Jefferson Performing Arts Center: 'White elephant,' 'black hole ...

'The Superdome didn't take this long to build.' -- Councilman Chris Roberts

The Jefferson Performing Arts Center, whether it's called a "black hole" or a "white elephant," is clearly the most colorful public conundrum in Jefferson Parish. The Parish Council spent close to an hour Wednesday voicing frustration over a building that is 79 percent over budget and almost four years behind schedule.

"I'm no longer in a position to let other projects be neglected, regardless where you live in the parish, for a black hole that seems to have no end," Councilman Chris Roberts said.

"Should we put a for-sale sign on the front of the building?" asked Councilman Paul Johnston, who called the unfinished arts center a "white elephant."

What sparked the vent fest was a Roberts resolution to oppose asking the Louisiana Legislature for any more money for the arts center, largely state-financed at $50.7 million and counting. Roberts said an alarmed legislator told him that Jefferson lobbyist Rubye Noble was feeling out lawmakers about appropriating several more million dollars in 2013 for construction.

Parish President John Young countered that his administration isn't asking now for more state money. He said he wants to focus on securing state Bond Commission approval Nov. 15 to release $6 million that the Legislature earmarked earlier this year. After that, he said, he hopes to work out a comprehensive plan with the builder, financial advisers, lawyers and the council to complete construction.

"But I don't know why we would want to tie our hands," he said in arguing against Roberts' resolution to block new state money.

Councilman Elton Lagasse said parish officials have repeatedly been given excuses for the glacial pace of construction and the steady rise in costs: concrete prices went up, steel prices increased, the ground was littered with debris, the contractor wanted more money for parish-caused delays.

Roberts asked whether anyone is even working these days on the site, at LaSalle Park in Metairie. Public Works Director Kazem Alikhani said the job is basically at a standstill: The general contractor, J. Caldarera & Co. Inc, "is having a hard time getting subcontractors to work because they haven't been paid in two years."

At least part of the reason is that the parish for months has been sitting on two change orders, one for another $8.4 million, requested by the builder. Parish attorney Deborah Foshee said Caldarera has sent the parish a "demand" letter for money, signaling potential litigation.

"The Superdome didn't take this long to build," Roberts said. He's right: That took four years.

Young, too, expressed frustration with the project but said Roberts' resolution could endanger the prospect of obtaining more state money, if it's later needed. Roberts countered by saying the resolution would send a message that Jefferson is serious about completing the building with the current appropriations, ameliorating both the Bond Commission this month and the Legislature next year, when Jefferson will be seeking state capital outlay money or myriad public works improvements.

"I just have a hard time letting other projects sit on the curb," he said.

With that, the council approved his resolution without objection.

Source: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2012/11/jefferson_performing_arts_cent_7.html

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