The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled for the Burlington International Airport and its plan to demolish 54 nearby homes so it doesn't fall out of compliance with federal noise mitigation rules.
A 3-2 majority of the justices found tearing down the houses and filling in their cellar holes doesn't constitute a change in use under zoning regulations.
The court on Friday said as a result, the more extensive review process sought by neighborhood resident George Maille ('MAY-lee') doesn't need to happen.
A stinging dissent from Associate Justice Beth Robinson, joined by acting Justice James Morse, argued that turning a housing development into a series of empty lots is clearly a change in use.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
