FAA May Stop Planned D.C. High-Rises Near Metro

The government agency may halt plans for several new high-rise complexes in Arlington, Virginia, due to concerns about the danger posed to planes headed to Reagan Airport.

1 minute read

May 21, 2007, 9:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


Arlington is staking the future of its economy on building high-rises near Metro stations, part of the county's nationally recognized smart-growth, transit-friendly strategy that broadens its tax base.

But standing in the way is the Federal Aviation Administration, which is concerned that some of the planned construction could threaten air safety for planes flying in and out of Reagan National Airport. After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the agency stepped up its protection of the airspace over Washington.

Three times in the past year, most recently last week, the FAA has ruled that planned high-rises in Crystal City, Rosslyn and the 2300 block of Columbia Pike would pose a "presumed hazard" to aircraft using the airport.

The FAA, on its own, has no legal authority to stop the project, but Arlington Economic Development director Terry Holzheimer said the county will not allow buildings that do not meet FAA scrutiny to go forward and will not do anything "that causes a problem."

Saturday, May 19, 2007 in The Washington Post

View form second story inside Southdale Mall in Edina, Minnesota with escalators and model cars parked on downstairs floor.

The Mall Is Dead — Long Live the Mall

The American shopping mall may be closer to its original vision than ever.

March 21, 2024 - Governing

Houston, Texas skyline.

Report: Las Vegas, Houston Top List of Least Affordable Cities

The report assesses the availability of affordable rental units for low-income households.

March 22, 2024 - Urban Edge

White three-story brick single-room occupancy hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California.

‘Micro-Apartment’ Trend Underscores Housing Crisis

SROs are making a comeback under a new name as the housing supply remains strained and costs soar.

March 22, 2024 - Associated Press via Yahoo News

Red public transit bus in Bangalore, India.

Indian States Give Women Free Bus Passes

The programs are part of an initiative aimed at helping more women join the workforce and improving access to basic needs.

40 minutes ago - Next City

Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota skylinw with stone arched brige in foreground.

Study: How to Revitalize Downtown Minneapolis

A proposal calls for a reevaluation of the city’s skyways, a focus on street-facing businesses, and an improved public realm.

1 hour ago - Minneapolis Post

Aerial view of Milwaukee, Wisconsin skyline with freeway interchanges in foreground at night.

Milwaukee Residents Challenge Freeway Expansion

Residents are voicing opposition to a planned expansion of Interstate 94, arguing that the project would eliminate the limited green space in the neighborhood.

2 hours ago - Spectrum News 1

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.