Kuhn rails against city over developments' woes

[thelakelander]

Kuhn claims that a couple of city agencies have held up his two developments, costing him millions in the process, as well as delays.  From someone who has dibbled and dabbled in development locally, all I can say is....welcome to the party.

Kuhn rails against city over developments' woes


By Joe Light,
The Times-Union

Developer Cameron Kuhn wants Jacksonville residents to know he's moving forward with his River Watch at City Centre and former Barnett Bank building projects, but he isn't too happy with a couple of government agencies.

The Kuhn Cos. sent out a news release on Tuesday railing against the JEA and city officials for throwing kinks in his plans for the two buildings, but said he's continuing to move forward with design and construction.

Kuhn made a splash in Jacksonville in 2005 when he bought the SunTrust and former Barnett Bank buildings in rapid succession.

He soon proposed a 33-story hotel and condominium tower, dubbed River Watch at City Centre, on the site adjacent to the SunTrust building and unveiled plans to transform the Barnett building into residential condominiums. Although renovations to the Barnett, which would be called One12, have been under way for months, ground hasn't been broken on the River Watch tower.

On Tuesday, Kuhn officials said stunted negotiations and confusion about city policy have struck both projects, causing delays and unexpected costs.

For full article:  http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/062007/bus_178848279.shtml.

[brooklyn-ite]

2005 ? thats nothing compared to alot of projects that have been in the works since 2002 !  Welcome to Jacksonville Mr. Kuhn !  Home of the good ole' boy network.  If you know the good ole' boys you can get thru much quicker.  I've had a project go all the way thru Jedc , DDA , City Council , thousands in construction docs, only to get to the closing table of their "kinks" - I told them to stick it .  I don't play games well.

Sounds like Kuhn doesn't either.  It will cost him more in the end unless he just sucks up to Barton etc - he can't fight city hall .

[DetroitInJAX]

Boy this city never ceases to amaze me.... wow.

[vicupstate]

I seem to remember a pledge by a certain elected official to 'streamline' and improve the planning/permitting process.  There was a committee and recommendations and the usual stuff like that. 

I have to say though, some changes did occur. Every fee that is charged was doubled or tripled.     

[Seraphs]

This isn't surprising we know how our city operates.  I'm glad Kuhn is staying the course.