Shorris

New Windsor – Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Anthony Shorris Wednesday announced when the agency takes over operation of Stewart Airport in November, it will establish a community advisory committee.

Speaking to business people in New Windsor, Shorris said for the airport to be successful and be a good neighbor, the Port wants as much input from the community as possible.

The panel would be comprised of business leaders, labor leaders, environmentalists, health care officials, community leaders, all as part of an effort to prioritize the concerns of the Mid-Hudson Valley “to make sure what you need is reflected as we go forward and build this airport.”

That was immediately hailed as a great move by Maureen Radl, chairwoman of Ulsterites Overflight Noise, the umbrella group for several community organizations concerned about Stewart’s future.

Radl’s concern was that the committee will have equal representation from the business community and residents of the Hudson Valley.

Shorris also announced that a Port management team has been put in place already. Diannae Ehler, a resident of Nyack, and most recently manager of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, is the new manager of Stewart while Jack Martini of Newburgh, who has worked for the Port at LaGuardia Airport, is now the assistant manager of Stewart. He worked at Stewart for many years in the past.