Article: The Park East land is cleared and projects are in the works, but developers say they need to know what help the city is willing to give.; Building impatience; City money is sought for several projects in the area, but existing hotel and retail owners don't want their competition to be subsidized

More than three years after the Park East Freeway spur was torn down, 16 acres of prime downtown land remain barren - and developers say it's time for city officials to help make something happen there.

"There's gridlock right now, and I'm concerned this thing is going to blow up," said Gary Grunau, who is building the new Manpower Inc. headquarters, just north of the Park East area. "Somebody's got to show some leadership."

While several major projects are on the verge of starting in the Park East area, more help is needed from the Department of City Development, including financial assistance and flexibility on zoning, several developers say.

Instead, they say, the city has been sending ...

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