SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
A new study from a Chittenden County economic development organization says noise from the Burlington airport does not appear to have a negative impact on property values.
The possible arrival of new F-35 fighter jets has raised concerns the increased noise from the jets could cause property values to sink in the airport flight path in South Burlington and Winooski.
Thursday morning, the Greater Burlington Industrial Corporation released its findings after studying 10 years worth of property value data in the areas surrounding the Burlington Airport.
Group President Frank Cioffi says properties within the noise areas have held value when compared to trends as a whole within Chittenden County.
"We're fairly confident with this data in being able to say that we do not think that housing values are going to be adversely affected by this 65 DNL area," Cioffi said.
Cioffi says affected home values in South Burlington have actually-- relative to the market as a whole-- increased over the last 10 years.
The study does not specifically address whether the louder F-35s would change that dynamic.
Increased noise and disruption of neighborhoods is part of the opposition to the planes. Other critics say the F-35 is a costly an unnecessary expense for the federal government and supports a pro-military agenda that is out of step with Vermont values.
A group of protesters are expected to attend a Democratic Party fundraiser Thursday night in Burlington to voice their unhappiness with the state's congressional delegation and governor, who all support the F-35 coming to Vermont.
