Matthew Casey/KJZZ

Former Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman stumps in March 2023 for ballot measures that if approved would allow for building a new hockey arena and entertainment district on an old landfill.

Former Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman has negotiated on behalf of the city with the Arizona Coyotes, which hope to build a new home and entertainment district near Sky Harbor Airport.

Tempe officials did not comment a week ago when former pilot W. David Doiron said the city did not seek input from its own aviation commission about the proposed entertainment district.

At a Thursday news conference held by people in favor of the project, Hallman said he created and once led the commission Doiron currently chairs.

“The aviation commission does not have jurisdiction over the development of this property. So it wouldn’t even be in its charter to raise these questions,” said Hallman.

According to Tempe’s website, the aviation commission is charged with advising the mayor, council and city staff on land use measures that could ease the impact of aircraft and airport operations.