A piece of Valley history is getting evicted from its home.
A nonprofit that flies vintage war-birds out of a World War II hangar at Mesa's Falcon Field said the city is pulling its lease.
Airplanes like the T6 Texan helped win World War II. The Wings of Flight Foundation helps preserve that history at Falcon Field. The airport still has two hangars that were built in 1941 and used to train British fighter pilots.
“…Military veterans, bring them out here, offer them rides and use this facility as the backdrop,” said Dan Condon, a pilot at Wings of Flight Foundation.
Wings of Flight has leased half of one WWII hanger since 2013.
Not long ago, Condon said the City of Mesa put the other half up for rent. Wings of Flight wanted to rent the second half and expand their foundation, but the bid went to another company and Condon was fine with that decision.
“We were always told that this half was not being offered - wasn't in play - that we were safe and sound in our home,” said Condon.
But that safety was soon shot down. Mesa decided to pull the existing lease from Wings of Flight and give the entire hanger to the other company.
“Giving us an eviction notice to vacate within 30 days,” said Condon. “It’s not fair.”
ABC15 reached out to Mesa city officials for comment. While the request was acknowledged a spokesperson has yet to respond with answers.
Condon said the city is offering other hangers but none that were built during WWII.
“I like to say the history of Falcon Field is being evicted by Falcon Field,” said Condon.
An online petition asking Mesa officials to change course has already garnered nearly 1,000 signatures. Condon said they plan on appealing directly to Mesa Mayor John Giles next week.
