Northside Business Leaders

Cecil Field & Hillwood Proposal

Updates added 5-4-10

Northside Business Leaders

Challenge and Solution

for

The Mayor’s Office, JEDC and the City Council to get it right on Cecil Field!! 

The City of Jacksonville continues to write one bad contract, after another.  Solid waste 25 years ago, Shipyards, Court House, NFL Stadium and Downtown Parking to mention but a few.  All of these cost tax payer dollars and drained funds from other projects plus regular City expenses. 

Now we are about to make a deal at Cecil Field that makes NO Business Sense. 

Hillwood is a fine company and any company like them would be a darn fool not to take the City’s offer at Cecil Field:    

Yes, the City of Jacksonville would like to do all that instead of making a profit!

If the Cecil deal goes through all industrial land will be devalued!  Property Appraiser's office personnel will have their hands full with people demanding land values and taxes lowered.  The recession is bad enough.  Anyone thinking about investing in Jacksonville will be competing with the City government when trying to sell industrial land.   The Cecil Field Commerce land is worth more than most industrial land in Jacksonville due to the infrastructure and incentives, why give it away like an entitlement program.

The Northside Business Leaders feel the minimum that needs to be done is require Cecil Field land be sold based on a fair and normal appraisal.  The City, Hillwood and an outside source should each have an appraisal completed.  This would help maintain property values, keep taxes rolling in and would allow all industrial landowners to play the game by the same rules.  

The Northside Business Leaders want Cecil Field to be a success.  It is a beautifully done park and will be attractive to any legitimate buyer.  What we want is that buyer has to pay fair market value to the City.  This will bring very much needed funds for other projects and services.  It will also allow all areas of town to compete and not de-value their properties.

As a proactive club, we should unite as members by submitting our vocal opposition to a deal that will cost our city and impact our lives in a negative way.  Please call your City Council member and the Mayor’s office immediately to voice your opposition.

The Northside Business Leaders

“North Jacksonville Action Committee"

More Info on Cecil Commerce & Hillwood
(City Public Records provided by Peter Anderson from Pattillo)

We would like to here from you about this proposal?

Click cecilfield below if you are FOR City proposal.

cecilfield@northsidebusinessleaders.com 

Click cecilfieldno below if you are AGAINST City proposal.

cecilfieldno@northsidebusinessleaders.com  

 

Northside Business Leaders

Presents both sides of the story!

"You Decide Forum"

Cecil Field & Hillwood Proposal

 

Preston Herold-Hillwood Click here for video.	Peter Anderson-Pattillo Click here for video.
Ray Holt-Dist. 11 Councilman Click here for video.	Warren Alvarez-NBL Action Committee Click here for video.

SUMMARY OF DEBATE

Proponent Alberta Hipps introduced, Preston Herold representing Hillwood Developers.

Mr. Herold stated that his company had been working on the Cecil Field project for over a year and that his company was the only one to actually bid on the project. He indicated, that they already have investments in Duval County such as 1.4 Million square feet on building space on Faye Road. Currently they are proposing paying $4.10 per square foot on land at Cecil. His view on current “fair value” pricing is the “price that the buyer and seller” agree to. He also pointed out that: Cecil brings in no taxes now and that the deal would “off-load” the capital burden on the City of Jacksonville.  Hillwood has already developed a Master Plan for usage.

Opposition PETER ANDERSON OF PATILLO DEVELOPERS

Stated that he was against Hillwood at all, But that the project must bring in tax money to support the city.  He also stated that he represented 29 other developers who felt the same. He supports Hillwood in making all the land deals they can.  Mr. Anderson’s most concern centers upon the JEDC ‘s decision-making history.  He stated that the JEDC has a past filled with errors. Two were mentioned: The “shipyard” 40 million dollars later and still no sidewalk! LaVilla and it’s history on non completion.  His theory is that the JEDC is over their head in this area of expertise. Also the fact that the city has spent over 140 million dollars on infrastructure thus is eliminating another expense on Hillwood.  His position was that Cecil field should be developed but it should also add 70 million to the tax roll over the next 25 years. 

Proponent RAY HOLT City Councilman District 11

Mr. Holt stated several time that the “legislative process “ has just begun and nothing is final yet. That also “No Deal” would decrease property values.  That Cecil Field must be developed per law as agreed upon by the Navy/City of Jacksonville deal. He also stated that the city has failed in developing the land and that on two occasions the city actually gave the land away to developers. His position is that “the best offer” should be considered and that any and all contracts are subject to “tweaks and changes”. 

Opponent WARREN ALVAREZ Former City Councilman North Jax Businessman

Stated that number one, he voted against the shipyard project when he was in office.  In regards to unusable land at Cecil, that all of Florida is “swampland”. His talking points included: The city should allow the proposed plan by Hillwood to be audited and that the “devil is in the details”. Mr. Alvarez also stated that the city should allow LLC’s (Limited Liability Corporations) to sing on to such projects in that they can walk away from the project at any time without any penalties. His position is that the Developer should sign their own name on any project.  A concern was also the JEDC and the previous history citing the new courthouse and 190 million dollars wasted.

Ray Turner, "Corey-Kerlin" 

Members & Guests
Enjoying Questions from the Floor

Warren wondering who will get first question?
Each question had to be answered by each debater.

Answers to questions from the floor rise the emotions of
Herold and Anderson.

Eric Smith asks question as Angela Corey watches the Debate unfold.

Ray Holt and Warren fielding questions.

Bob Peeples and George Corey offer questions and solutions to project.

Patricia shows concern, while Warren adds up the numbers in is head and is
saying that doesn't make sense.

Members Q&A Video #1

Members Q&A Video #2

The Forum went very well and our NBL Members, Guests, Special Guest Angela Corey, News Media and Debaters.  They all complimented the club on how well we put together the Forum and how we maintained control.  Having each question answered by all debaters made it easy for our members to make choices and understand the differences between the opponents.  We had 60 people at this event.  For those who did not attend please keep checking as you also need to be informed!    It is a shame the whole City Council, JEDC's Ron Barton and Mayor Peyton weren't there.

The City Council has about four weeks to make adjustments to the legislation.

President Patricia Hamn & First VP Ray Turner continue to pack the Samburu Room.  Don't miss upcoming meeting.

Paul Forte,  Turbo Action, Inc.

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