FAA height rules could affect Tempe Town Lake, ASU plans
Jul 22, 2014, 5:00 AM | Updated: 5:00 am
PHOENIX — The Tempe Chamber of Commerce is looking to the skies for its latest woes.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is mulling over a plan that would place restrictions on building heights near airports all across the country, including Phoenix Sky Harbor, the Phoenix Business Journal reported.
The FAA is considering the restrictions as it looks at flight paths near airports and giving planes more room to maneuver if they have engine problems.
Airlines worry that they will have to cut passenger and cargo loads in order to abide by FAA rules if there is development around airports.
If the construction restrictions happen, it could cut the building heights of ASU and Town Lake by 25 percent.
This isn’t the first time the FAA and the Tempe-Phoenix area have butted heads: A previous plan to build what is now the University of Phoenix Stadium on Salt River Project-owned land failed. Most recently, the 30-story West 6th complex on Mill Avenue created concerns.
