The embattled Fan Pier development spent years squabbling with the state's department of environmental affairs over regulatory approval before its building heights were noticed by the FAA. Two of the buildings in the proposed development were well into the 30-foot range and this was considered a flight risk for planes coming into Logan Airport. The FAA was in the process of considering whether to give the project a hazard designation, which could have had serious implications for this $1.2 billion project--the largest waterfront project in this city's history.
According to Susan Ellsbery, spokesperson for the Boston Redevelopment Authority, seven of the buildings on the Fan Pier project will be lowered and one will be raised slightly. Due to the smaller floor plates, the residential component of the project will be increased and 20% of the housing will be designated affordable. In the original plans, that figure was 10%.
Pritzker's local representatives, McDermott Ventures, did not return calls by presstime but Pritzker has stated in the past that any reduction in the project would make it economically unfeasible. Still Ellsbery emphasizes that, "Right now all sides feel it is economically feasible."
The BRA had hired an independent consultant to examine the impact of the building heights on Logan. Ellsbery tells GlobeSt.com that, according to the consultant, there would be an economic impact on the airport if the buildings didn't come down because planes would need to offload cargo and passengers to climb those heights.
Jose Juves, spokesperson for Massachusetts Port Authority, emphasizes that the root cause of the building heights is a safety concern. "Due to safety concerns, the pilots would not use that runway," he tells GlobeSt.com. They would then clog the other runway, he adds, which becomes an economic issue. "From our point of view, this is a testament to Menino's leadership," says Juves. "It protects New England's economic engine, Logan Airport, and allows this very valuable development opportunity on Fan Pier to proceed."
There was political interest in having Fan Pier get off the ground, as well, especially in light of the increasing softening of the economy. Sources tell GlobeSt.com that Menino met last week with acting Gov. Jane Swift to discuss a solution to the impasse. Reportedly, Swift told Mass Port to come up with a solution.
If this is indeed the solution, Pritzker just has to finish the permitting process and then will be ready to break ground. "It's been a long haul," notes Ellsbery, "but I think we're there."
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