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I am one member of a five person board. The opinions I express on this forum are mine only, and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Escambia County Staff, Administrators, Employees, or anyone else associated with Escambia County Florida. I am interested in establishing this blog as a means of additional transparency to the public, outreach to the community, and information dissemination to all who choose to look. Feedback is welcome, but because public participation is equally encouraged, appropriate language and decorum is mandatory. Although this is not my campaign site for re-election--sometimes campaign related information will be discussed, therefore in an abundance of caution I add the following : Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Jeff Bergosh, Republican, for Escambia County Commissioner District 1








Tuesday, July 25, 2023

D.R. Horton Makes Revised, $24.1 Million Offer for OLF-8 Property in Light of BCC Pulling Back 241 Acres

D.R. Horton sent the rendering, above, for their development of OLF 8, minus 241 acres that the BCC will hold back for job creation/commerce.

 

As I was told would happen, late this afternoon D.R. Horton sent the BCC a revised offer for OLF-8.

As I also expected--the price was significantly lower now that the BCC has held back nearly 250 acres for job creation and economic development.

Their previous offer of $42 Million was for much larger portion of the property; this offer is for a substantially smaller parcel and thus the smaller price offering.

We will have a meeting a week from Thursday, and I assume the consideration of this latest offer will be a topic of discussion.

The 27 page offer--which I am still going through-- has some significant stipulations that will have to be worked through.  But the due dilligence period has been reduced to six months from twelve--which is a positive development.

I will discuss this in more depth tomorrow morning on my coffee with the commissioner event.

Look for more to come on this later in the week.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

This does not look anything like the DPZ master plan.

Anonymous said...

not good.

Hopewinger said...

The terms of the offer has changed, so it's my feeling, as a Beulah property owner, that the county should throw out all past bids, and start from scratch. I am not the only one questioning the wisdom of turning over a huge chunk of land to a developer with numerous complaints about the qualify of their work. This is the future of Beulah, and it's not something that needs to be rushed. Reissue the RFP for the section of land that is now available and see what new offers come to the table.

Anonymous said...

Stick with the DPZ. Period. I guess money wins. 😔 I have literally never heard a single good word about DR Horton.

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately. 😔

Anonymous said...

Further and further and further away from master plan

Anonymous said...

So, divide and conquer? Looks like Horton would get exactly what they want - generic residential - without having to integrate it into a cohesive neighborhood as laid out in the DPZ plan. Economic development - can I suggest more car washes, tattoo parlors, vape shops and gas stations? We might as well be consistent with the rest of Escambia county.

Anonymous said...

A very good point. Different pavkage now.

Anonymous said...

I drove around today and the commercial development is indeed limited to exactly what you speak. Shouldn't we have some limits on zoning and repetitive licenses?

Anonymous said...

We don't need any housing/townhomes/apartments. We have townhouses and apartments being built at Nine Mile and I-10 and now another new apartment complex right across the street from OLF-8. We don't need "affordable housing" aka Section 8.

DR Horton builds substandard housing. Don't believe me, just check all of the lawsuits pending against DR Horton in the states of Texas, Louisiana, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, California, Alabama (and probably more).

Stick to the DPZ plan and find a builder who is not substandard.

Emilio said...

Hey there, Commissioner Bergosh!

I hope things are going well with you. I wanted to talk about this DR Horton proposal for the 241 acres, and I gotta be real, it's not looking good at all. This plan they're proposing? It's like a whole different universe compared to the master plan we all worked so hard to compromise on.

Remember how we fought tooth and nail to come up with that master plan? It was all about sustainable growth, vibrant neighborhoods, and a community we could be proud of. But now, this DR Horton proposal comes along, and it's like they didn't even read the master plan. It's way off track, and I can't help but feel like they're taking us for a ride.

We need to hold them to their word. If they said they'd honor the master plan, then they need to do just that. I mean, they should render something that shows what the master plan intended for this place. Instead, they're coming up with something that looks like it belongs in a completely different neighborhood. It's just not right.

And what about green spaces? We need those greenways, man! They're important for our environment, our well-being, and our future. But this proposal barely has any of them. We can't let them take away something that's so crucial to our community's health and happiness.

One more thing, where's the walkable downtown they promised? You know how much we all want that charming, Savannah-like vibe in our community. A place where we can hang out, shop, and connect with our neighbors. But all I'm seeing here are these sterile strip malls that suck the life out of a place.

So, Commissioner Bergosh, I'm asking you to stand by the master plan we worked so hard on. Hold DR Horton accountable for what they promised, and don't settle for anything less than what we deserve. We can create something incredible here, a community that we can all be proud of, but we need to stick to our guns and demand better.

Thanks for listening, and I know you're a man of your word. Let's make sure this place becomes everything it was meant to be.

Take care,

Anonymous said...

Hallelujah, could not agree more.

Lennon said...

Howdy! I got somethin' on my mind 'bout OLF 8 that I reckon you oughta know. See, the folks of Beulah, well, they got their eyes on ya. They're hopin' you'll stand up for what's right and make sure this master plan we all compromised on gets done just like we agreed.

If you don't stick to your guns and back this DPZ plan, I gotta be honest, folks might not be too keen on votin' for ya come 2024. They put their trust in you, and now's the time to show 'em you mean business and got their backs.

This ain't 'bout playin' politics, no sir! It's 'bout doin' right by the people who put their faith in you. They want a community they can be proud of, one that shines like a diamond in the rough.

So let's stick to this compromise, and let DR Horton know we ain't playin' games. We want what's best for Beulah, and that's this DPZ master plan. It's got all the heart and soul this place deserves, and we ain't backin' down!

Remember, folks are countin' on ya, and we're all in this together!

Arnold said...

Ah, Bergosh!

I hope you're pumpin' iron and feelin' fantastic! As we keep talkin' 'bout the future of OLF 8, there's somethin' that's got my gears grindin'. DR Horton's way of doin' things, it's all 'bout the green, with little thought for our community's well-bein' or that carefully crafted master plan.

Sure, they're a big name in the homebuilding biz, but their track record's got me wonderin'. Are they in it for the long haul, or just chasin' after that bottom line? I reckon we need folks who've got their sights set on the big picture.

A master-planned community ain't just a buncha houses slapped together, it's a chance to build somethin' amazin'! A livin' space that brings folks together, reflectin' our values and dreams. But that'll only happen when we got developers who embrace and follow that master plan, no compromisin'!

So, I'm tellin' ya, Commissioner Bergosh, think 'bout the impact of teamin' up with a developer who might not have our community's best interests at heart. We've got the chance to create somethin' truly extraordinary at OLF 8, and we need partners who're all in, buildin' a neighborhood we'll all be darn proud of!

Thanks for standin' tall for our community's well-bein'. I know you'll guard that master plan with all the strength of a Schwarzenegger bicep!

Keep liftin' and leadin'

Anonymous said...

a well-designed master plan can attract private investment by showcasing a clear vision for the area's future development. Investors and businesses are more likely to invest in an area that offers an appealing urban environment, with the potential for a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. They are less likely to invest in this DR Horton POS !

Anonymous said...

County Commissioners of Escambia County,

I stand before you today to advocate for the adoption of the DPZ hybrid plan and urge you to carefully consider rejecting the proposed plan put forth by DR Horton. Here's why:

Comprehensive and Sustainable Approach: The DPZ hybrid plan offers a comprehensive and sustainable approach to urban development. It focuses on creating walkable, mixed-use communities that promote economic vitality, social cohesion, and environmental stewardship. By following this plan, we can ensure a vibrant and resilient future for our county.

Job Creation and Economic Growth: The DPZ hybrid plan has a proven track record of fostering job creation and economic growth. Its emphasis on mixed-use development attracts a diverse range of businesses, including retail, dining, entertainment, and hospitality. By rejecting the DR Horton plan and embracing DPZ's approach, we can generate more employment opportunities and strengthen our local economy.

Community Engagement and Local Input: The DPZ hybrid plan places a strong emphasis on community engagement and involving local residents in the decision-making process. It ensures that the voices and aspirations of our community are heard and incorporated into the development plans. By following this approach, we can create a development that truly reflects the needs and desires of our residents.

Sustainable Infrastructure and Resilience: The DPZ hybrid plan prioritizes sustainable infrastructure and resilience. It integrates green spaces, promotes energy efficiency, and encourages alternative transportation options. By rejecting the DR Horton plan and adopting DPZ's approach, we can build a community that embraces sustainability and adapts to the challenges of the future.

Quality of Life and Sense of Place: The DPZ hybrid plan focuses on creating a high quality of life and a strong sense of place. It emphasizes the importance of well-designed public spaces, attractive architecture, and a connected community. By following this plan, we can create a place where residents are proud to call home, attracting visitors and enhancing our overall quality of life.

In conclusion, embracing the DPZ hybrid plan and rejecting the DR Horton proposal will lead to a more sustainable, economically prosperous, and community-oriented future for Escambia County. Let us prioritize job creation, community engagement, and a vibrant, resilient environment. Together, we can shape a better future for our county and its residents.

Anonymous said...

fire bergosh

Anonymous said...

Money talks

Anonymous said...

I pray for divine intervention

Theresa Blackwell said...

I am so proud and happy to see that so many of you in the community get it on OLF 8, that we came together to help shape a plan that could be amazing for Beulah and attract the best commercial investors and jobs for the county - the DPZ master plan, NOT the Horton plan. Think about sending your comments as an email to all the commissioners and as a letter to the editor of PNJ. Here are links to where you can find the commissioners' contact information and to PNJ letters:
https://myescambia.com/open-government/districts
https://static.pnj.com/submitletter/

Anonymous said...

💥💯 Nailed it. Don't forget wig shops and title loan/pawn shops...

Anonymous said...

This will be a colossal mistake that will forever and permanently tarnish any legacy that Bergosh thinks he has. What a missed opportunity. Totally catering to developers like Cronley vs doing what’s best for our community

Anonymous said...

Don't forget storage units.

Toni said...

This is disheartening on so many levels. I am from Pensacola and moved back last year to be close to my family, as my dad is very sick. We built in a new DR Horton development and this wasn’t our first experience building a new home, but did turn out to be the worst experience ever. This is a sub par build and I would never wish the experience we’ve had for anyone. It’s been a headache and heartache every time we turn around. We moved from Ohio where we had already sold our home and we needed a place to live. In turn we had a house built by a bunch of alcoholics (so it seems) with empty beer cans and bottles left at the build site EVERY day. No wonder this house has so many issues. Obviously, the site supervisor didn’t care because it continued after we complained. They had our money and they didn’t care. This is just one of 55 houses (I think) and I have 100’s of pictures, videos and documentation of the blatant sub par workmanship that was done on this house. I don’t even know how the inspections passed. The “warranty” a buyer gets is useless. We’ve tried to have standing water on the back patio every time it rains fixed and they give us excuses instead of fixing it. I don’t understand how DR Horton is still getting permits approved for new builds in Pensacola. These are peoples lives we’re talking about. Their savings, their well being and their sanity for that matter, dealing with such an unprofessional company.

It will be a huge mistake to allow DR Horton to take on such an important build for Beulah. Don’t make the same mistake we did. You’ll regret the decision as we do every day. I desperately wish we had listened to the warning signs and I agonize daily that we didn’t. I’m sure there are countless stories you could hear about families who have gone through the ringer with DR Horton. Please, listen and let this be a sign that DR Horton is NOT a trustworthy company.

You’re making a decision for your constituents in Beulah, which happens to be where your residence is as well. Your community has asked you to do what is right for Beulah. DR Horton is not serving your fellow Beulah residents well and I don’t see that changing. Our many requests to fix things that shouldn’t have been issues to begin with has gone on def ears. Our year is almost up with the warranty, with no “fixes” or help expected.

Please, do the right thing for the citizens of Beulah!

Anonymous said...

This is wacky also.

Residents in Beulah pushed for a major plan for development then cry when a developer wants to develop.


Anonymous said...

Did you all expect anything else? These people pretend to listen to appease the masses and then do what they planned to from the beginning anyway. Just another drop in the money talks and people who? bucket.

Anonymous said...

Our DR Horton home right here in Escambia county was so poorly built it had to be demolished, along with 16 of our neighbors' homes. After arbitration, they bought it back at our original sales price so they could "fix" it and resell it but even they decided their THREE YEAR OLD construction was unsalvagable. The commissioners don't have to go far to find similar versions of both of our stories, but I'm not sure we are being heard. Sure, as a local politician i understand wanting to take a victory lap by landing a development deal, but it's kicking a can full of potential problems down the road to use an economy-of-scale developer instead of a good one.

Anonymous said...

...and you're right- having so many issues with our home dominated and almost ruined our lives and health (thanks to mold issues) for three years, not to mention the legal fees due to Beggs and Lane. It's crushing- I told my husband it felt like the death of all our hopes and dreams. The county shouldn't knowingly walk into that type of situation. I know it sounds anecdotal to hear our stories but it's the rule rather than the exception with Horton.

Anonymous said...

No, just better. We deserve better

Political Advertisement Paid For and Approved by Jeff Bergosh, Republican for Escambia Commission D1