Ed Hernando Quotations

Obviously, the Council had their concerns, and obviously, we didn't just want to invalidate the concerns of the community. So we took that information to heart, and I think we've got a great kind of middle ground now.

We're providing some options for the city to not eliminate some of the things that are so attractive about the building, so exciting about the building. Rather than me make that decision, I'd rather give the Council that option. ... I still think an extra 10 or 12 feet does not invalidate the concerns that many of the community members had with the height. I think it's relevant enough without taking away the character or integrity of the dome.

At this point, we feel like all the work and all the comments have been absorbed, and we're finally at a point where we're bringing something that is acceptable to the council and the community.

They have nothing to do with the Sunflower. People can sue if they don't like the way you look, and there's always two sides to the story. When you're in the business world, you're involved in lawsuits unfortunately. The other people that have spoken against me, I'm sure they don't have the cleanest record either.

It never went past because obviously the plaintiff didn't have a case. I have never been involved in a criminal matter in my life. I'm 40, and I've never had a problem before.

I'm not trying to create conflict with the council, but everybody has to be looking at that. If that's not the best way to go, we're revisiting the project and revising. Basically, by eliminating another floor, I eliminate one entire level of parking. That reduces the infrastructure costs significantly.

By eliminating the retail. ... you eliminate that concern.

By no means are we dead or in a position of where we're just going to roll over and walk away.