Stephen Hines, director of development for the Massachusetts Turnpike, reportedly stated that developers should try to work within the 150-foot limit. That restriction would directly impact the Columbus Center project, which involves two towers, one of which is planned to be over 400 feet. The project would lease air rights from the Turnpike Authority, which is exempt from zoning laws. Reportedly, Hines said that Authority won't support the larger projects if local residents and officials oppose the project.

The Turnpike Authority has, until now, supported larger projects so that money could be raised for the Big Dig. Local opposition has been mounting against towers soaring over the Pike. A recent study conducted by a task force of residents, businesspeople and development professionals looked at over 20 air-rights parcels in the area to come up with a plan for future development. State legislators are also looking at ways to limit the Turnpike Authority's control over air-rights development here. A bill was recently presented at the state house that would give state officials more power over air-rights projects.

It is unclear what will happen to the Columbus Center project with the recent potential changes in the air-rights issue. Project developer Arthur Winn has been quoted as saying that the height of the project is necessary to cover its costs. Local groups opposed to the development insist that the project could go down to 15 stories from its current 25 and 33 and still be economically feasible.