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HD 1678

An Act relative to noise report data and good neighbor policy at Beverly Regional Airport

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Sally Kerans

The bill requires public posting of BVY noise data and Touch and Go ops, plus a formal Good Neighbor policy, public input, and badge attestations to boost transparency and accounta

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Bill Summary · HD 1678

Summary: An Act relative to noise report data and good neighbor policy at Beverly Regional Airport (HD 1678)

Purpose and intent

This proposed Massachusetts bill seeks to increase transparency around aircraft noise and enhance community relations at Beverly Regional Airport (BVY) by:
- Mandating systematic collection and public posting of noise reports and “Touch and Go” operations data.
- Establishing a formal Good Neighbor (Fly Neighborly) policy framework and outreach tools.
- Ensuring airport badge applicants acknowledge and commit to the Good Neighbor Policy.
- Providing for community access to noise information through public meetings.

Key provisions

1) Noise report data collection and posting
- The Massachusetts Aeronautics Division (The Division) must collect and annually post all noise reports and complaints related to BVY between April 1 and October 1.
- A “noise complaint” includes any report of excessive noise with specifics (day/date/hour) and can be submitted via BVY’s website, app, phone, voicemail, email, written letter, or in-person to the Airport or a Commissioner.
- Data must be collected within 14 days after each month and posted publicly within 20 days after the month ends, remaining on the Division’s site in perpetuity.

2) Touch and Go operations data
- The Division must collect, from BVY Tower, the number and time of day of all Touch and Go operations between April 1 and October 1.
- Data must be posted monthly in the same 14/20 day cadence and retained in perpetuity.
- The Division Administrator must share all collected noise data with the House and Senate Chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation and with the Secretary of Transportation by December 31 each year.

3) Public engagement on noise reports
- At the request of at least two BVY Airport Commissioners, the Airport Commission must hold a public meeting dedicated to noise reports, allowing public questions to be answered by Commission Members and the Airport Manager.

4) Good Neighbor / Fly Neighborly policy guidance
- The Division shall annually provide guidance to BVY on developing, implementing, and overseeing a Good Neighbor Policy.
- Guidance to include: a sample written policy, a copy suitable for pilots (to be given to all student pilots and pilots), visible postings at multiple locations, steps for informing all airport tenants, and a social media toolkit for publicizing the policy.

5) Badge applicant attestation
- Each BVY badge applicant must submit an attestation certifying they have read and will abide by the Good Neighbor Policy.

Affected parties

  • Beverly Regional Airport (BVY), including its Airport Manager, Airport Commissioners, flight schools, instructors, student pilots, and tenants.
  • The Massachusetts Aeronautics Division (data collection, posting, guidance dissemination).
  • Massachusetts General Court (through reporting to the Joint Committee on Transportation and the Secretary of Transportation).

Implementation timeline

  • Effective date: January 1, 2027.
  • Data collection and posting for April–October each year begin after enactment, with annual reporting and data sharing by December 31 of each year.
  • Public meetings can be triggered by at least two BVY commissioners.
  • Badge attestation requirement applies to badge applicants moving forward.

Potential impact

  • Increased transparency for BVY noise concerns and community impact.
  • Structured, predictable communication between BVY and local residents.
  • Greater awareness and accountability among pilots and flight schools regarding noise footprint.
  • Formalized neighbor-focused policy guidance and public participation mechanisms.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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