Zoning issues impede possible sale of OLF 8. What Escambia County is doing about it.

Escambia’s Board of County Commissioners have asked staff to resolve some zoning issues that could hamper their ability to sell Navy Outlying Field 8, or OLF 8 , in Beulah, for top dollar. The process is expected to take at least three months, but if the issues are resolved commissioners say it could make the property more attractive to developers.

The zoning issues came up during discussions at their regular meeting Monday morning of the latest offer from Beulah Town Center, LLC , of $25 million for 290 acres of the more than 530-acre property.

The county has been negotiating with the company for months now and Beulah Town Center developer Fred Hemmer said he won’t compromise on certain language in the offer, like putting down non-refundable “hard money,” as long as some of that property is zoned for civic use and light industrial.

He said that could potentially interfere with the overall effort to adhere to the DPZ Master Plan for the property , which calls for a mix of commercial and residential development and a town center with amenities within walking distance like shops, restaurants and other services.

OLF 8: Beulah Town Center offers $25 million for OLF 8. Is it enough to seal a deal?

Hemmer also said additional zoning issues were created when the county nixed a main boulevard that would connect the 290 acres it's selling with some 250 acres to the north the county is retaining for job creation.

Hemmer said the “hodge podge” of zoning issues will be a challenge for any developer interested in the project and county leaders agreed. They asked staff to take a closer look at the individual zoning areas, delineate them, and make recommendations to address the issues.

Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, who represents the district where the property is located, supported the decision.

“They’re going to need those changes to make it economically viable,” said Bergosh.

The process could take up to 90 days and there’s no guarantee fixing the zoning the issues will mean Beulah Town Center and the county will settle on a contract for the property, but commissioners say it’s a step in the right direction for any potential sale of the property.

“If we know that there are things we need to do on our end to try and shore up what are going to be contract problems with anybody then lets get that going on a fast track,” said Board Chairman Steven Barry.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Zoning issues impede possible sale of OLF 8. What Escambia County is doing about it.