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Argyle resident urges council to enforce helicopter rules after repeated flights over neighborhood
Summary
A resident told the Argyle Town Council that a neighbor has repeatedly landed and taken off by helicopter over his property for months; staff said warnings were sent and the mayor pledged to pursue enforcement.
A longtime Argyle resident told the Town Council on Aug. 18 that he and his wife have been subjected to repeated helicopter takeoffs and landings over their neighborhood for several months and urged the town to enforce existing ordinances.
Singh Murphy, who said he and his wife have lived in Argyle for 25 years, described multiple daily helicopter trips that have flown directly over his home and neighboring yards. Murphy said he reported the activity to code compliance and town staff, and that the town issued warning letters to the helicopter operator, but the flights have continued. He told council he has video recordings of the flights and that the operator has asserted a 1975 annexation of his property to argue he is not subject to town rules.
Town response and next steps
Mayor and staff told Murphy they take the complaint seriously. The mayor said the town’s chief executive role requires enforcement of local ordinances and expressed support for immediate action. Town Manager Mike Sims told Murphy he would follow up and meet with him; council members asked staff to report back on enforcement steps and outcomes.
Why it matters
Murphy described noise, safety and privacy concerns and said the activity had persisted for four months despite town warnings. Council members noted similar controversies in nearby communities, and several said they expected code and legal staff to pursue enforcement if the operator is violating town ordinances.
Details from the meeting and resident account
- Location: Murphy identified the neighborhood near the intersection of Harpal and Gibbons. - Duration and evidence: Murphy said the activity began about four months prior to the meeting and that he has video recordings; he asked why the town’s ordinances were not being enforced sooner. - Operator’s response: Murphy said the neighbor told the town his property had been annexed in 1975 and therefore he was not subject to town ordinances, a claim Murphy disputed. - Town reaction: The mayor said he would actively ensure ordinances are enforced, and Sims offered to meet Murphy the following day and update council on next steps.
A council or staff reply that details specific enforcement steps (tickets, injunctions, or hearings) was not recorded in the meeting; staff committed to follow up with the resident and report to council.
