Opposition to Eagle’s Crest, a low-income senior housing proposal that appears to be full steam ahead in downtown Warren at Pennsylvania Avenue and Liberty Street, has some merit.

But there’s one problem — it’s simply too late.

The city doesn’t own the property anymore. They were sold to the developer back in 2018.

The state awarded tax credits for the project. The developer is ready to move ahead. The Times Observer first wrote about this project over five years ago, so it’s hard to say the proposal sprang up overnight. It’s been reviewed by the city’s planning organizations and approved by two different iterations of the Warren City Council. The current council even awarded state grant funds allocated to the city to help fund it.

The most convincing argument we’ve heard in opposition is that the situation along the riverfront has changed from when this project was initially proposed. That’s absolutely the case; just look at the development of the HIY building and efforts underway regarding a proposed boat launch.

But, again, it’s too late.

We could chalk this up as an anomaly — the public, or elements of the public, taking a strong interest in a project at a stage where the ship has sailed.

But this isn’t even the first time it’s happened in the last couple years. In fact, it’s the third.

Example one — the proposed roundabout at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Market Street.

Example two — opposition to a hotel proposed at Breeze Point.

In both of those instances — and with Eagle’s Crest — the idea of the project dates back several years. The proposals worked their way through a series of planning processes only with serious opposition to emerge in force once the decision was made, or, in the case of the roundabout, made a couple times.

The best lesson to take from this situation may be the importance of those concerned with the future of our city and our county staying engaged when there aren’t generational projects on the table. That engagement brings opportunities to nip bad ideas in the bud and refine and strengthen good ones.

Does the senior housing project as proposed really enhance ongoing efforts at riverfront development (which we believe to be core to the city’s future)?

Probably not.

Is it too late to undo this one?

It sure seems like it.