Tempe high-rise supporters berate US Airways

The anger once aimed at a plan to build high-rises next to the historic Monti’s La Casa Vieja in Tempe has shifted to an unlikely target: the city’s hometown airline.

Tempe-based US Airways is trying to stop the plan, making the airline the only major critic after earlier criticism triggered the developer to make changes that converted opponents into supporters.

But as US Airways listed problems it had with the development on Thursday night, Tempe’s elected officials and Monti’s representatives berated the airline for apparent contradictions and called the air carrier an uncompromising “bully.”

The fight to build towers of up to 300 feet tall has become perhaps the most contentious and confusing battle over a Tempe development in years. The City Council delayed what was supposed to be the final vote Thursday during a meeting in which Scottsdale-based 3W Cos. asked to postpone a decision when it appeared the plan wouldn’t get enough votes.

A decision is set for Jan. 10.

A centerpiece of the airline’s opposition was the height. Airline attorney Stephen Earl said any buildings taller than 257 feet would threaten planes in the rare event an airplane failed during takeoff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

But US Airways spokesman John MacDonald said the airline wants a maximum “good neighbor height” of 225 feet.

“There’s a blatant inconsistency here,” said Paul Gilbert, an attorney for 3W Cos.

Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman ridiculed the airline for arguing that a new $6.2 billion fleet of aircraft couldn’t clear a 257-foot building but could fly above the 330-foot-tall Hayden Butte that is 800 feet to the east.

Earl said he didn’t have the avionics expertise to answer. He couldn’t answer several major concerns Hallman raised, triggering the mayor to say the lack of response was “unconscionable.”

The airline offered a compromise: three towers of no more than 257 feet, instead of two taller towers. The airline still opposed the project, which triggered more criticism.

“I’m disappointed our hometown airline can’t compromise,” Councilwoman Onnie Shekerjian said. “We have a bully among our midst.”

The project has support from Carl Hayden, a descendant of Tempe founder Charles Trumbull Hayden. The elder Hayden built an adobe home in 1871, and it is the Valley’s oldest building. It would be preserved and stand next to the new towers.

Historic preservationists scolded La Casa Vieja owner Michael Monti for an initial plan that put a tower above the adobe structure, but they supported him once his developer moved the building.

MacDonald said 3W Cos. hasn’t been willing to compromise with an agreement to use two driveways they share. The airline wants to support the project — just with some changes, he said.

The airline filed a protest with the city, which requires six out of seven “yes” votes instead of the usual four out of seven. Councilman Ben Arredondo opposes the current buildings as too tall, meaning that every other council member must support the project for it to win approval.

Monti also blasted the airline after supporting their buildings in the past. Monti said changing times have threatened his restaurant, adding that the development is the only way to let him keep his business and preserve the adobe building.

“This is our life,” Monti said. “It’s a decimal point for US Airways.”