Dear Editor:
Two years ago, I wrote letters regarding the helicopter air traffic along the Hudson River. As waterfront residents, my husband and I were very concerned about our safety. At that time a helicopter had crashed into the river in Weehawken near where we live. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured. However, this past week a real tragedy occurred in Hoboken.
At the time of my initial letter a group of our neighbors formed a coalition in conjunction with our counterparts and fellow sufferers on the New York side of the river. We worked tirelessly and endlessly to be heard by our politicians in New Jersey only to be shunned and humiliated by them and their offices. We phoned, we wrote many letters, and collected petitions with hundreds of signatures. Yet we never received the support that our New York friends received from their representatives.
Mayor Bloomberg and Senator Schumer of New York were immediately on the spot regarding the recent tragedy in Hoboken. Senator Schumer has been working diligently for several years to alleviate air traffic on the Hudson. Gail Brewer, a NYC Councilwoman, has also put much effort into the cause. New York Congressman Nadler has also become passionate about the situation.
Governor Corzine, Senator Menendez, Senator Lautenberg and Congressman Sires we once again implore you and your staffs to become involved and supportive of your constituents when it comes to safety. The two most recent accidents were on our New Jersey shorelines. It is sad that New Jersey does not share the responsibility with New York when it comes to unregulated and out of control helicopter air traffic.
Citizens of New Jersey, you too must get involved in contacting our representatives for a safer and a sounder environment.
Anne Rogaski
Weehawken