West Hartford Resident Seeks Heliport

A town resident is seeking a new ordinance that permits heliports in West Hartford.

Arnold Chase, who lives on Avon Mountain, is seeking the ordinance so he can have a heliport built at his residence.

The issue was discussed by members of the Town Council's Community Planning and Physical Services Committee on Monday evening.

The proposed ordinance would permit heliports in town as approved by the Connecticut Airport Authority. Heliports would only be allowed for non-commercial passenger use and would only be allowed for use between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.

The applicant for a heliport must also identify the design helicopter expected to be used at the heliport. Lights at the heliport would only be lit for as long as reasonably necessary to permit the pilot to locate the heliport and complete the landing or takeoff.

Committee Chairman Leon Davidoff said that Chase hosts a lot of charity events, and having a heliport would enable people to attend who otherwise would not.

The proposed heliport on the property of Avon Mountain, which borders the town of Avon, would also be made available to public safety officials in the event of an emergency in that area, Davidoff said.

The draft ordinance is expected to be brought before the Town Council for further discussion.