Holland's plan to move elections office from Gateway could be a winner

[Cheshire Cat]

Here is the latest entry into the competition for housing the SOE office as submitted by Councilwoman Boyer via the Daily Record.

The competition for the site of the elections center of the Supervisor of Elections continues to expand after City Council member Lori Boyer introduced legislation Tuesday for the mayor to execute a lease agreement with Demetree Brothers Inc. for space at the Southgate Shopping Plaza.

Demetree Brothers is the third proposal that has been introduced through legislation, joining Council member John Crescimbeni's pitch to keep the center at the Gateway Shopping Center and Council member Matt Schellenberg's legislation to move the center to One Imeson in North Jacksonville.

According to Boyer's legislation, Demetree Brothers proposes to offer a lease for 50,000 square feet of usable space at 3428 Beach Blvd., site of the former Duval County Traffic Court and Traffic Violations Bureau. Both services were moved to the Duval County Courthouse earlier this year, freeing up the space.

The proposal offers a 10-year lease with free rent in its first year. The second year would have rent of just under $295,000 â€" about $25,000 a month â€" with annual increases of 3 percent. In year nine of the agreement, annual rent is just under $363,000, or a little more than $30,000 a month.

Through the length of the deal, the City would pay about $3 million in rent.

It also provides for one additional two-year extension, which the City could trigger

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=539208

[Glenn OSteen]

Sounds like a good proposal.  Good transportation connections there as well.  Win-Win; and the Demetree Brothers have an excellent track record.

[Cheshire Cat]

Ennis, what is your take on the Demetree proposal?  I am curious to know your thoughts on this.

[thelakelander]

I haven't looked into the details yet but the location is more accessible than Imeson. Gateway is the most accessible but I haven't compared leasing rates.  Personally, I think the city would be better served buying an existing warehouse in Talleyrand, the Springfield Warehouse District or the Beaver Street area.  Prices are pretty cheap right now, it would be a boost to economically depressed areas and all are accessible by bus.

[Cheshire Cat]

Thanks for your insights.  I am guessing that the Demetree proposal will be a go.  Call it a gut feeling.  That is why I wondered how you viewed it.