The Escambia County Board of County Commissioners received a letter today from Debbie Calder, Executive Vice President of Greater Pensacola Operations for Navy Federal Credit Union, offering to “select, engage and pay” for a master planner for OLF8–at an estimated cost of approximately $1.5-$2 million.
“If this is agreed to, Navy Federal will ensure the master planning process is a collective effort and incorporate input from the community and County,” wrote Calder. “Once completed, the final proposed master plan would be subject to review and approval by the Board of County Commissioners.”
Calder also stated the Navy Federal is willing to “purchase the remaining portions of the OLF8 property at the market price to facilitate and ensure that the development of the OLF8 property is consistent with the master plan described above.”
She touted two “wins” for the county should the commissioners negotiate an agreement with the credit union: “(1) the County may be able to direct RESTORE funds currently appropriated for the master plan to other worthy projects, and (2) the County may have additional funds to use for other priority County projects.”
“We believe a mutually-agreeable plan as described here will also signal that Escambia County is willing to work together with the Beulah community to create good jobs and attract the amenities needed to support comprehensive economic development for generations to come,” said Calder.