Ken Griffin, the billionaire founder of Citadel, currently lands his helicopter on Watson Island in Biscayne Bay, Miami, and drives approximately ten minutes to reach his superyacht, Defy, at his private marina. He is attempting to build a helipad at the marina to reduce travel time. However, residents of nearby luxury high-rises are opposing the plan, citing concerns about noise potentially affecting their quality of life. Griffin has been granted additional time to address these concerns before the city makes a decision on the helipad.
Last month, Miami Beach’s land-use committee voted 2-1 in favor of the helipad, moving the proposal to the Miami Beach planning board for final approval. A city commissioner suggested that Griffin’s lawyer, former Miami Beach mayor Niesen Kasdin, request more time to engage with local residents, which has been granted.
Griffin's team has conducted noise studies on his Airbus H160 helicopter, claiming that noise from takeoffs and landings would be similar to an ordinary conversation on a nearby balcony. However, this assertion has been met with skepticism. John Stimmel, president of the Icon condominium, expressed doubts about the noise levels, stating, “I asked ChatGPT if landing helicopters that close will be noisy, and guess what? It will be noisy.”
Brian O’Brien, representing residents at the Yacht Club condos, questioned the need for the helipad, stating, “We are doing all this for one individual? We are upsetting our quality of life so Mr. Griffin can land a little closer to his house?” The planning board is scheduled to meet on November 3 to vote on the proposal.