News
PCC Will Purchase Land in the Northeast as Site of a Future Center
Published: Tuesday, January 27, 2009
PCC Approves Land Purchase for classrooms
The Polk Community College District Board of Trustees (DBOT) has selected the Civix-MedEplex property on U.S. 27 as the site of a future center in Northeast Polk County. At their Monday meeting, the Trustees authorized PCC President Eileen Holden and the college attorney to negotiate a contract with the owner.
Twyla G. Ely, chair of the DBOT, was gratified to cast her vote in favor of the measure along with the other six Trustees. "For a very long time we have realized the need for a center there," she said. "I'm really excited about this. In 2000, when I first served on the Board of Trustees, a Northeast site was one of the first issues presented to us. Now it is closer to a reality."
After Monday's vote, Dr. Holden expressed satisfaction with the decision. "We are pleased to take this important step toward establishing a center in Northeast Polk County that will serve the higher educational and workforce training needs in this dynamic area of the county," she said. "This site will allow us to enhance our existing partnership with Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center as well as be a significant player in the economic vitality of the Greater Haines City area."
The 7.87 acre Civix tract is located adjacent to U.S. 27 just south of the Massee Road intersection. PCC's plan includes an urban design with two interconnecting multi-story buildings and surface parking. Future plans call for a multi-story parking structure.
The Civix parcel includes all necessary infrastructure for the project and is "shovel-ready" to begin construction on the first PCC building. Having roads, electricity, water and sewer lines and other utilities in place will result in a cost savings of approximately $3 million. The location of the site means there would be potential business partnerships available in the medical complex, which could provide student employment.
The College was awarded $2.7 million in state Public Education Capital Outlay (PECO) monies for a Northeast PCC facility. This money is restricted for land acquisition. The site was appraised at $3 million. Dr. Holden said the property owner has discussed donating the difference.
"This is a big step for both the community college and the hospital," said Rod Connelly, president of Civix. The developer is planning to build several multi-story MedEplex buildings adjacent to the PCC site. These buildings with have room for 50 medical practices and a diagnostic center. With PCC in the complex, he said, "the whole synergy of it will be intangible. The college will work as an agent [to attract businesses]. This will be a long-term partnership."
Jay Finnegan, CEO of Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, emphasized the value of PCC's close proximity to the medical complex. "We are very pleased to have Polk Community College expanding into this area," he said, "I expect to see improved access to higher education for our community particularly for those seeking careers in healthcare. Job opportunities in the medical field still remain strong and PCC will be an important partner to Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center and other healthcare providers in meeting these needs with trained personnel."
The new center is expected to have a positive effect on the entire community said Allison DeVito, deputy director of the Haines City Development Council. "This will benefit Northeast Polk County and beyond," she said. "When a company considers relocating, they look at the quality of life in the area. Education is one of the biggest keys to bring in new business."
Ann Toney-Deal, city manager of Haines City, was also pleased with the impact PCC will have on the area. "This is a wonderful opportunity for Haines City as well as the Northeast part of the county," she said. "On behalf of the city, I'm excited about this partnership. It will mean Polk Community College will soon be providing top quality education for our citizens."
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