Delayed projects: I-Team Investigation
The ripple effects of coronavirus may be felt for years to come in the Coachella Valley.
Delays in large developments could make for difficult days ahead.
In Palm Springs, multiple projects are on hold including plans for a sports and entertainment venue downtown.
Construction fencing around the site has been removed and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians plans to revert the site back to a parking lot.
Groundbreaking on the new arena had been planned about the same time the coronavirus pandemic began.
"They're in a holding pattern and we're waiting to hear from them on next steps," says Dr. David Ready, Palm Springs City Manager.
The Andaz Hotel at North Palm Canyon and Alejo is also on hold.
The original developer had a dispute with the contractor and work had already stopped when coronavirus hit.
The project's lender has taken controlling interest in the property and the city has extended the building permit until November.
But that comes with a catch in this coronavirus environment.
Dr. Ready says, "Obviously, that's going to have to be extended again, but the goal of that is, are they making progress?"
The Dream Hotel just north of the Palm Springs Convention Center may turn into a nightmare.
"Because of the emergency, they've basically come to a complete stop," Dr. Ready says.
The project is surrounded by fencing, with concrete pilings and rebar sticking out of the ground.
The Tova Hotel is also at a standstill on North Palm Canyon.
Formally the Garden Vista Hotel, the city is now targeting it for receivership with Dr. Ready saying the developer has failed to live up to the bargain.
"We've given them about $60,000 worth of fines and we're asking them to abate that and if not, we'll be in court shortly asking for those orders."
The Orchid Hotel project which would bring a historic property back to life along Belardo Road may be on track once the planning is completed.
"They're in their entitlement, finalizing their design and then construction will have to occur next year," Dr. Ready says.
The sooner the projects get going, the better.
Stalled projects leave a blight on the city.
And Dr. Ready points out that construction is a big driver of the local economy, so having all of the projects back in progress would provide a major boost.
