South Burlington joins Burlington, Winooski in call to change Air Guard's F-35 mission

South Burlington is calling on federal lawmakers to replace the Vermont Air National Guard's F-35 mission in an effort to mitigate the noise. The jets are based at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in South Burlington.

The council agreed on the resolution Monday, a similar resolution to ones Burlington and Winooski passed in the past few months .

Chittenden County residents have been raising concerns about noise pollution since the Air Guard's F-35 jets took to Vermont skies in 2019. For those who live or spend time in areas in line with the runways, the rumbling of the jets is hard to ignore. They seem to fly all times of day, even being heard into the night.

With more cities joining this cause to move the aircrafts, the city is hoping that the federal government will hear these complaints and respond accordingly.

Votes for and against the F-35 resolution

Two of the five council members voted against the resolution. Council Clerk Michael Scanlan cited a lack of formal public input and suggested bringing the issue directly to voters on the March Town Meeting Day ballot. Councilor Elizabeth Fitzgerald opposed the resolution due to past support from Vermont's federal delegation for the F-35 mission.

More: What to know about the Vermont Air National Guard's F-35s, including how often they fly

Council Chair Tim Barritt argued in favor of the resolution and said it was the City Council's responsibility to make the effort.

"If there's this coalition of cities that make this request, the delegation might actually listen and see what they can do," Barritt said. "I don't think it hurts to make the request. I think it's the right thing to do."

The Burlington City Council voted in 2023 to extend the Vermont Air National Guard’s lease at Burlington International Airport by 25 years. While the Guard will likely remain there for the duration of the lease, it is possible for missions to change, which is what the councils are asking for.

Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: South Burlington joins Burlington, Winooski in call to change Air Guard's F-35 mission