Real Estate Expert: Helipad Did Not Effect Property Values

Robert Heffernan, a real estate appraiser with more than 30 years experience in the business, testified on behalf of Overlook Hospital Tuesday night.

Heffernan explained that he conducted a study of the effect of helipads at Morristown Memorial Hospital and St. Barnabas Medical Center on property values in neighborhoods in helicopter flight paths.

After comparing similar homes sold at around the same time, Heffernan concluded that the presence of helipads at nearby hospitals did not effect sale prices of homes sold in Morristown, Livingston or West Orange between 2008-2009.

Jay Delaney, an attorney representing the neighbors opposing the proposed helipad at the hospital, questioned whether or not Heffernan could accurately isolate the presence of helipads as the only factor effecting the sale prices studied.

Delaney also questioned Heffernan in cross-examination about whether or not the visibility of the helipad from a home or if even the perception of possible safety concerns related to helicopters would negatively impact property values.

Heffernan said he couldn't say for sure and that he was unsure how many homes were as close to the helipads in Morristown and Livingston as some homes in Summit will be to Overlook's proposed helipad.

Delaney did not get to finish his cross examination nor did the public get to question the witness. Heffernan is scheduled to return on Feb. 23 to finish his testimony. Bart Sheehan, the attorney representing Overlook, is also planning to a call a planner to testify on Feb. 23.

Delaney is expected to begin presenting the opposition's case on March 1.