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."