Airport Relations Commission and MSP Airport. She explained that the city’s website is limited in layout capability and page design is based on a predetermined template. She discussed the inclusion of funding to redesign the city’s website in the preliminary FY22 budget. Chair Norling clarified that the funding requested in the preliminary FY22 budget was to redesign the whole website. Jacobson affirmed that was correct. The Commission discussed ARC communications. Jacobson asked about the objective of the Commission’s efforts and for them to think about whether the Commission functions as content sharers or content creators. She noted that currently the Commission and City functions mostly as content sharers in regards to airport information. Commissioner Hamiel provided a review of the ARC’s attendance at the recently held city coffee connection. He reported that overall it was a small turnout, with 2-4 people stopping by the ARC’s information table. Brad Juffer from MAC attended and provided an airport map which was a helpful visual. Commissioners highlighted the recent Runway 17 closure information provide the MAC and expressed surprise at the lateness of the notice. Commissioners all agreed that it would have been nice to have more notice from MAC of the closure. Commissioner Hamiel noted that Rick King is a strong advocate of community notification. The group discussed the availability of POLCO, the city’s online survey tool. Assistant Administrator Jacobson noted that POLCO is an opt-in survey tool used by the city. She highlighted the ability of the POLCO system to distinguish resident from non-resident respondents. Commissioner Hamiel suggested survey topics may include questions focusing generally what people think about the ARC; do residents come here or leap over directly to the Airport. It was stated that it appears there isn’t a lot of public interest about what the ARC does. A carefully crafted survey may help the City and Commission understand the needs of the community and provide direction and focus. Commissioner Byrnes stated that being aware of the tools doesn’t mean that the group has to use them. Communications Coordinator Deziel suggested that a photo of the Commission would be beneficial in humanizing the group and would contribute positively to engagement and approachability. The Commission discussed arranging for a group photo to be taken at the November meeting. Airport Relations Commission Page 4 Meeting Minutes 09-08-2021 Commissioners pointed out that MAC listening sessions have had some turnout in the past. Commissioner Neuharth noted that one outcome of a previous listening session was the issue of turbo props. The Commission asked about publication dates of the Heights Highlights. Communications Coordinator Deziel noted that the current issue to be published at the end of September will cover the months of October, November and December. She stated that the next available publication will be after the first of the year. Assistant Administrator Jacobson suggested as a beginning point, inviting the MAC Community Engagement office to a future meeting to explain the changes in the office and availability of information that the ARC can use. Commissioners suggested that discussing complaint data collected by MAC would be useful. Chair Norling summarized the next steps in supporting a communications framework. The Commission agreed to begin with an informational article on the ARC for the January Heights Highlights. Commissioner Neuharth volunteered to help write the article. The potential for a follow-up survey was mentioned as a possibility. Chair Norling and the Commission agreed to table the redesign of the ARC and airport information on the city’s website given the overall website redesign project anticipated for 2022. 6. Acknowledge Receipt of Reports and Correspondence a. Review of Airport Operational Statistics i. Complaint Information ii. Runway Use Information Commissioner Neuharth noted that changes are still likely related to COVID-19. He suggested consider recalculating data when operations get back closer to normal such as 80-90%. The Commission will look again around January 1, 2022. iii. Turboprop Information iv. Noise Monitor Information b. News Articles 7. Adjournment Motion by Neuharth/Second by Hamiel. Motion carried 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:14 pm. DATE: November 17, 2021 TO: Airports Relations Commission FROM: Cheryl Jacobson, City Administrator SUBJECT: ARC Meeting Dates-2022 Schedule BACKGROUND The Commission is scheduled to meet the third Wednesday of odd number months. Following this schedule, for 2022 the following would be the Airport Relations Commission meeting dates: January 19 March 16 May 18 July 20 September 21 November 16 Should the Commission need to meet more often, a special meeting may be called. ACTION REQUIRED The Commission should confirm the 2022 schedule of Airport Relations Commission meeting dates. 2021-2022  Airport Relations Commission Strategic Priorities Page 1 Vision Mendota Heights will be recognized as a high quality, family oriented residential community, with a spacious, natural feel and the amenities of a city. Mission To preserve and enhance the quality of life in Mendota Heights by providing quality public safety, infrastructure, and planning for orderly and sustainable growth. Powers & Duties Advise city council on matters pertaining to airport noise and operations. Make recommendations regarding strategies to mitigate city’s air noise exposure. Priority: Enhance City Governance and Services Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Timing Action Status Contact/Assigned To Est. Budget/ Source Progress Notes/Outcomes 2021 2022 Parked Inform and engage Mendota Heights’ residents regarding airport related issues • Create and implement an ARC Education Program including military appreciation, history of Mendota Heights airport noise, and provide engagement opportunities such as informational stand at Parks celebration event, summer concert series, etc. X Jeff Hamiel Bill Dunn Booth/Table at Park Celebration (August 2021) Booth/Table at Fire Station Open House (October 2021; TBD 9/21) • Develop an ARC communications plan, using existing city channels (e.g., create a periodic Friday News ARC update) to provide ongoing information to residents about airport related information. X September 2021 ARC meeting invite city Communications Coordinator help inform and create comm plan. • Create a City Voice of Neighborhoods to engage residents of close-in neighborhoods X Neighborhood Post (like FB, Polco) • Identify contact points and messaging to help inform residents of noise mitigation options/best-practices when making home improvements or remodeling X Kevin Byrnes • Consider volunteer program to follow-up on resident noise complaints in partnership with MAC community engagement best practices X MAC’s responsibility is to address noise problem and engage with residents. ARC wants to be informed when calls to city are received Enhance partnerships with the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), legislative leaders and other government bodies regarding airport issues • Post COVID-19 “new normal” MSP operations: COVID-19 changed MSP operations, learn of disaster operation procedures so in future, Mendota Heights only receives fair share of noise X • Work collaboratively with other communities on mutual concerns regarding airport development and operations X X July 2021 Joint Eagan Meeting at Eagan City Hall; future 2022 Joint Eagan Meeting Monitor airport operations, trends and advocate for the Mendota Heights community • Research and surveillance of MAC provided data to confirm or request additional data needed X X Continue monitoring for such things as turboprops; continue to look at relevant charts • Determine custom-made for Mendota Heights metrics to continue to monitor X X Re-evaluate metrics 2021-2022  Airport Relations Commission Strategic Priorities Page 2 Priority: Create a Vision for City Development and Redevelopment Areas Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority Action Status Assigned To Est. Budget/ Source Progress Notes/Outcomes 2021 2022 Parked Bourne Lane property (and any other properties designated for redevelopment) • Advise City Council of 65DNL location X X Approximately 14.8 net acres of redevelopment within the 65DNL Implement airport related items from the City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan • Partner with other Mendota Heights advisory boards for awareness of focused airport information and considerations X X As development dictates • Review MAC 2040 Long Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP) X X Priority: Conserve, Protect and Enhance Natural Resources Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority Action Status Assigned To Est. Budget/ Source Progress Notes/Outcomes 2021 2022 Parked Mitigate the city’s air noise exposure • Revisit 12L Modification Request with MAC and FAA X Gina Norling Follow-up with Dana Nelson and Brad Juffer this fall to determine if updated training procedures increased usage of cross-in-the-corridor operations Research MAC EPA studies • Review latest MAC EPA studies to determine if PM2.5 particles were identified in community X Gina Norling Future research Priority: Maintain and Improve City Infrastructure and Assets Strategy Action Item (Examples) Action Priority Action Status Assigned To Est. Budget/ Source Progress Notes/Outcomes 2021 2022 Parked Revisit ARC Operations • In conjunction with ARC Education Program, refresh ARC website with additional information and resources X Plan to address this in September 2021 meeting where city staff Communications Coordinator invited to help inform and create comm plan • Update ARC Rules of Order X Review at November 2021 meeting Determine future traffic congestion based on MAC 2040 Long Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP) • Review MAC 2040 Long Term Comprehensive Plan (LTCP) to provide City awareness of airport passenger and operations forecast X X • Establish a working group focused on Mendota Heights future traffic that monitors growth trends and demand on the only high volume routes that provide service to eastern metro and Wisconsin Engage MNDOT study for projects 11/12/21, 7:28 AMHomeowners on Hook for Repairs After San Diego Airport ‘Free’ Soundproofing – NBC 7 San Diego Page 1 of 4https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/investigations/homeowners-on-hook-for-repairs-after-san-diego-airport-free-soundproofing/2790566/ Homeowners on Hook for Repairs After San Diego Airport ‘Free' Soundproofing Since it started 20 years ago, the airport’s Quieter Home Program has retrofitted nearly 4,600 homes. By Alexis Rivas and Meredith Royster • Published November 11, 2021 • Updated on November 11, 2021 at 6:30 pm A "free" program that helps people who live or work under the flight path of San Diego’s downtown airport just announced its largest-ever financial boost. Last month, the FAA granted San Diego International Airport nearly $26 million to spend soundproofing homes and buildings that struggle with the constant roar of planes flying overhead. But as the airport expands this service to more San Diegans, dozens of homeowners are raising complaints, saying the free installation is now costing them expensive repairs. Since it started 20 years ago, the airport’s Quieter Home Program has retrofitted around 250-400 homes every year at no cost to homeowners, nearly 4,600 homes in total. Dozens of homeowners who went through the program years ago, however, are warning those thinking about signing up to think twice. Sheila Connor bought her house in Point Loma back in 2003. Planes departing from San Diego International Airport fly right over her backyard, so she was thrilled when she qualified for the Quieter Home program, with work 11/12/21, 7:28 AMHomeowners on Hook for Repairs After San Diego Airport ‘Free’ Soundproofing – NBC 7 San Diego Page 2 of 4https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/investigations/homeowners-on-hook-for-repairs-after-san-diego-airport-free-soundproofing/2790566/ being done on her home in 2007. “We felt like we won the lottery,” Connor said. That’s not how Connor feels today, though. Just a couple of years after the work was done, she said, problems started popping up. For example, her dual-paned windows, which are so fogged she can’t see clearly through them, can’t be opened without a crank handle, which are things she worries could be a major safety problem in the event of an emergency. The windows aren’t the only issue, either. Connor said the furnace wasn’t installed properly, and the AC unit outside broke within three years. The program often installs fans and/or AC units to allow homeowners to keep all windows and doors closed, sealing out outdoor sounds. Other typical installation features include thicker glass installed near entryways, thicker doors and thick, dual-pane windows. The Quieter Home Program offers homeowners a one-year warranty. Unfortunately for Connor, none of these problems surfaced within that first year. She said the Airport Authority told her to reach out to the contractor, but he refused to fix any of the work that was done. “I basically stopped trying because I wasn’t getting anywhere,” Connor said. Sjohna Knack runs the Quieter Home Program for the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “People in Point Loma that experience the Point Loma Pause [waiting for planes to pass overhead] have told us that they had to get an alarm clock because the 6:30 departures don’t wake them up anymore,” said Knack. That doesn’t mean every home is a good fit. Because the program is funded 11/12/21, 7:28 AMHomeowners on Hook for Repairs After San Diego Airport ‘Free’ Soundproofing – NBC 7 San Diego Page 3 of 4https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/investigations/homeowners-on-hook-for-repairs-after-san-diego-airport-free-soundproofing/2790566/ with federal dollars, Knack said, construction choices are very limited. For example, contractors can only install American-made products. “Our specifications are nearly 2,000 pages long,” Knack said, “and in great detail, it describes the type of products and the types of installation methods that the contractor must do for this program.” So what can homeowners like Connor do if they run into issues with installations after the warranty expires? “What we would encourage the owner to do is to contact the manufacturer anyway and ask for suggestions from them,” Knack said. Point Loma resident Deborah Padua said that, growing up, you just expected to miss chunks of live television due to plane noise. “Oh, you couldn’t hear your TV,” Padua said. “And now you can. It just goes over and you can barely hear them.” Padua's mother underwent a Quieter Home installation roughly 10 years ago, and she couldn’t be happier. “To us, it really made a difference,” Padua said. “It brings you a lot of peace in your home.” So Padua was shocked when she read dozens of complaints on Nextdoor about installation complications. “I was stunned!” Padua said, “because people on there were saying that their windows were failing. And I was thinking, 'How can they fail?' ” Knack said Padua’s experience falls in line with the majority. “We survey all the homeowners after we’re done with them, and 97% of the 11/12/21, 7:28 AMHomeowners on Hook for Repairs After San Diego Airport ‘Free’ Soundproofing – NBC 7 San Diego Page 4 of 4https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/investigations/homeowners-on-hook-for-repairs-after-san-diego-airport-free-soundproofing/2790566/ homeowners are satisfied with the program and happy with the treatments,” Knack said, “and I think that’s really telling.” Connor warns homeowners considering the program, though: Any problems that arise after that one-year warranty ends come out of your pocket. “It’s a pretty lengthy contract,” Connor said, “and so my advice is make sure you know what you’re signing.” To be eligible for the program, the aircraft sound inside your home must register at least 45 decibels. Knack said the program aims to decrease that noise by 5 decibels. You can find more information on program eligibility here. If you’re curious about the program, here is copy of the Quieter Home contract: Participants must also sign an avigation easement form: 11/12/21, 7:33 AMUS targeting net-zero aviation by 2050; heavy focus on SAF - Green Car Congress Page 1 of 3https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211111-usaviation.html US targeting net-zero aviation by 2050; heavy focus on SAF 11 November 2021 At COP26 in Glasgow, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the US Aviation Climate Action Plan, published by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which sets out to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from the US aviation sector by 2050. The document focuses on technologies that could substantially reduce the emissions from the commercial fleet of aircraft. As such, it does not focus on the use of electricity nor hydrogen, which could be used in small, short-haul aircraft. While the electrification of these aircraft would only have a small impact on GHG emissions, the use of electrification as a means to power general aviation could have considerable air quality benefits as many small, short-haul aircraft are powered by leaded aviation gasoline. Analysis of future domestic and international aviation CO2 emissions. 11/12/21, 7:33 AMUS targeting net-zero aviation by 2050; heavy focus on SAF - Green Car Congress Page 2 of 3https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211111-usaviation.html Analysis conducted by BlueSky leveraging R&D efforts from the FAA Office of Environment & Energy (AEE) regarding CO2 emissions contributions from aircraft technology, operational improvements, and SAF. Source: US Aviation Climate Action Plan Key initiatives in the plan include: Increasing production of sustainable aviation fuels: Sustainable fuels produced from renewable and waste feedstocks can provide the greatest impact in the effort to reduce aviation’s greenhouse gas emissions. Such fuels will be critical to the aviation industry’s ability to meet the net-zero emissions goal and they have the potential, on a lifecycle basis, to slash emissions by up to 100%, the US said. Developing new aircraft technologies: Through the Sustainable Flight National Partnership, NASA and the FAA are working with industry to accelerate the development of more efficient aircraft and engine technologies targeting up to a 30% improvement in fuel savings compared to today’s planes, while also delivering substantial noise and emissions reduction benefits. New and more efficient narrow-body aircraft could enter the US fleet in the 2030s and new wide-body aircraft in the 2040s. Increasing operations efficiency: While the US National Airspace System is efficient, there are opportunities to reduce fuel burn in all phases of flight. These includes boosting efficiency during taxiing, takeoff and landing, as well as flying optimized trajectories. Research shows that aircraft operations also affect the climate through non-CO2 emissions, especially via contrails and aviation-induced cloudiness. The US government is supporting research to cost-effectively reduce some of aviation’s climate impact by limiting contrail formation. 11/12/21, 7:33 AMUS targeting net-zero aviation by 2050; heavy focus on SAF - Green Car Congress Page 3 of 3https://www.greencarcongress.com/2021/11/20211111-usaviation.html Cutting airport emissions, boosting airport resilience: The government provides incentives to reduce emissions from airports through several programs, including, among others, the Zero Emission Vehicle Program, which provides grants to replace or convert ground vehicles for zero-emission vehicles, and the Energy Efficiency Program, which provides funding to identify and implement energy reduction measures at airports. The Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP), sponsored by the FAA, helps airports identify climate risks and boost resilience. The announcement follows the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Grand Challenge, a government-wide initiative designed to catalyze the production of at least three billion gallons per year by 2030. Earlier this year, the FAA announced more than $100 million in matching grants to increase aircraft efficiency, reduce noise and aircraft emissions, and develop and implement new software to reduce taxi delays. The agency has also invested more than $300 million to electrify airport equipment and solicitation to find a sustainable air traffic control tower. This builds on provisions in the bipartisan infrastructure legislation, including investments in electric vehicles and public transit, that will further address carbon emissions in the transportation sector. 11/12/21, 7:31 AMThe One Per Cent vs. the Two Per Cent in the Hamptons | The New Yorker Page 1 of 3https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/11/01/the-one-per-cent-vs-the-two-per-cent-in-the-hamptons The One Per Cent vs. the Two Per Cent in the Hamptons If the East Hampton airport shuts down, owing to noise complaints, planes and helicopters from Manhattan will land in Montauk. Guess who’s unhappy about it? By Parker Henry October 25, 2021 East Hampton, being East Hampton, is home to many people who have access to private jets and helicopters. It is also home to many people who do not. A few years ago, the have-not-quite-as-muches decided that the traffic generated by East Hampton Airport was noisy, annoying, and anti- democratic. A protracted political battle began. Novice activists demanded that the airport be closed. Pickets were organized. (“The two per cent versus the one per cent,” a local politician labelled the fight.) Recently, the town board has been seriously considering closing the airport permanently—a blow, symbolically at least, to inequality everywhere. For many residents of Montauk, the increasingly glam fishing town on the eastern tip of Long Island, the possible closure was a source of distress: with East Hampton off limits, jet-setters from Manhattan would land at Montauk’s little airport. Was the two per cent just foisting its noise and traffic problems onto the three per cent? A week ago, residents held an emergency “town hall” discussion at the fire station. “We are the ugly stepchild of the Hamptons,” Victoria Rudolph, a local property manager, said, from the back of the room. “Let me tell you, no one gives a rat’s patootie about us.” A woman in a flowered dress added, “It’s 11/12/21, 7:31 AMThe One Per Cent vs. the Two Per Cent in the Hamptons | The New Yorker Page 2 of 3https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/11/01/the-one-per-cent-vs-the-two-per-cent-in-the-hamptons classic East Hampton—they have a problem that’s their own and they send it right over for us to deal with. But guess what? We don’t want their sloppy seconds.” Jeffrey Bragman, a councilman from East Hampton, smoothed his tweed jacket and stood up to speak. Muted boos echoed through the room. Montauk is technically a part of the town of East Hampton, but a dozen miles distant. Political power and decision-making lie with East Hampton. Before Bragman opened his mouth, a member of the crowd yelled at him, “You take our money, but you don’t care about us!” Many Montaukers spoke against the airport’s closure, but there wasn’t a clear consensus about what, exactly, the objection was: Increased noise over Montauk? Ecological devastation? Imminent casualties due to Montauk’s short runway? They did seem to agree that fighting the private-aviation industry was futile, and that Montauk would pay the price. “The billionaires aren’t going anywhere,” Tom Bogdan, the retired founder of a chain of home- furnishing stores and the head of Montauk United, which organized the meeting, said. “I hate to break it to everyone, but these guys are gonna fly their planes to their houses whether we like it or not.” A woman wearing a Prada fanny pack and combat boots had a question: “What’s wrong with the train?” One answer: Nothing’s wrong with the train—unless you’re used to riding in helicopters. Rob Wiesenthal, the founder and C.E.O. of Blade, the “urban mobility” company that flies helicopters from Manhattan to East Hampton, who was wearing a powder-blue sweater and chunky-framed glasses, told the group, “Our focus at Blade has always been shared aircraft at a low cost. A flight out to East Hampton can cost as low as two hundred and ninety-five dollars.” (The offer is available in the off-season only, and only with a nine- 11/12/21, 7:31 AMThe One Per Cent vs. the Two Per Cent in the Hamptons | The New Yorker Page 3 of 3https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/11/01/the-one-per-cent-vs-the-two-per-cent-in-the-hamptons hundred-and-sixty-five-dollar commuter pass. Normally, a seat costs seven hundred and ninety-five dollars.) “Helicopters are not just for wealthy people anymore!” he said. The crowd jeered. He added, “Our clients—these people —are not going to stop flying out here, so it’s really in everyone’s interest to keep the airport open.” A man in a tracksuit and wearing an orange Rolex said, “I take a Blade two times a week from East Hampton to New York, and if the airport closes it will be very inconvenient for everyone.” He went on, “I tried to land in a plane at the Montauk airport once, and we almost ran right into a deer. It’s a very, very dangerous airport.” Bogdan said that some East Hamptonites have downplayed the traffic threat. “They say, ‘Montauk Airport doesn’t even have a ladies’ room!’ ” he said. But he wasn’t buying the argument. Chuck Morici, a commercial fisherman who donated seven thousand pounds of fish to the local community last year, picked up a button showing a helicopter with a slash through it. “Helicopters, pah!” he said. “The least of our problems. Beach erosion is what we should care about.” Morici fishes the Montauk coastline for scup, butterfish, and flounder. “If the helicopters are Black Hawk helicopters, and they’re shooting at us, I’ll start to worry. But these people need to look around. One hurricane and we’re gone. Helicopters ain’t the problem.” Rudolph, the property manager, mentioned another traffic nightmare. “Have you seen the trade parade?” she asked, referring to the bumper-to-bumper construction trucks heading to work on Hamptons houses. “Hell,” she said, “if I had the money, I’d take a plane, too.” ♦