Chatham-Kent Mayor Randy Hope said of embattled downtown developer Victor Boutin, “I wouldn’t blame Victor if he packed up and left.”
Construction is continuing slowly Boutin’s Everlast firm’s $50 million Boardwalk on the Thames condominium, a 12-storey project that was originally supposed to be completed in 2014.
Plagued by safety violations, concrete issues, harsh weather and other problems Boutin has stated publicly the project will be completed this year and occupied by early 2016.
Hope said rumors surrounding the project test his patience.
“We have a man who is prepared to invest millions in this community and yet the rumor mongers continue to go after him.”
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Hope said in the last few weeks he’s heard rumors that nearby property were given notice that the large crane that dominates the construction site is being removed and that the quality of the concrete is deficient.
“The rumour about the crane is simply not true,” he said. “As far as the concrete, I have no doubt Victor is constantly checking to make sure everything is right. That’s the kind of developer he is. He wants it done perfectly.”
Despite the concerns, the mayor said he has no plans to call Boutin.
“The relationship I have with Victor is that I don’t bother him with phone calls about this stuff,” he said. “If Victor has something to discuss or if there’s a problem, he’ll call me. He has a business to run and I have a municipality which requires my attention.”
Calls to Everlast have not been returned.
Who is going to be able to afford these condos?
What a joke
What a stupid comment " “I wouldn’t blame Victor if he packed up and left.”
unbelievable statement. it is obvious that Randy is working for Victor not us tax payers.get the job Done
He's still spending money and moving forward.. people need to zip it and worry about their own issues.. who cares if you can't afford one.. or think the cement isn't right etc etc..
Sounds like Hope and Boutin are in bed together. The CN tower was built faster then this thing.
Amen
Rome was built faster than this thing. You should have hired a Dutch builder. It would have been done in 2013………………
What a joke
Cut him some slack? I think the fact it was supposed to be completed in 2014 and it's still not near done is enough slack, it's really nice looking at a pile of brick shit for the past couple of years…
Sorry, sorry..a concrete slab of shit. My bad.
Its obvious you don't know much about construction, of course with some underhanded perks anyone would turn a blind eye. Just saying!!!!!!
That's a kiss-ass if I've heard one…
Especially now that the economy is tanking again. I see a glut of brand new, empty homes all around town here and there's not a person I know who's buying these joints.