Media Release

April 23, 2009

4:15 p.m.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - On April 28, 2009, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners will consider the designation of the Phoenix Commercial Park as the Phoenix Commercial Economic Enhancement District and as a Brownfield Area 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.

The Phoenix Commercial Park (12895 NW Highway 441, Alachua) occupies a portion of the former Moltech Power Systems plant.  The existing contamination at the former Moltech Power Systems is 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.

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