Sonic booms are a serious problem

To the editor: The last year or so I have been in contact with Jerry Walters, town manager of Oak Island, concerning sonic booms.

My first concerns were not seriously accepted as sonic booms, but as Seneca Guns (continental shelf plates shifting). I explained to Mr. Walters that after the sonic boom shook my house, a jet aircraft could be heard off the coast.

This was not the Seneca Guns but low-flying aircraft.

The evening after last year’s Kitty Hawk celebration was another terrible sonic boom activity. Aircraft were heading southward off of the coast causing several sonic booms shaking the house.

This serious problem not only concerns permanent residents but also the tourist trade. The sonic booms of Friday, Feb. 15, at 11:15 a.m. were stronger than any other time in the last year or so. In fact, it was on WECT-TV news that evening and stated to be military aircraft near the coast. We experienced another sonic boom on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 8 p.m.

Mr. Walters had previously said he would handle this matter with elected officials; however, nothing has been done since I first mentioned the problem about a year ago.

My concern is that if this issue is left unchecked, and homeowners incur damages, who do we file a claim with—the town of Oak Island?

If each homeowner makes an effort to contact Mr. Walters, the matter might receive the attention necessary. If you live in another coastal community, contact you town manager/mayor.

We all know that only with a large voice will things change.