How is this not a safety concern?
The FAA’s Obstruction Evaluation group has used an “Exception” to assert that the proposed 172’ tall high-rise at 3677 Columbia Street is not a hazard to air navigation. The FAA recognizes the high-rise as an obstruction since it exceeds the airport elevation limits by more than 120’. This high-rise is setting a precedent as the first of its kind on the Middletown hillside. There is a reason why no high-rises have been built into this controlled airspace. So what has changed? Why is the city allowing this to proceed?
The FAA primarily assess fixed-wing aircraft safety and limits their consideration of helicopter visual flight (VFR) safety operations. We contend that this high-rise impedes low flying helicopter visual safety, as they regularly fly along the Middletown hillside before transitioning across the airport runway and continuing down the harbor. This traffic includes medical evacuation, police, news and military helicopter traffic.
If the FAA is not considering helicopter VFR safety, then who is? San Diego’s Developmental Services Department (DSD) has permit authority, and they should not assume that the FAA’s assertion means that the high-rise poses no flight safety risks. However, DSD is pushing this project forward given the city’s housing policies. Write to your city leaders to oppose this high rise. See www.StopColumbiaHighRise.org.
Reference: FAA obstruction evaluation 2024-AWP-6790-OE. FAA used a discretionary Exception from their FAA Order 7400.2, Chapter 6, paragraph 6-3-8-d-1-g to make their assertion.
