Cecil Commerce Center targeted for 1,200-job Project Velo; similar to Amazon

[KenFSU]

Target, maybe?

Keep those jobs coming.

Cecil Commerce Center is targeted for 1,200-job Project Velo; similar to Amazon.com

By Karen Brune Mathis, Managing Editor

In a project reminiscent of the recently announced Amazon.com center, a company identified only as Project Velo is considering AllianceFlorida at Cecil Commerce Center for a 1,200 job, 1 million-square-foot product distribution center.

Of those jobs, 325 jobs would pay an annual average salary of $50,675. All of the jobs would be created by Dec. 31, 2019, according to city legislation filed Wednesday.

The company requests incentives of almost $8.3 million, comprising nearly $7.1 million from the city and $1.2 million from the state.

While there is no name attached, the company is described as "one of the leaders in the product distribution marketplace."

It is considering Cecil as a distribution hub for its "diverse array of products" and plans to make a final decision this year whether it will select the site for one of its distribution centers.

It anticipates an estimated capital investment of about $115 million in equipment, furniture, land and real estate improvements.

The bill, 2016-654, would be fast-tracked. It is scheduled to be introduced Tuesday. The bill would then be heard Oct. 5 by the City Council Finance Committee and, if approved, move for a full council vote Oct. 11.

The city would provide a $6.7 million Recapture Enhanced Value grant, a $200,000 training grant and a Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund of $195,000 for the 325 jobs.

The state would pay for the 80 percent QTI match of $780,000 and a $420,000 training grant.

Full story: http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=548381

[KenFSU]

The Daily Record is speculating that this might be a second Amazon fulfillment center for the area.

http://www.jaxdailyrecord.com/showstory.php?Story_id=548391

[Tacachale]

Interesting. Who owns the building now?

[KenFSU]

^The city. Though there's no building, just woodland. The company would by the land from the city at $9k an acre and build out themselves.