The proposed amendments to Burlington’s charter, which have already been approved by voters and are now before the Legislature, would expand the city’s authority to pass ordinances on housing, elections and energy regulation.
Discontentment among some airport tenants continues as the electric aircraft maker plans to start building a manufacturing facility in South Burlington.
Beta, an electric aircraft company, is eyeing two plots of land near the runway’s southern edge.
The $340,000 system is a reaction to the 2019 arrival of F-35 fighter jets — much louder than their F-16 predecessors — at the Vermont Air National Guard base in South Burlington.
Officials say the project will offer air travelers a safer and speedier trip.
That means that the Winooski City Council clearly has the power to file suit to seek damages or other relief for Winooski residents — and may be the only entity that can do so.
Mayor Miro Weinberger asked the airport director to resign last month after an investigation found that he berated and intimidated employees. The director refused, an action that prompted a City Council termination vote.
Attorney Rich Cassidy is questioning the impartiality of the hearing set to determine the future employment of his client, Aviation Director Gene Richards. He asked that the hearing be postponed, but the city denied the request.
Proponents say the project will allow the airport to handle more passengers, make security checks more efficient and improve the overall airport experience.
One city councilor thinks Burlington Aviation Director Gene Richards’ refusal to resign is an avoidance of accountability. Another says this should be Richards’ first strike and he deserves a second chance.
An investigation into Burlington Airport Director Gene Richards found that he verbally abused employees and physically intimidated them. The findings led to Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger to ask for his resignation, but Richards said he won’t step down.
Travelers can now fly directly to Boston, Dallas and Miami. But airport officials say passenger levels remain low.
Beta Technologies expects to double its workforce to produce at least 10 electric hybrid aircraft for the shipping company.
It’s the first round of nighttime operations since Winooski residents voted to urge Vermont to halt F-35 flights,
