DAPHNE, Ala.—It may be at least another year before construction on a much-talked-about residential high-rise building can begin.

Developers for the controversial Apalachee residential community—a project on hold for three years and prior contested or vetted by animal-rights activists (concerned for birds and the birding industry) and the Olde Towne Daphne Association (concerned with preserving the city’s small-town feel)—were granted a one-year site disturbance permit extension by the Planning Commission Jan. 22 in a 6-0 vote.

Councilwoman and planning Commissioner Cathy Barnette was absent.

“The financial and home-buying market remain in a less-than-optimal state,” Barry Booth, project spokesperson, said in a presentation to the commission.

 “They do not foresee the opportunity to begin construction by Feburary 2009,” he added. The extension period will run until Feburary 2010.

The proposed high-rise—located on 11 acres northwest of the U.S. Highway 98 and Van Buren Street intersection—would have 80 units.

The planned access point would be a driveway on Second Street.

In Feburary 2006, the first site disturbance permit—which allowed the initial phase of construction—was issued.

That $3,015 permit paid for land clearing, curb and gutter construction, water grading, drainage, sewer, paving, gas and landscaping