Michelle Basch, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – A law that limits how tall buildings can be in D.C. has stood unchanged for more than 100 years.
But there is talk of tweaking it to allow more living and working space in the city, and a key lawmaker has something to say about that.
The idea of changing the Height Act is being floated by Rep. Daryl Issa, R-Calif., who heads the oversight and government reform committee that oversees the District.
Preservationists don’t like the proposed changes, but Mayor Vincent Gray does.
Now D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton is weighing in.
Norton says her support for the Height Act is as strong as ever, and it’s the reason the nation’s capital looks different from any other city.
But in a statement released Friday, Norton also indicates she might be open to change.
“No idea is beyond examination,” she says, adding that she’s confident any changes will be considered carefully.
Many people think buildings in D.C. are not allowed to be taller than the U.S. Capitol, but that’s a myth.
This video from the National Capital Planning Commission that busts the height myth also provides a good explanation of the Height Act.
You can read Norton’s full statement here.
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(Copyright 2012 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
