SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Linda Thibault worked to put up Halloween decorations Thursday on her South Burlington home.
She says she loves her house, and doesn't mind living next to the Burlington International Airport.
"I'm used to the planes going by," said Thibault.
But she's not accustomed to seeing the type of full-page letter that appeared in the local paper Thursday.
"It was nice to see [the ad]," said Thibault.
The letter came from nearly a dozen local real estate leaders.
It was written by Pomerleau Real Estate President Ernie Pomerleau.
He says the group wanted to address the effect the F-35 fighter jet would have on the local housing market if it came to South Burlington.
Some fear, because they are louder than F-16s, they will drive down property values.
"There's no data that shows that it has happened, and there's no data that shows it's going to happen," said Pomerleau.
Pomerleau insists timing played no part as to why this letter came out now.
Even though air force leaders say their impact study is nearly complete and a decision on whether to bring the aircraft to South Burlington could be made by early next year.
But military leaders say if it doesn't come to South Burlington, there's a chance the National Guard would leave the area.
Something Pomerleau says can't happen.
"Our concern is, if you lose 1,100 jobs, and you impact that airport, negatively at this point, that's going to impact housing," said Pomerleau.
It's not just about property values; some believe the jets are a waste of money.
That's because it will cost the government billions to make them.
But military leaders say they're necessary because the F-16's are out-dated.
