Article Courtesy of The Sun Sentinel

By Luis F. Perez

Published September 7, 2007 

Boca Raton postponed a hearing on extending the life of building permits for the years-delayed Eden condo project that has raised the ire of so many.

The Boca Raton City Council was scheduled to take up Ceebraid-Signal Corp.'s request Tuesday for a two-year extension to finish the four-building project. But a glitch at City Hall in properly notifying all the unit owners prompted city officials to put off the hearing. The city has already extended its building permission twice for the project, which was supposed to be done three years ago.

Hundreds of inquiries about the Eden have come into City Hall, said Jorge Camejo, development services director.

Last month Ceebraid submitted its request with a promise that it has "imminent financial restructuring" and that it would be working with "another experienced and substantial developer" to turn the project into a "senior community." Camejo said Ceebraid still has not identified its new partner or partners. Adam Schlesinger, vice president of Ceebraid in West Palm Beach, declined to comment Thursday.

Problems with the construction company, three hurricanes and skyrocketing building prices have all slowed the project, Ceebraid has said. Steve Platzek, a lawyer hired by condo owners, said his clients are worried that the city's ambitions are only to see the project finished.

"The unit owners are concerned that the city will try to do whatever it takes regardless of what happens to the owners," he said.

And they are anxious to know the outcome of the city's decision sooner rather than later, Platzek said.

Three unfinished buildings stand next to the only one completed across from City Hall. Some owners have moved into Building A. It's been months since full work crews have done anything on the site, city officials and residents have said.

Developer of stalled Eden condos asks Boca Raton for permit extension

Boca condo project could be cancelled