Lawmakers seek to ban Hudson River chopper tours

HOBOKEN, N.J. (AP) — Tourists who want a bird’s eye view of the New York City skyline might be out of luck.

U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey will join local officials on Friday and call for a ban of tourist helicopter flights. The Democrat believes they are a threat to the quality of life and public safety of residents along the waterfront.

Menendez and Rep. Albio Sires last year reached an agreement to reduce the hours and number of helicopter tours operating out of a heliport in Jersey City. Residents had complained that the low-flying aircraft create constant noise and safety issues.

An air corridor was established after a sightseeing helicopter and a small aircraft collided over the river in 2009, killing nine people.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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