Vt. F-35 opponents ask city to block planes

BURLINGTON, VT. — Opponents of a proposal that could base F-35 fighter planes at Vermont’s Burlington International Airport want city officials to refuse to allow the plane to be based there.

The airport is located in South Burlington, but it is owned by Burlington. Opponents say the Burlington City Council can refuse to allow the Air Force to base planes there with the Vermont Air National Guard.

The Air Force says Burlington is its preferred location to base up to 24 of the planes to replace aging F-16s. Opponents claim the planes would be too noisy and cause other problems. Another segment of the local population supports bring the planes to Vermont.

A basing decision is expected later this year.

The Burlington City Council has not taken a position on the F-35.