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The Business Council of New York State strongly opposes proposed legislation S.9408 (Hoylman-Sigal) and A.10224 (Simone), which attempt to amend the Hudson River Park Act. These bills pose a significant threat to the integrity of New York City's transportation infrastructure, particularly with regards to the proposed closure of the West 30th Street Heliport. The West 30th Street Heliport serves as a critical hub for various transportation needs, including emergency medical services, commercial operations, and technological innovation. It is crucial to the local and global operations of businesses based in New York. Heliport access plays a role in determining whether businesses and jobs will be headquartered in New York or go to other states. With out-migration plaguing New York which includes the loss of billions in tax revenue going to states like Texas and Florida; now is not the time to present yet another hurdle for business to overcome with the closure of such a significant service that will disrupt business functions. The continued operation of the West 30th Street Heliport is essential for the current infrastructure and future of New York. Its closure would have severe consequences for public safety, economic vitality, and technological advancement.
One of the most pressing concerns regarding the closure of the West 30th Street Heliport is its impact on public safety. Helicopter transport is an essential lifeline for emergency medical services, providing swift access to medical care for critically ill or injured patients. The heliport's 24/7 operations ensure timely responses to medical emergencies, saving countless lives each year. The closure of the heliport would undoubtedly lead to increased response times, jeopardizing patient outcomes and placing additional strain on our already overburdened healthcare system.
Moreover, the closure of the West 30th Street Heliport would result in increased congestion on local roads as alternative transportation methods are utilized. This congestion would not only inconvenience residents and visitors but also impede emergency vehicles, further exacerbating delays in medical treatment and potentially endangering lives. Additionally, the closure would disrupt commercial operations, hindering businesses that rely on helicopter transport for various purposes, including logistics, aerial surveys, and emergency response.
Furthermore, the closure of the West 30th Street Heliport poses a significant threat to the coming introduction of new technologically advanced and greener vertical aircraft. These aircraft hold great promise for revolutionizing urban transportation, reducing carbon emissions, and addressing climate change. However, without a dedicated testing ground like the heliport, the development and deployment of these aircraft could be significantly delayed, undermining efforts to combat climate change and transition to a more sustainable transportation system.
It is imperative that law makers understand that closure of the West 30th Street Heliport would have far-reaching negative impacts on public safety, economic prosperity, and technological advancement. And because of the above stated reasons, The Business Council of New York State adamantly opposes this bill. Therefore, we urge the legislature to reject Bill A.10224 (Simone) and S.9408 (Hoylman-Sigal) and preserve the vital transportation infrastructure provided by the West 30th Street Heliport by way of the Hudson River Park.