COLLIER CO., Fla. — What some Naples residents say is a noisy problem is up for discussion with city council members.
The Naples Airport Authority hosted a special meeting to give an update on a noise study done near Naples Airport.
The study started in 2020 and its findings will be presented to City Council this morning. Findings that could change the way Naples Airport operates on a day-to-day basis.
City Council, along with the Airport Authority, reviewed those findings and will decide what next-steps to take. This has been an issue for some we’ve spoken to living in the area, saying the loud noises of engines can be disrupting.
“Our biggest issue is all of the clamor about moving the jet flight pattern over the bay," said Donna Krall, President at Royal Harbor Association. "Okay, that’s great- we just move the noise from one neighborhood to another. We don’t think that really does anything for solving the real problem. There are other solutions that solve the problem.”
Solutions like the ones listed as suggestions in the study to reduce noise near and around the airport.
In the study, there are a number of suggestions made on how to reduce noise near and around the airport. Some of those suggestions include changing flight paths, creating curfews for aircraft and designating preferred outside-curfew runways, lessening the amount of hours for aviation fueling services, and changing the airport from public to private use.
Another issue brought up by one speaker was the environmental impact the airport will have on the area.
“Our environment is taking a beating and we’re not meant for that around us," said Linda Nelson, lives in Naples. "This is where we live, we soak, and we breath.”
But amid those concerns, council members rest assured the community’s best interests would be kept in mind when making a decision.
“This council was elected to represent the community and that means the entire community," said Teresa Heitmann, Mayor of City of Naples. "I think our goals are about making sure we have a safe place for our residents and our visitors and also making sure that our quality of life is protected.”
The last noise study done by the city was 20 years ago. If approved, this new master plan would last for the next 20 years.
You can view the agenda online right here. An overall master plan presented during the workshop can be found here.
