This is not a recent development, but one which has a history for years. From what we understand, developments have been delayed or stopped dead in their tracks by the inspection department - and not because inspectors have held to stringent standards, but because the standards and requirements shift constantly.

Now comes word that the city is stringent on everyone - but itself. The Marshall Civic Center, which had revnovations some four years ago, still does not have a certificate of occupancy.

We don't totally understand this story and more reporting will need to be done before it all becomes clear.

On one hand City Manager Frank Johnson said "There are things that need to be accomplished," and "When we remodeled the building there were questions about issues with the fire code and exiting the building."