Let developer clean up site

It's bad enough that the much-touted Spring Green Lodge at University Park in Edwardsville was never built, but even worse are the physical reminders of the failed project -- the rusty girders, the weeds and the foundation that supports nothing.

University Park officials point to the economy as the reason no other developer wants the prime site, but ugly evidence of a project gone bad undoubtedly is also a major factor.

At long last, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is taking steps to get the site back to its original state. The university has asked a judge to order developer William Shaw to restore the site -- something the university said is required in the contract.

It's good that the university is trying to force the issue; presumably the judge will issue the order. But getting Shaw to undo the work may be difficult if not impossible. Don't be surprised if ultimately it is SIUE that ends up paying to make this site whole again.