Anti-Noise Activists Want East Hampton Town Airport Shut Down

EAST HAMPTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Activists in the Hamptons are so frustrated with aircraft noise that they have launched a fight to get their regional airport shut down.

As WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported, anti-noise activists said there are better uses for the more than 600-acre East Hampton Town Airport – code letters KHTO.

"We need a recreational space for young people. Affordable housing is at the top of the list," said Patricia Currie, a spokeswoman for and founder of the group Say No to KHTO.

Currie said she now believes closing the airport is the only way to end to the torment of summertime helicopter noise, and to restore silence and sanity for Long Island East End residents.

"We're robbed of the enjoyment of our homes at the best time of the year," Currie said.

Town officials have repeatedly said closing the airport is not an option.