Hahn Opens the Door to Scaled-Back LAX Plan

With crucial votes on his LAX modernization plan set for Monday, Mayor James K. Hahn is working toward a compromise that could postpone and possibly even eliminate the controversial centerpiece of his $9 billion overhaul.

Hahn said Thursday that he hoped an agreement to defer final approval of plans to demolish three terminals and build a remote check-in center could be worked out by the time the airport and planning commissions vote.

“It can’t all be built at once. I recognize that,” Hahn acknowledged, while still expressing confidence that a new terminal complex and check-in center will be constructed.

Both have drawn widespread opposition from airlines, business groups and local communities, jeopardizing the whole modernization plan.

The impasse prompted City Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski to step forward with a proposal to phase in implementation of the massive public works project.

Under Miscikowski’s proposal, city leaders would approve the less controversial parts of the plan now, including a new consolidated rental car facility, a new transit hub and an elevated tram connecting terminals and other airport facilities.

Hahn’s decision to work with Miscikowski and allow city leaders to debate the central components of his LAX plan marked a major concession by the mayor, who for months resisted alterations.

“What we’re doing is providing for the City Council to have a continuing role as different components of this plan are ready to be developed,” the mayor said. “We’re not changing the overall plan or the design.”

Though Hahn’s blueprint for the world’s fifth-busiest airport remains unchanged, the Miscikowski compromise could require additional studies on traffic and security issues and could prevent the new Manchester Square check-in center from being built.

Hahn unveiled his plan after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, arguing that by consolidating check-in facilities and parking away from the airline terminals, the city would lessen the risk of a vehicle bomb attack.

But the proposed central check-in facility has been a lightning rod for criticism from business groups, airlines and communities around the airport.

Some city leaders have argued that the plan to tear down three terminals and the central parking garage and build a costly new terminal complex and a check-in facility off the San Diego Freeway would do little to improve security.

“It’s just a shame that we’ve lost 2 1/2 years to have a discussion of the security needs at the airport,” said Councilman Jack Weiss, who has been a vocal critic of the mayor’s plan.

The City Council is scheduled to vote on the modernization plan this fall. With it facing almost certain defeat, Miscikowski put forward her own compromise this spring that would divide the modernization plan into two phases.

Approval of the new check-in facility would be in the second phase. The Rand Corp. is expected to evaluate whether it actually would be more secure with vehicles rerouted away from the airline terminals.

Hahn said Thursday that representatives from his and Miscikowski’s offices are still completing the details of how the new phased approval process would work. But he expressed support for allowing more input on the modernization plan.

“The City Council is interested in having a continued role in the build-out of the airport, and I’m very supportive of that,” the mayor said.

For her part, Miscikowski praised the mayor’s commitment to reaching a compromise. “Where ideas were rejected, they are now considered. It’s a new day,” the councilwoman said. “I give the mayor and his staff across the board a lot of credit for changing so dramatically.”

The phased approval process -- included in a planning document known as a specific plan -- has also won support from the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce, which had advocated a similar approach.

“This is a good step forward,” said chamber President George Kieffer. “It means the council and mayor are entering into a partnership and they’re willing to go forward.”

What remains uncertain, however, is whether the 11th-hour compromise will leave sufficient time for review by airport and planning commissioners.

After an initial hearing on the airport modernization plan last month, members of the Planning Commission drew up three pages of questions about how well Hahn’s and Miscikowski’s plans would work together.

And other officials, including Rep. Jane Harman (D-Venice), have expressed concerns that the phased implementation plan could still open the door to a modernization plan that could harm communities around LAX.