Residents living near the Republic Airport in Farmingdale gathered Thursday to discuss Gov. Andrew Cuomo's plan to revitalize the site.
They met in Melville to voice concerns over Gov. Cuomo's proposal to expand the airport, add commercial flights, privatize management and create a tax-free zone for businesses.
Some say the governor's proposal will increase traffic both in the air and on the roads.
Helen Norjen, who lives nearby, says the state did not ask local residents for input.
"I think it's a shame that we got to this point," Norjen says. "Obviously, they were consulting with someone, but it wasn't the community."
A representative for Gov. Cuomo said she attended the meeting to listen to concerns and report back to the governor.