Kearny and Hudson County sue heliport operator over helicopter flights

The Town of Kearny has filed a lawsuit in the New Jersey Superior Court against heliport operator Helo Holdings Inc. (HHI) regarding the impact of tourist helicopter flights on local communities. The legal action targets the company's operations in South Kearny, citing excessive noise and safety concerns.

Hudson County and several municipalities, including Jersey City, Hoboken, Bayonne, and Union City, have entered into a shared services agreement to coordinate legal efforts and split costs. Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle stated the lawsuit aims to hold the operator accountable for flights that residents claim disrupt their quality of life.

Local officials, including Jersey City Mayor James Solomon, noted that the operator has allegedly conducted thousands of flights outside of agreed hours. U.S. Representative Rob Menendez also expressed support for the legal action, noting his previous efforts to target nonessential helicopter flights through federal legislation.