Height Restrictions Not Only Problem Project Faces

The Federal Aviation Administration has told officials in Boston, MA a proposed 1,000-foot skyscraper must be brought down closer to Earth.

The Boston Globe reports the FAA determined 75-story structure -- proposed by businessman Steve Belkin, designed by architect Renzo Piano and bandied by Mayor Thomas Menino -- lies perilously close to flight paths for planes flying to and from Logan International Airport.

Of particular concern to the FAA, said developers, was the danger the tower might pose to airliners landing to the west, that are forced to go-around... and fly low over downtown Boston.

Menino acknowledged this week the tower project is currently "stalled because of the FAA issue on height." Officials are working to determine what height the FAA would sign off on.

"We are working with the city and the appropriate agencies within the FAA to address these issues," said a statement released by Belkin's company, Trans National Properties. "In the meantime, we are continuing with our plans to fulfill the mayor's vision to build an iconic tower, which will be the most sustainable 'green' skyscraper in Boston."

Menino first proposed the new skyscraper two years ago, to add an even-taller building to Boston's skyline. Belkin's was the only company to submit a proposal.

Currently, the tallest building in downtown Bean Town is the 790-foot-tall John Hancock Tower. It's possible the new building will be scaled down closer to that 60-story structure.

"The FAA has a process to evaluate proposed projects, such as the tower the city wants to build, and to determine if they are a hazard to air navigation or not," said FAA spokeswoman Arlene Salac.

Despite the setback, Menino remains optimistic about the building's chances of eventually meeting FAA standards. "I said whatever height he gets, let's do it," the mayor said. "Let's build the most significant building in Boston."

FAA objections aren't the only issue that might spell doom for the project, though. The world's financial markets aren't what they were two years ago, and Belkin has little real-world experience in the volatile commercial real estate market, according to the Globe.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.massport.com/logan