Mill Site Granted

Back to Trustee

Title to the former Durango paper mill site in St. Marys, Georgia was transferred back to the court appointed Trustee today as part of a court approved settlement agreement between the Trustee (Bridge Associates, LLP) and the former owner (The Landmar Group, Inc.).   The transfer was in lieu of foreclosure after Landmar defaulted on a mortgage encumbering the property and subsequently filed bankruptcy.   The property was transferred from North River, LLC (a Landmar controlled entity) to Old Weed and Ready Plantation, LLC (a Bridge Associates controlled entity).   The transfer effectively resolves a legal entanglement that had placed the property in market limbo for over a year and the transaction brings this important parcel one step closer to redevelopment.  

According to Mike Newsom, project manager with Bridge Associates, LLC, the court appointed Trustee, "we can now proceed with full authority to market and sell the Durango mill site property.   There are many new opportunities that have come into being since the last time we sold this property, and we are looking forward to robust interest in this special plot of land.  I would like to add that we are very appreciative of the support and marketing help we have received from the Camden County Joint Development Authority (the "JDA") and from the City of St. Marys."

According to David Keating, Executive Director of the Camden County Joint Development Authority, "the resolution of this legal matter clears the way for the property to get back on the market and sparks hope within the community that redevelopment may occur at some point soon.  We sincerely appreciate the hard work and attention the Trustee has devoted to untangling the issues affecting the property so it can become productive once again."

Alyce Thornhill, Director of the City of St. Marys Downtown Development Authority stated, "getting the title settled is another necessary step to continue to move this project forward.   This investment opportunity has the potential to transform our city and create much needed jobs and new business."

At +/- 720 acres, the former Durango paper mill site is one of the largest, privately owned, deep water, rail served sites remaining in Coastal Georgia that is also served by public utilities; including water, sewer, electricity and natural gas. 

When the Farnborough International Airshow 2010 kicks off today, July 19, 2010 in Farnborough, England, local Research and Development company, Aerospace Missions Corporation (ASMC), will be among the more than 1,400 exhibitors expected to be part of this biannual international event.  Held at the FIVE (Farnborough International Venue and Events) 4,000 sq. meter permanent venue and 10,000 sq. meter site, the Farnborough International Airshow which this year runs from July 19 to 25, 2010 is recognized as one of the most iconic global aviation events.  The first five days of the event are generally considered “trade” days, with the final weekend open to the general public.  More than 150,000 weekend spectators are expected to close out the 2010 event.

“This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with other aerospace companies on an international level and therefore allows us to gain better insight into what’s happening in the aerospace industry not just at the national level, but globally,” stated ASMC President and CEO Rick Morgan.  “If we want to be competitive at the international level, it’s important for us to be there.  We look forward to an exciting week at the Show and to exploring new potential opportunities and partnerships once we’re there.”

Aerospace Missions Corporation will be attending the event as part of the Georgia Delegation at the Farnborough International Airshow, coordinated by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD).  Georgia ranks as one of the top five U.S. states in aerospace exports to the United Kingdom.

Jim Lomis, Chairman of the St. Marys Downtown Development Authority, said “ASMC’s participation in the Farnborough International Airshow creates a unique opportunity to share St. Marys, Georgia with the rest of the world.  ASMC chose to locate in our great town and we hope that others will follow once they learn more about us.”

Aerospace Missions Corporation is a research and development company headquartered in El Paso, Texas and specializing in nanophotonics technologies and UAV payload technology.  The company’s areas of expertise include electro-optics R&D; laser communications systems engineering; sensor miniaturization and fusion; operational and developmental weapon system testing; and aerospace mission analysis and design. The company’s Advanced Technology Center is located in St. Marys, Georgia.  It also has offices in California, New Mexico, Florida and Massachusetts.

Board Of Directors

Meeting Minutes for June 7, 2010

The regular meeting of the St. Marys DDA was called to order by Lomis at 9:08 AM. 

Members Present: Jim Lomis, Craig Root, John Morrissey, Charlie Smith, Barbara Ryan, and Walt Natzic

Members not Present:  Tom Monahan

Guest in attendance:  Cheri Richter; Chairman Promotions Committee, Chris Daniel; Director Camden Chamber of Commerce, David Keating; Joint Development Authority (JDA) Director

Staff:  Alyce Thornhill; Executive Director, and Renée Coakley; Executive Assistant  

Minutes:  The board reviewed the May 3, 2010 meeting minutes.  The minutes were approved with a motion by Natzic and a second by Smith.  All were in favor.     

Treasurers Report:  The reports were reviewed and approved with a motion by Smith and second by Root.  All were in favor.

Additions to the Agenda:  There were no additions to the agenda.

Presentation:  Board Training:  Lomis requested that this item be moved to the end of the agenda.

BusiNess discussion:

Promotions Committee:  Minutes and Projects:  Cheri updated the board on some items she is working on.  Local business owners will be working with the committee on a Founders Day project for June 2011.  There will also possibly be a music event on September 11^th.  Country in the Park:   Cheri mentioned that the June event was rained out.  The next one will take place on July 4^th.  Ryan mentioned that the downtown merchants will be hosting a songwriter’s event which will take place on August 21^st.  Songwriters from all over will enter a song for judging.   

Economic Development Committee-Alcohol Ordinance: Alyce mentioned that the ordinance was approved by council to move forward to the city attorney for recommendations.  Now that the new city attorney is in place efforts will be taken to get this item on the agenda.  How we built it seminar:  Alyce mentioned that the committee chair is working on a seminar that will showcase five local businesses in the fall.  This seminar will offer new business owners and potential business owner’s ideas on how these businesses became successful.     

Design Committee:  Tree Ordinance:  Alyce mentioned that the tree protection ordinance and design guidelines were passed at the council meeting and will be included in the ordinance to include Heritage Trees.  Design Guidelines:  Alyce handed out the cover sheet that will accompany these guidelines whenever handed out to potential builders.  Alyce mentioned that she will be having handouts printed of the guidelines, the cover sheet and incentives that the city will be able to offer to potential builders.  This brochure will be printed at minimal cost from funds in the advertising budget.       

Film Alliance:  Ryan requested that the new title for this entry be Film Alliance.  Ryan mentioned that the television pilot Coast Guard Auxiliary is being filmed during the next three weeks.  The producers of the film Eye of the Hurricane will arrive in July and filming should begin in August.  To view information about the upcoming film visit www.havensfoot.com.  Ryan mentioned that the film museum is looking for items to be added to its collection by donation or loan.  

DIRECTORS REPORT:

DDA Property Realtor Letter:  Alyce presented the letter that was drafted to send out to all real estate agencies in the area to remind them of the properties that the DDA has available for sale.  The board agreed that the letter was ok and it will be sent out within the next few days.   

DDA Property/listing agreement:  Alyce presented the non-exclusive seller agreement contract from the representative at C-21 that is interested in listing the DDA property on Norris Street in conjunction with an adjacent property they have to market.  The DDA board requested that Alyce obtain an updated appraisal on the property in order to get a more accurate sales price for the piece.  Alyce will obtain the appraisal and send the information to the board via email once completed.  Root asked if the contract could be cancelled at any time.  Lomis pointed out that the contract is for a one year listing duration and requested to change the listing to a six month period if the option to cancel is not available.  Root asked to add that the board would like to acknowledge notice of property showings.

Issues Breakfast:  Alyce mentioned that this event would be a forum to enlighten council on the DDAs work plans for the year.  Alyce will discuss this item after Lomis board presentation at the end of the meeting.  

Green Communities Fund:  Alyce mentioned that GA Cities has an energy efficient improvement loan with a minimum loan amount of $10,000.  Alyce asked everyone to review the handout that was presented.  This incentive is available for all business owners. 

Employee Incentive Program (EIP):  Alyce mentioned the grant has been put on hold again due to the company not adding the warehouse onto the facility as previously stated.  Alyce presented the new uses chart that has been provided by Gateway Employment Management (GEM) and will update the board next month on the proceedings of the grant.

Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund (DDRLF):  Alyce mentioned that the Riverview Hotel is in the closing stages for this loan in the amount of $356,200.  Root asked if the DDA will be held accountable if the loan defaults.  Lomis will check with the representative at the bank before the board signs the promissory note for this loan from Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

Thank you to event sponsors:  Alyce mentioned that she has begun sending thank you notes to groups who hold events in the downtown area.  This idea came about after a recent walk for autism that was held in Downtown St. Marys.    

Annual report:  Alyce mentioned that in August or September the DDA report to council will be due.  She will have more information on this in July.

Herty visit:  Alyce mentioned that she and Keating visited this state owned corporation site in Savannah recently to learn how this company provides initial product testing to businesses and determine if the idea is a viable proposal to ensure the product is manufactured in the state of Georgia.

Courtyard design:  Alyce presented the design assistance provided by DCA for the rear courtyard of the DDA building.  The board agreed that this work is necessary to upgrade the building and requested that Alyce get quotes to have an iron fence installed.

Businesses and Updates:  Alyce mentioned that the Lions Club of St. Marys displayed the flags in the medians for Memorial Day and will continue this tradition for 8 other holidays throughout the year.  A local business owner visited Alyce with an idea to display flags in midtown on every light pole from Borrell Creek to downtown.  The business owner plans to take on the responsibility of raising funds for the project.  Morrissey asked Alyce to talk to the Citizens Advisory Board regarding this idea because they previously mentioned looking into purchasing banners to be hung in the midtown area. 

Ryan asked Alyce the status of Docs House of Chicken and Waffles and Alyce mentioned that the new business has obtained their alcohol license at a recent council meeting but a grand opening date has not been mentioned as of yet.

Alyce mentioned that the Gilman Guest House property will be auction on June 17^th. Partners from DCA, 1 Georgia, Georgia Cities Fund and more will be visiting the city to discuss funding incentive options to aid in the possible procurement of this piece of property in downtown.

Ryan mentioned that the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has agreed to rent a building on the waterfront to house the CVB office.  The current location has problems with the floor in the building.

Presentation:  Board Training:  Lomis handed out an executive summary that highlighted tax allocation districts (TADs) which are a redevelopment tool that allow the funding of capital improvements and/or support other public or private sector investments in an area and use the anticipated increase in property values from this investment to finance the debt.  Some benefits of a TAD would be the revenues produced will finance projects that stimulate growth and thusly contribute to growth in jobs, wealth, housing opportunities and other economic development goals while also enhancing the fiscal position of participating jurisdictions.  Lomis requested that the board read the hand out to educate themselves on this economic tool.  Ryan asked that it be created electronically.  Lomis will send the link to allow access to the summary online.

Issues Breakfast:  Alyce mentioned that at this event the board will enlighten council on the DDAs work plans for the year and also educate council on redevelopment powers and how they work.     

Adjourn – Meeting adjourned at 10:42 AM with a motion by Ryan and second by Morrissey.

_____________________________

Charlie Smith, Secretary

Prepared by Renée Coakley, Executive Assistant

AGENDA

July 19, 2010

9am, Economic Dev Building

Call to order                                                              Jim Lomis

Roll Call                                                              Jim Lomis

Minutes of June 7^th meeting                                  Charlie Smith

Treasurers Report                                                    Charlie Smith

Additions to the Agenda

Business Discussion:

Promotions Committee                                           Cheri Richter                         

            Country in the Park

            Music Fundraiser

Economic Development Committee                   June Fischer

            Alcohol Ordinance

             DDA Boundaries

            How we built it seminar

Design Committee                                              Karen Preble

            Design for Boat ramp kiosk

Film Alliance                                                       Barbara Ryan

Directors Report

DDRLF closing

Gilman Boathouse Project

Property Appraisal

Ink Factory closing, available property

Dan McRae Document

Annual report, August 9^th report to council

Boat ramp design

Businesses and Updates

This is a tentative agenda and subject to change.  Please check with the St. Marys DDA prior to the date and time of the meeting for any revisions.  All interested persons are encouraged to attend this meeting.  For more information contact St. Marys DDA (912) 882-8111.