By Oona Mackesey-Green
Northside Planning Council

Safe Skies publicizes survey on the noise impacts of F-16 fighter jets

Safe Skies Clean Water Wisconsin is collecting information about the noise impacts of F-16 fighter jets through a public survey. Safe Skies formed to oppose the basing of F-35 fighter jets at Truax Air National Guard Base; the F-35s are slated to replace the F-16s currently flown by the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. 

The survey asks about the disruptiveness and intensity of noise from the current F-16s, as well as respondents’ stances and concerns (or lack thereof) about the F-35s.

Survey results will be compiled and shared with the public and elected officials. Safe Skies’ goal for the survey is to “conclusively show to our community leaders, the Air Force and the Air National Guard that existing fighter jet noise is already undesirable and disruptive.”

The survey is available online at bit.ly/SafeSkiesNoiseSurvey.

Eken Park Resistance circulates public letter opposing F-35s

The opening paragraph of a public letter circulated by neighborhood organizing group Eken Park Resistance (EPR) refers to data from the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) released by the Air Force this spring. If the F-35s are based at Truax Air Field, the EIS concluded “there would be significant disproportionate impacts to low-income and minority populations as well as children.” The final EIS also confirmed that more than 1,000 homes would be considered “incompatible with residential use” due to noise exposure from the F-35s.

“It isn’t our small homes, backyards, swing sets, neighbors, or kids that are incompatible for residential use,” reads EPR’s letter. After citing concerns including environmental contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), misuse of resources during a global pandemic and instances of sexual assault and harassment within the 115th Fighter Wing, the letter calls for solidarity to continue opposing the jets.

“Neighbors: let’s stand together to stop this blight. The F-35s are not inevitable. Community leaders: this is a test of your progressive values. Do everything you can. Creatively and vigorously use our collective power and resources––legal, financial, and otherwise––to protect us.”

The letter is available to read and sign at bit.ly/EPRLetter.