Yarmouth voters signaled their frustration with increasing aircraft noise by passing Article 4, which provides continued funding for specialized consulting services to mitigate impacts from the Cape Cod Gateway Airport. The funding will support the design of a Standard Instrument Departure (SID) system, intended to guide flights away from residential neighborhoods using a voluntary flight path.

Select Board member Mark Forest noted that the town needs professional assistance to ensure its voice is heard by airport management. Resident Christine Greley shared that there were 852 noise complaints made to the airport in the last quarter alone. It is very crucial that we finally have a consultant to work with the airport on behalf of the town, Greley said. Other residents, including Tom Sullivan and Anthony Lopes, described a history of being ignored by airport authorities and expressed hope that a technical consultant could produce actual results.

The SID system is designed to be a voluntary measure, but town officials hope that having a formal, designed system in place will encourage pilots to avoid flying directly over Yarmouth homes.

Motion: To move Article 4 as printed in the warrant.

Vote: Passed