Public forum to be held to discuss Tweed expansion

EAST HAVEN , CT (WFSB) - People who are united against proposals to expand Tweed New Haven airport plan to take part in a public forum.

Opponents of the Tweed expansion plan argue that it would change the area, and in some cases devalue their homes.

Some neighbors said they were already frustrated that Tweed recently added a large number of Avelo airlines flights, soon to be 13 destinations, and the changes have increased travelers.

Since Nov. 2021, more than 100,000 people have flown out of Tweed, compared to 2019 when just 42,000 people traveled through the airport during the entire year.

Airport leaders said overall, the changes have been great for the area.

However, some neighbors disagreed. They said they fear a proposed runway expansion and new terminal on the East Haven side of the airport would only exacerbate the issue. They argued that the projects would increase local traffic and noise pollution - and could potentially hurt their property values.

Opponents of the Tweed expansion insist it is not a done deal.

“East Haven is woefully underinformed about things with the airport development,” says Lianne Audette from East Haven.

A group of East Haven residents met at the Hagaman Memorial Public Library to voice their concerns and came up with a course of action to stop Tweed’s expansion.

“That’s why we’re having this meeting, to start to get together the voices of the poeple,” says Audette.

Last year, Tweed announced plans to create a longer runway and a new $70 million terminal. Tweed also added a large number of Avelo Airline flights, which caused more travelers to fly through Tweed. Since November, more than 100,000 people have flown out of Tweed.

In 2019, only 42,000 have flown out of Tweed.

“We have had a lot of interest over the years in getting service here at Tweed Airport,” says Sean Scanlon, executive director of Tweed.

Scanlon says in order to move forward with the expansion, environmental assessments need to take place to address any public concerns.

“We also announced for the first time ever a $5 million community benefits package that will benefit the neighbors, whether it means noise enhancement programs, traffic calming, environmental issues,” says Scanlon.

Scanlon says environmental assessment started in the fall of 2021, and will finish up later this year.

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