The Arlington Redevelopment Board has given the developer of the long-stalled project at the former Symmes Hospital site until the end of August to come up with financing -- or a new developer -- and the town treasurer has put a lien on the properties involved because of $123,000 in unpaid taxes.

A representative of JPI, the developer of the extensive condo plan, heard the word Monday, July 27, as the Redevelopment Board voted unanimously to continue the yearlong string of extended deadlines to Aug. 31. Thomas N. O'Brien, executive vice president and managing partner for JPI Northeast, said the bank with which JPI is dealing appears amenable to writing down the loan as part of a JPI buyout.

March 14: JPI further delays Symmes project as financing remains hard to get

Town Treasurer Stephen Gilligan, who is also the tax collector, said July 28 that Symmes Redevelopment Association is delinquent for fiscal 2009 real estate tax on two parcels. The total amount due, including the first quarter fiscal 2010 bill, is $123,113.34, calculated to Aug. 3. The properties have been placed under a tax lien.

Asked what steps the developer might take, Gilligan wrote in an e-mail: "Any property owner may make partial payments of delinquent taxes -- generally, in 10% increments. Regardless of whatever the outstanding amount might be, by a certain date, a Notice of Foreclosure proceedings may commence, depending upon an owner's effort to make payment."

Carol Kowalski, who took over as town planner earlier this month after Kevin O'Brien retired, said she expected O'Brien to return to the board with a progress report mid-August and more definitive options for the Aug. 31 meeting.

Those options could include a proposal from a new developer. Stalled from securing financing, JPI is trying to restructure a deal with fresh company. The Advocate reported in May that JPI was talking with Wood Partners, a national builder based in Atlanta.

O'Brien said two other developers have expressed interest. He could not be reached for comment about details.

Selectman Clarissa Rowe, who came late to the meeting, suggested talking to Oaktree Development in Cambridge.

In addition to its tax problem at Symmes, JPI still has to deal with unpaid subcontractors.

A sign along Hospital Road, where signals continue to work though there is no reason to stop traffic, promises a summer '09 opening, but the weeds growing in front of the sign suggest how far off that message is.

Meanwhile, Kowalski met July 28 with Town Counsel Juliana Rice. Kowalski said they discussed two Symmes-related issues, matters that the town's top lawyer hopes will become part of any agreement reached between JPI and a new developer:

-- Repair to a well, possibly damaged during demolition, used to monitor site contamination (JPI and Lahey have been negotiating thr issue); and

-- Room at the project site for a communications antenna used by town police and fire as well as by a third party, which was unidentified.