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OGDENSBURG The standoff continued Friday between the city and Plattsburgh developer Gilbert J. Jones over his apparent sidestepping of city regulations in putting up a building on his in-progress Riverfront Marina and Hotel property at 119 W. River St.
Mr. Jones said Thursday he was stopping work on the $1.2 million project and closing his Ogdensburg Cinemas at 219 Ford St., all in protest over the city Planning and Development Boards refusal to approve his building, a 480-square-foot structure on the property he intends to use as a concession stand for boaters.
No building permit was issued for the project.
Acting City Manager Philip A. Cosmo said Friday that as far as he could see, the board was justified and Mr. Jones was wrong.
We have procedure to follow, he said.
Mr. Jones, meanwhile, maintained his defiance yet held out some hope he will continue the hotel/marina renovation and reopen the theater he padlocked Thursday.
But he made it clear that the first move will not be his.
I am done working with the city, Mr. Jones said. But if they want to pull their horns in and say Well work with you, I will.
Deputy Mayor Michael D. Morley, however, sees no horns for the city to pull in for Mr. Jones.
He knows the rules, Mr. Morley said. I cant side with a man who breaks the law.
City Councilman William D. Hosmer said Friday he will talk with Mr. Jones to see whether the dispute can be settled. As the owner of nearby Hosmers Marina, 54 E. River St., he sees their businesses as anchors of the citys waterfront development.