We are Proud to Announce Our New Designation!
On April 28, 2009, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners considered and passed the designation of the Phoenix Commercial Park as the “Phoenix Commercial Economic Enhancement District” under the Brownfield Redevelopment Program. The Brownfield Redevelopment Program empowers communities, local governments and other stakeholders in economic development to work together to prevent, assess, and reuse brownfields. A Brownfield is defined as an area where the expansion, redevelopment or reuse is complicated by actual or perceived contamination.
A recent press release from Alachua County Department of Environmental Protections states:
The Phoenix Commercial Park (12895 NW Highway 441, Alachua) occupies a portion of the former Moltech Power Systems plant. An April 22, 2009 article in Gainesville Sun incorrectly reported that the Phoenix Commercial Park is contaminated and that the parties responsible for the cleanup would be determined after the Brownfield designation. However, all available information indicates that there is no contamination at the Park. Additionally, the existing contamination at the former Moltech Power Systems is already under remediation by the owners of that part of the property. “I’m not aware of any environmental contamination or cleanup concerns associated with the Phoenix Commercial Park” stated, Environmental Protection Department Chris Bird; “however that perception may exist due to the historical use of the property”. A Brownfield designation will help to alleviate those concerns and also provide tax incentives for companies creating jobs and locating in the Commercial Park.
In a letter addressed to the County, Lisa Albertson, managing partner for the Park, stated that the possibility exists for the creation of 150 to 200 high-tech jobs in Alachua County.
“It is our hope that this combination of tax incentives and peace of mind will encourage companies that offer well paying, high tech and environmetally friendly jobs to come to Alachua County,” said Alachua County Manager Randall H. Reid. For additional information contact the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department at (352) 264-6806.