Don’t bury our cities in mega-towers

Many longtime residents of San Francisco, Miami and other hot U.S. cities complain of "Manhattanization" when developers put up 20- or 30-story apartment complexes. In Portland, Oregon, they're debating the wisdom of 40 stories. They should try 100 stories on for size — or not, if they value the amenities of urban life. That's the height of a megatower proposed for downtown Seattle. It was "downsized" from 102 stories after aviation authorities warned the tower could interfere with air traffic.

Many longtime residents of San Francisco, Miami and other hot U.S. cities complain of "Manhattanization" when developers put up 20- or 30-story apartment complexes. In Portland, Oregon, they're debating the wisdom of 40 stories. They should try 100 stories on for size — or not, if they value the amenities of urban life. That's the height of a megatower proposed for downtown Seattle. It was "downsized" from 102 stories after aviation authorities warned the tower could interfere with air traffic.…