Search
 

Shorter Buildings Sought at Fan Pier

BOSTON-While local officials insist that the reason buildings on Fan Pier must be lowered is one of safety, an economic incentive for the airlines might be involved as well. At stake is Chicago-based Nicholas Pritzker's $1.2 billion project on the south Boston waterfront.

By Naomi Grossman | Updated on April 23, 2001

BOSTON-Local rumors here accuse a national airline association of attempting to influence the outcome of a decision on whether a developer must lower the heights of its buildings planned for a development on the waterfront here in South Boston. The Air Transport Association of America, which represents most major airlines and air freight carriers, has an economic interest in lowering the height of those buildings for a proposed project at Fan Pier and reportedly has been involved in those negotiations. Calls by GlobeSt.com to the organization were referred to the Boston Airlines Airport Affairs Committee, a newly formed group. Those calls were not returned.

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.

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.