Montgomery County Council
County Council Office Building
100 Maryland Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850

Re: SUPPORT Hiring Airspace Consultant to Protect Residents & Quality of Life

Dear Council President Riemer:

As a concerned citizen, Bethesda resident, and candidate for County Council in District One, I am writing to express my strong support for the request to add $150,000 to the Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Budget for the purpose of hiring an airspace expert to work with the Montgomery County Quiet Skies Coalition (MCQSC), Federal Aviation Administration, Congressional Delegation and other affected parties to address and find a reasonable resolution to the devastating issue of airplane noise affecting up to 20,000 neighbors in our community on a daily basis. I would like to especially thank the effective advocacy of the MCQSC and your and Councilmember Berliner’s leadership in presenting this request and working on this important quality of life and environmental issue.

New flight paths flying in closer proximity for a longer period of time to residential homes has created significant disruptions to the daily lives of many families in our community. With nearly 400 planes flying immediately above homes on a daily basis, the noise and associated particle pollution is having a devastating and detrimental impact on health and quality of life, as well as property values. While I am hopeful for a lasting resolution to be achieved by formal legal action by Attorney General Frosh, it has become increasingly clear that the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Noise Working Group does not provide an adequate forum for residents affected by this situation each day.

The appropriation to allow for the hiring of this expert will provide an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a critical issue impacting so many residents in our community. I respectfully urge the County Council to appropriate these funds, with thanks to you and Councilmember Berliner for your leadership, and for the Council’s thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,

Andrew Friedson
Candidate for Montgomery County Council, District 1