Summit Common Council Opposes Helipad Application

The Summit Common Council voted 7-0 Tuesday evening to inform the New Jersey Department of Transportation that it opposes Atlantic Health System's recent application to build a helipad atop Overlook Hospital. 

The medical center's filing follows Summit Zoning Board's 2010 rejection of the project and Superior Court Judge Karen Cassidy's affirmation of that decision rendered earlier this year. 

A 30-day public comment period on the matter began Dec. 12. Anyone wishing to make their opinion known to the DOT should do by writing to:
NJ Department of Transportation
Office of Community Relations
1035 Parkway Avenue PO Box 600
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0600 

Council members expressed their concern for safety as the area surrounding the hospital is densely-populated. They also noted that they did not wish to see the zoning board's decision, and time invested arriving at that decision, obliterated. 

Members of the public, including former Councilman Mike Vernotico and members of Citizens Against the Helipad, also voiced their opinions against the helipad and urged the council to take action before the 30-day comment period expires.

City Solicitor Thomas Scrivo said given the amount of opposition to the project the DOT most likely will hold a hearing on the matter. 

Michael Regier, chief legal officer for Atlantic Health Systems, told Patch in early December that while he said he has "no feel" for how long it may take for the DOT commissioner to arrive at a final decision, "the state is in a better position to access (the situation) given the lives at stake."

Check back with Patch for additional information on a potential hearing as it becomes available.