Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Accountants
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We have issued our reports dated February 8, 1999 accompanying the consolidated
financial statements and schedules included in the Annual Report of Federal
Realty Investment Trust on Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 1998. We
hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the
Registration Statements of Federal Realty Investment Trust on Form S-3 (File No.
333-63619, effective September 30, 1998, which pursuant to Rule 429 of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 constitutes a post-effective amendment to
File No. 33-63687, effective December 4, 1995; File No. 33-63955, effective
November 3, 1995; File No. 33-15264, effective August 4, 1987) and Form S-8
(File No. 33-55111, effective August 17, 1994).

Grant Thornton LLP
Washington, D.C.
March 15, 2001