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

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."