Helipad Opponents 'Reignited' by Overlook's DOT Filing

Donna Miller, of Citizens Against the Helipad, said the grassroots group has been galvanized by the recent action taken by Overlook Medical Center to pursue plans to build a helipad.

On Wednesday, Nov. 27, the hospital filed an application with the New Jersey Department of Transportation to move ahead with the project, which hospital officials said is necessary in order to advance the hospital's stroke center. 

The move comes after the City's Zoning Board of Adjustment previously denied the hospital an operating permit in 2010. Earlier this year, Superior Court Judge Karen Cassidy affirmed the Summit Zoning Board's rejection of the project. 

Miller, who is not surprised by the filing, said, "Overlook's latest tactic circumvents the legal process." What concerns the Oak Ridge Avenue resident and her neighbors, she said, is the idea that a state department can come in and override what a municipality has already ruled on. 

"We're saddened by the DOT filing but they've done us a great favor," she said. "We're reignited. Even those who were previously ambivalent about the helipad are now troubled by what the hospital is trying to do. Many in town never imagined this would happen. Citizens Against the Helipad has always had its eye on the ball but we're gratified to see people come out of the woodwork and ask what they can do to help and support us."

Miller added that she doubts the DOT intended to set a precedent when it allowed Donald Trump to go ahead with plans to build a helipad at his golf course despite the objection of Colts Neck Township's Zoning Board. 

"Trump's helipad did not require building a new structure. He was landing on a golf course. Overlook needs to build a substantial structure in a densely-populated area. These are two completely different animals," Miller said. 

Michael Regier, chief legal officer for Atlantic Health Systems, said while some may believe that the Zoning Board has the final word, it is really the "DOT that is the decider, if you will," when it comes to the element of licensing. Regier added that the hospital has gone to tremendous effort to be mindful of the concerns of Summit residents, but said, ultimately, it isn't a Summit issue but rather a regional transportation and medical care issue.

Overlook received word Wednesday evening that the DOT has deemed its application complete, Regier said. The next step in the process is to allow 30 days for public comment after public notice is given. In this case, notices will appear in Union County Local Source and The Star Ledger, Regier said. During that 30-day period, anyone with an opinion on the helipad can write to Commissioner James S. Simpson. 

Stephen Schapiro, public information officer at NJDOT, said the application and review process can be a lengthy one, traditionally taking several months, in which the applicant must meet certain criteria outlined by state law.

"Among the criteria for application are notification of the municipality and county, FAA airspace approval, and location details including dimensions of the landing area and approach path," Schapiro explained. "NJDOT evaluates the application taking into consideration safety, proposed use of the facility, surrounding land use and economic factors before making a decision on whether to authorize and license a helistop."

While he said he has "no feel" for how long it may take for the commissioner to arrive at a final decision, Regier said "the state is in a better position to access (the situation) given the lives at stake."

Summit Mayor Ellen Dickson weighed in, stating, "As a City, we are respectful of this process and hope the needs of the community and Overlook Hospital will be reasonably met.”