Many Valparaiso residents have been waiting for months to talk to Air Force officials about the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter bedding down at Eglin Air Force Base.
Thursday night's scoping meeting was the first time Valparaiso residents could address officials with questions, concerns and suggestions about the final Environmental Impact Study released in October.
And residents didn't hold back.
"For certain locations in our area those quite times on the golf court or tennis court or that nice afternoon stroll may be over."
"Annual flight operations have decreased from 240,000 a year to 150,000. This is almost a 40% decrease. I am skeptical of the new estimate."
"I'm very concerned about the idea artificial reef building will be impacted."
Air Force personnel say all the questions and concerns will be reviewed and investigated.
In the mean time, the Air Force is considering other bases that could act as the main training base for the 59 F-35’s coming to the area.
Eglin main, as well as Duke Field and Choctaw Field are under consideration.
Valparaiso's city attorney thinks the other options offer a better living arrangement for the city.
"The dual runway at Duke field which the city believes is a much better alternative since the cast majority of the flights would fly over forests as opposed to coming down landing and taking off over people's homes," says attorney Doug Wyckoff.
The Air Force still has more steps to take before a final decision.
Officials say the only sure thing is 59 F-35’s will come to the area Spring of 2010.
The public can expect to see the draft SEIS in Spring 2010.