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How could this happen?

How could the projected cost of the city's planned swim center miss the mark so badly?

The project is $6 million short of the cheapest bid to build the facility, approved as part of a parks and recreation bond package in 2008.

This, even in a climate in which construction costs are supposed to be relative bargains in light of the tough economy.

The lowest bid from a contractor totaled slightly less than $20 million.

Why?

Probably because of the arbitrary nature of the price tag, and last-minute addition of the project to the bond package in the first place.

The aquatics center was neither recommended for, nor included in a package of projects suggested by city Parks and Recreation Department staff.

It was slipped into the package at the 11th hour by City Councilman Mike Barber, who championed the center because of its economic development potential.

Barber’s enthusiasm for the idea was understandable. It does have exciting potential.

But the process seemed impulsive and off-the-cuff from day one, involving little forethought and almost zero due diligence.

Where did the $12 million price tag come from anyway?

And why $12 million iwhen city staff estimated that a competitive facility would cost at least $15 million?

Other signs should have raised questions about the price. Cary’s Triangle Aquatic Center, which was privately built, opened in 2007 and cost more than twice as much as Greensboro's price tag, at $25 million.

The city should have come clean with a more realistic figure rather than face the prospect now of asking for more taxpayer money to see the project through.

And no one should dare suggest is taking money to close the gap from other parks and rec projects bond projects  approved by voters.