I realize people have different views about the value of F-35 training flights to our community--as a clinician caring for children, I'm concerned about well-documented effects of noise pollution on children's learning. On monday, the Burlinton City Council will consider extending the Air National Guard's lease, and this is a chance for them to make other arrangements for these training flights so Winooski & Burlington residents don't pay the price (health effects of noise pollution: depression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, in addition to learning & attention problems in children).
On Monday, October 23rd, the Burlington City Council plans to extend the Vermont Air National Guard's lease at Burlington Airport another 25 years to the year 2073.
Please let Burlington City Councilors know that you do not support extending the lease to the Vermont Air National Guard (VTANG) by another 25 years to 2073 unless there is an agreement to remove the F-35s. You do not need to be a Burlington resident. The Burlington City Council needs to hear from those impacted by the F35.
Please write to City Councilors today and ask five people you know to do the same: citycouncil@burlingtonvt.gov
Please attend the October 23rd Burlington City Council meeting in person or via zoom and let them hear how these jets are affecting you. The agenda for the October 23 meeting (including zoom link and instructions to speak) can be found here once it has been posted: https://burlingtonvt.portal.civicclerk.com/
Join other concerned residents beforehand outside City Hall to tell councilors to protect our children and our community: https://www.safelandingbtv.org/events/noleaseextensionrally
Background: At the October 10th meeting, in executive session and under the guise of "negotiations for capital improvements," the city council discussed an agreement with the Vermont Air Guard (VTANG) to extend their lease at the airport. This agreement has a lot of flaws, including allowing the F-35 training and undermining our commitment to housing the homeless.
The city currently leases 280 acres of land to VTANG for $1 (ONE dollar). This lease expires in 2048 but the mayor wants to extend it to 2073. Because of the extreme noise of the F-35s, 44 acres of residential-zoned land sits vacant and unusable. Under FAA rules these 44 acres must be restored to housing if the F-35 training stops. Restoring the 44 acres to housing could put a big dent in solving our regional homeless problem and help reduce the crime that stems from homelessness. The Air Force is one of the richest entities in the world with a budget bigger than most countries.
The Burlington City Council has long ignored the serious health impacts to the thousands of human beings who live in the flight path of the F35, claiming there is nothing they can do. This lease negotiation puts the power firmly in their hands.