CHARLOTTE CLOSES IN ON LAND SWAP DEAL

CHARLOTTE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS VOTED 4-1 TO SWAP MORE THAN A HUNDRED ACRES AT MURDOCK VILLAGE FOR INDUSTRIAL LAND NEAR THE PUNTA GORDA AIRPORT.  THE VOTE TRIGGERED A THIRTY DAY PERIOD WHERE THE COUNTY WILL SOLICIT OTHER PROPOSALS BEFORE SIGNING OFF ON THE BEST OPTION.  IF CHOSEN, THE SWAP WILL GIVE THE GROUP SOUTHWEST LAND DEVELOPERS 137 ½ ACRES OF THE 870 ACRES OF MURDOCK VILLAGE IN EXCHANGE FOR A LITTLE LESS THAN 33 ½ ACRES OF SHOVEL-READY LAND NEAR THE PUNTA GORDA AIRPORT, WHICH THE COUNTY PLANS TO USE TO ENTICE RELOCATING EMPLOYERS THAT ARE LOOKING FOR CHEAP INDUSTRIAL SPACE.  THE MURDOCK LAND DOES NOT HAVE INFRASTRUCTURE, WHICH TAKES FROM ITS VALUE.  SOUTHWEST LAND DEVELOPERS HAVE SAID THEY PLAN TO PUT A WATER PARK AND RESORT ON MOST OF THE LAND ALONG WITH A DOWNTOWN TYPE SETTING WITH RESTAURANTS, SHOPPES, AND MIXED-USE HOUSING.  THE DEVELOPERS WILL ALSO HAVE THE OPTION TO BUY ANOTHER 100 ACRES AND MUST DEVELOP ON THE LAND WITHIN TEN YEARS.