52°
IBM will be able to make 18 helicopter trips to and from its proposed helipad each year after a special use permit was approved in October by Yorktown's Planning Board.
Some residents were concerned about safety and noise with the helipad. The concerns were exacerbated in April when a small plane crashed on the IBM T.J. Watson Research Center property in Yorktown.
IBM responded to noise concerns by saying its helicopters will be no more noticeable than a dishwasher. Noise studies showed any helicopter leaving and entering the Kitchawan Road property would be in the 70 decibel range, Engineer Don Snyder said.
IBM also uses a Fly Neighborly program, meaning the company’s helicopters fly slower and higher when entering residential areas, company pilot George Smiley said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Yorktown and receive free news updates.
