Commissioners,
Good morning. I’m pleased to formally introduce the Business Alliance, an organization of local business owners and community leaders dedicated to supporting initiatives that enhance our local economy. About a year ago, we recognized the need for a group where the business community could come together to discuss and provide input on issues of significant importance. For too long, this space for collective dialogue and advocacy has been missing.
Since our formation, we have focused on key projects, including OLF8. After meeting to discuss the project, surveying our members, and reviewing available information, we adopted a position we believe represents the best path forward for the future of this critical property. To ensure our members were well-informed, we reviewed the 25-year history of the land swap and the county’s original vision for the project. We also analyzed the UWF Haas Center’s economic impact study, which compares two distinct development scenarios for the 46 acres currently under consideration by three potential job-creating businesses, as well as the DPZ Master Plan for the property’s development.
Attached, you will find the Business Alliance’s official position letter, a list of our current and growing membership, and the UWF Haas Center report. As you evaluate the offers from private developers, we urge you to carefully consider our position. Members of our organization would greatly value the opportunity to meet with each of you individually to discuss this matter further, address any questions, and hear your perspectives.
Thank you for your time, attention, and leadership.
Sincerely,
David M. Bear
The Lewis Bear Company