Good intentions, hardheaded determination and pride can form a dangerous cocktail with potentially catastrophic effects.

The City of Natchez may learn that the hard way with its ongoing internal strife over the Roth Hill casino development site.

Years of talking and revamped deadlines have resulted in nothing tangible being done at the site yet, just lots of promises.

Aldermen are now questioning whether or not the city has a legally binding agreement with the developers.

The mayor and the city attorney say indeed it does. A few aldermen aren’t so certain.

Either way, all sides now realize the original lease-option agreement has a huge flaw in it — no timeline by which construction must be finished before the first lease payment — $1 million minimum — is to be made.

The possible result could be that the site might sit idle for decades if developers cannot come up with funds to move the project into a reality.

If only the city had allowed more professional help to be brought to the table when the lease-option was created and signed. If only everyone was involved in every step of this process and following the advice of sound, professional guidance.

Perhaps the city wouldn’t have signed away one of the most prized locations in Natchez for a single $100,000 option payment.

Developers still insist — as they have since 2007 — they’re planning on starting construction soon. We hope for the city’s sake they do.

However, the city would be wise to realize they may be in over their heads with the current situation and set a firm deadline by which construction should begin or litigation over the contract will begin.