There is an applicant requesting a specific use permit for a helicopter pad located at 2000 Greenwood Dr in Southlake, Texas (highlighted red in picture) within SPIN Neighborhood #10. This location is in close proximity to Carroll Elementary School (highlighted green in picture) and multiple residences and residential neighborhoods (highlighted yellow in picture). More specifically, there are 3 homes which adjoin the proposed location, approximately 23 homes in 2 different neighborhoods within 500 ft of the proposed location, and approximately 91 homes in at least 5 different neighborhoods within 1000 ft of the proposed location. Carroll Elementary School is 1500 ft from the address of 2000 Greenwood Dr.

We, the concerned residents of Southlake, Texas are standing together to oppose the permit request; our paramount concern is the safety, tranquility, and well-being of our community members, especially our children.

Safety Concerns: Data collected by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) demonstrate the higher crash rate of helicopters compared to fixed-wing aircraft and the higher fatality rates associated with helicopter accidents compared to other modes of air transportation. Placing a helicopter pad in densely populated areas raises serious concerns about potential risks during takeoffs and landings, posing a direct threat to the safety of residents and schoolchildren. (1) There is also significant concern about the possibility for driver distraction on Davis Blvd and W Continental Blvd. There is considerable vehicle traffic on Davis Blvd, which is 7 lanes (3 in each direction and a turn lane) with a speed limit of 45 mph in the vicinity of the proposed helicopter pad. W Continental Blvd, although it has only 2 lanes and a lower speed limit, also has busy vehicular traffic, which is amplified and compounded with foot traffic during school dropoff and pickup. There is a clear and significant risk of driver distraction during a helicopter landing and takeoff.

Noise Pollution Impact: Helicopter operations generate considerable noise, which can have detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of nearby residents. Research by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has shown that excessive noise can lead to sleep disturbances, stress, and cognitive impairments, significantly impacting the quality of life for those living in the affected areas. (2)

Air Pollution Hazards: Helicopters emit harmful pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which can contribute to poor air quality and pose health risks, particularly to vulnerable individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions. Our community's health should not be compromised for the sake of a helicopter pad. (3) In addition, the helicopter described in the permit request, a Robinson R44, likely still uses leaded fuel. Leaded fuel used in helicopters poses significant hazards to both public health and the environment. The combustion of leaded aviation gasoline releases toxic lead compounds into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution. Prolonged exposure to lead emissions can lead to adverse health effects, particularly affecting the neurological development of children and posing risks to respiratory and cardiovascular systems in adults. Furthermore, leaded fuel contributes to the formation of smog and increases the production of greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change. (4)

While the permit states that a helicopter would land and take-off approximately twice per week, the permit does not limit or regulate the amount or times of use of the helicopter pad. It also does not restrict the use of the helicopter pad to specific helicopters.

By signing this petition, we urge Southlake City Council to decline granting the permit for the helicopter pad near our school and residential neighborhoods. Our community deserves a safer and healthier environment that prioritizes the well-being of its residents, especially our children.

Together, we can protect the future of our community and ensure that decisions are made with safety, health, and tranquility in mind. Let's send a resounding message that we stand united against potential hazards that compromise the safety and serenity of our neighborhood.

Join us in urging Southlake City Council to conduct a comprehensive driver distractability study and environmental impact assessment and explore alternative locations that prioritize the safety, health, and happiness of our community members.

Citations:

(1) NTSB Aviation Data and Stats: https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/data/Pages/AviationDataStats2018.aspx (last accessed 8/3/2023)
(2) EPA Noise Pollution Effects: https://www.epa.gov/clean-air-act-overview/clean-air-act-title-iv-noise-pollution#:~:text=Health%20Effects,sleep%20disruption%2C%20and%20lost%20productivity (last accessed 8/3/2023)
(3) EPA on Helicopter Emissions and Air Quality: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20494483-epa-hq-ow-2017-0300-1573_content#document/p10/a2027171 (last accessed 8/3/2023)
(4) EPA Technical Update: Reports on the Impact of Lead Emissions from Piston-Engine Aircraft on Air Quality Near U.S. Airports: https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPDF.cgi?Dockey=P100YG46.pdf (last accessed 8/3/2023)