Nahant residents oppose Logan runway switch

NAHANT – Proposed changes to Runway 4R at Logan Airport would have an adverse impact on the town, according to some town officials and residents.Nahant resident Bob D’Amico said the city of Revere requested that the departures off Runway 4R turn slightly right after passing over Beachmont and head toward the west coastline of Nahant then turn right over the causeway.”Should this track be implemented the noise in Nahant will increase dramatically,” he said. “Just a slight turn to the east a little too early as they pass by Beachmont by the pilot and the jets will fly directly over the entire town of Nahant. We all know too well that aircraft do not travel on tracks and this proposal will have jet aircraft flying over all areas of Nahant from East Point to Little Nahant. There has never been a more dangerous environmental proposal regarding Nahant than this flight track.”D’Amico said he is very concerned the proposal, if implemented, would have a devastating impact on the town.”Obviously the noise from aircraft is bad now,” he said. “If it is ever put into place, Nahant will become unlivable and property values will plummet. If passed, it would be devastating to the town of Nahant.”Selectman Robert Frary, who is a former airplane pilot, said the proposed changes were requested by the city of Revere and would bring planes closer to the town of Nahant.”This runway is used for big heavy planes and mostly International flights headed to Europe,” he said. “Most of our complaints from residents come when the wind blows planes off the runway heading. It is a real problem in the summer when people are outside and have windows open.Frary explained flights out of Logan follow a general flight path instead of flying a specific track like flights out of many other airports. He said flight paths are not adjusted for wind so planes frequently drift over the town instead of flying along the Causeway and out to sea. Frary said a change in departure procedures using navigation instead of flight paths could remedy the problem.Nahant Town Administrator Mark Cullinan said he would make sure Massport and the FAA are aware of Nahant’s concerns regarding any proposed change in flight patterns.