Architect hired

Mayor Keith Hobbs has made it no secret he wants the waterfront development project micromanaged.

To address concerns about cost overruns, the city has brought in an independent architect as an extra level of supervision to ensure the project is done on time and on budget, said Hobbs.

"We’ve had a few disputes over contracts during the life of this project," the mayor said Thursday morning. "That’s the reason we want this person to look at the costs. We are doing a cost analysis on this, see where we can recoup some money."

The city is going to look at all the contracts, review all the billings and Hobbs said there might even be money coming back to the city.

"People are saying ‘oh, we’re spending more money on another level of supervision’ but I want this thing done and finished properly," he said. "We have to move it forward and get it behind us and move on to the next issue."

Prince Arthur’s Landing is already more than $10 million over its original budget. Hobbs believes bringing in the architect will save enough money to cover the architect’s wages and save on further construction needed on the waterfront.

"We really need to nail that project and get it done by Oct. 31," he said. "Otherwise, we’re going to be on the hook for that infrastructure money. Yes, it’s micromanagement, but sometimes we need that."

City manager Tim Commisso was not available for comment.