Airport Commissioner Wrote FAA About Possible Grant Violation

Scottsdale Airport Advisory Commissioner John Washington filed a complaint with the FAA after the Scottsdale, Arizona City Council voted to green-light a 240-unit apartment building just 3,600 feet off the north end of runway 3. In response, Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane has called for his resignation.

Washington tells the Arizona Republic that he complained as a Scottsdale citizen, not as an airport commissioner, that Lane doesn't speak for the city council, and that he has no plans to resign. But Washington's dismissal seems likely when the city council considers the matter. The measure to approve the apartments, expected to house over 500 residents, was approved by the council by a 6-1 vote.

In his letter, obtained by the Republic, Lane comments, "John, your actions have seriously impaired your ability to serve as an Airport Advisory commissioner. They appear to be an attempt to undermine the authority of the council, to usurp its decision, and to damage the city's relationship with the FAA in an effort to make your point of opposition to a council action."

In his own letter, to the FAA, Washington suggested the council had violated an FAA grant assurance requiring that land use be restricted to "activities and purposes compatible with normal airport operations."

FMI: www.landandfarm.com/property/The_Residences_at_Zocallo-394331/