But Jose Juves, spokesperson for the Massachusetts Port Authority, which operates Logan Airport, insists that the issue is primarily one of safety. "Airlines have stated how they won't use that runway out of safety," he tells GlobeSt.com. The rumors that the issue is also a commercial one is unfounded, he states. "That's never been brought as an issue," he says. MassPort supports the Federal Aviation Administration's insistence that the buildings' height be cut.

Unconfirmed reports state that carriers are worried that they won't be able to carry as much cargo in order to be able to fly over Fan Pier. The issue could also affect passenger planes, which might have to lighten their cargo holds as well.

At issue are two buildings in Chicago-based Nicholas Pritzker's waterfront project here that extend over the 300-foot range. "Those buildings penetrate FAA-determined critical surfaces," Juves notes. Because the buildings are staggered, the heights of all the buildings would ultimately be affected if those back ones have to be lowered. This project has been battling with the state environmental office for the past two years and has been forced to reduce its size considerably. Pritzker and his development team are still in the process of trying to get financing for the project, which is estimated to be $1.2 billion, and additional changes--especially ones that decrease the amount of usable space--only makes that job more difficult, especially in light of the recent economic downturn.