Summary The City of Alachua acquired approximately 105 acres of land contiguous to the Hal Brady Recreation Complex in November 2011. The initiative to acquire the property has been known as Project Legacy. The $1,150,000 purchase of the property was made possible by the following funding:
- Wild Spaces, Public Places Surtax: $500,000
- Alachua County Tourist Development Tax (TDT): $500,000
- Privately Donated Funds: $200,000 (includes option funds)
The City entered into an interlocal agreement with the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for the TDT funds. The City requested an extension of the timeframe to construct the three multisports arenas to the BOCC on Dec. 9, 2014. That request was denied by the BOCC by a 3-2 vote with the intent for the City to be required to repay the TDT funds. As such, the City would also not be required to meet any of the performance criteria outlined in the interlocal agreement. The City would retain ownership of the 105-acre site and have no conditions by the County.
The City has yet to receive notice of default by the County, which would trigger the payback criteria; however, notice is expected. If the City receives such notice prior to Dec. 31, 2015, the City would be required to begin the payback by Dec. 31, 2016 (FY 2017). Funds required for the payback would come from the General Fund.
The City Commission allocated $150,000 in FY 2015 for the design services related to developing construction plans and bid documents for the multisports arenas. Those funds have not been expended.
The purpose of this discussion is for the City Commission to provide direction to staff as it relates to next steps on the Project Legacy site.
Attached in the backup material is the Project Legacy Multisports Arena Plan and the most recent facility use information at the existing Hal Brady Recreation Complex. These are provided as reference material for the City Commission in determining current capacity and future needs, which may be achieved on the Project Legacy site. |