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Escambia Gives Final Approval $3.6 Million 4-H’s Langley Bell Sale To Navy Federal
May 4, 2012
The Escambia County Commission officially approved the sale of the 240-acre Langley Bell 4-H Center to Navy Federal for $3.6 million in a short meeting Thursday afternoon.
The commission — acting as trustees for the 4-H County Council — voted 4-0 to sell the property on Beulah Road. Commissioner Wilson Robertson abstained from the vote because he is a member of the 4-H Foundation and also because he might have future business relationships related to the development of the land.
On April 23, young 4-H Council members, who represented 4-H Clubs across the county, voted 21-16 in favor of the sale and a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that specifies what happens next to 4-H.
The MOU also called for the creation of aa 4-H Extension Task Force to consider what happens next for 4-H between two proposed options.
Navy Federal will pay $3.6 million for the property next to the credit union’s campus in Beulah. The Escambia Commission will also contribute $1.5 million in local option sales tax funds to construct a new 4-H building with the plans subject to the approval of the Extension Service.
Option one of the approved MOU will construct the new building on 23 acres at the Escambia County Extension Service on Stefani Road. The first option also provides for 20-30 acres next to the Roy Hyatt Environmental Center in cooperation with the Escambia County School Board for animal-related programs and other appropriate 4-H activities. This property will be in addition to the facility to be located at the Extension Service on Stefani Road.
The second option would allow for the purchase of other acreage and propert with up to $1.6 million of the Navy Federal sale proceeds for the use of the 4-H program. The “Friends of 4-H”, a group of of 4-H supporters, is calling for the purchase of former the former Bayer Crop Science Facility on Crabtree Church Road in Molino. The 250 acres stretches from Crabtree Church Road north to Highway 97 near Molino Park Elementary School.
Pictured top: The Langley Bell 4-H Center. Pictured top inset: 4-H County Council President Devon Bell signs off on the ballot results April 23 signifying the 4-H Council’s agreement to sell Langley Bell to Navy Federal. Pictured below: A portion of the neighboring Navy Federal complex in Beulah can be seen in the background of this photograph of the Langley Bell Building. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
Comments
18 Responses to “Escambia Gives Final Approval $3.6 Million 4-H’s Langley Bell Sale To Navy Federal”
The property on Crab Tree would be a DREAM. Beautiful, high and dry with a gated entrance and fenced. Wonderful community around. MANY livestock and horse owners around plus farmers abound. Superb access from HWY 29. I hope they go for it as i would love to have my kids involved in 4H!
I am optimistic this Morning, as bad as this is 4H will continue wiser and stronger
for the ordeal.
We have learned much as much has been revealed pertaining to those we elected
to be the stewards and caretakers of our county and trust. The true colors and
hidden agendas of many has been revealed, even though much remains hidden
the light is on this matter and the memories of these events are and will remain in
our hearts and mind. Let us not forget, when we exercise the power of our VOTE.
The foundation members are appointed by Extension Director. I have talked with 2 of the members. I tried to talk with the Realtor. He basically told me to ” get lost’. he needs removed immediately. He did not want to discuss anything with me It is split into 2 groups. one group consists of 4H associated members, ie… Jackie Cunningham and others. The lists should be a public record.
The other group is non-4H affiliated as told to me by Extension director ,so that they have no vested interest in their decisions, I AM Skeptical though!.
i have seen their names and one is a 4H hall of famer.
Most appear to be ok, if they can or do not have to follow cthe “party line”..
Find the list an be sure to voice your opinion!
Jeeperman – the problem with the decision and handling of the 4-H money being the responsibility of the Escambia County 4-H Foundation is that I am pretty sure these adult members that you mentioned are carefully handpicked/selected and appointed to this Foundation by the Director of Extension. Most are not always associated with any clubs or even 4-H in some cases, there is a realtor, a CPA, a County Commissioner, and even an employee of Navy Federal to name a few. And their meetings are not subject to the Sunshine Law.
Scary part is that she will probably be the one appointing the members of the
4-H Task Force mentioned in the MOU – the Task Force that is supposed to study which option to go with (the Bayer Property or not).
I think the Bayer Property is the best alternative. I think there should be more access for the 4-H ers for projects, Livestock shows and summer camps. I think we are lucky such a property as Bayer Property is currently available. I hope the decision makers secure this property very soon.
Thank you Mr. Lamb for a well researched and thought out response!
Gerald,
I’ve followed this story with interest, especially since I live in Molino and I have livestock. For personal reasons, I’d love to see the 4-H facility end up on the old Bayer property as I would like for my kids to be more involved, and with the set up closer to home, that would be possible for them. On a non-personal level, it makes more sense to build where development has not yet begun to encroach. It will come soon enough as the only way left to grow for Pensacola and surrounding areas is north, for the most part, but it would be years before that would even be a consideration if the property were placed on the Molino site. Keep up the great work!
In the know: There are actually 88 acres of wetlands @ LBC. It is still wildlife habitat and does have some management potential.. As far as only 30 to 40 acres being utilized, that is because much was timber that could have been managed for profit!. Also as i stated earlier, many restrictions were put in p[lace to limit the usage for reasons, that seem silly. Insurance, lack of vision/leadership and other factors prevented uses that were there before and not there now. The hurricane destroyed some infrastructure and it was not rebuilt wjhich also limited the uses. I know that i am being harsh on Extension Office, but I see that a lack of incentive/leadership/ vision are strong factors. The 23 acres on Stefani Rd and the additional 20 to 30 acres are still rural residential with all the drawbacks of growth and risks. Combining it all into one facility, Bayer,just makes more sence. It is zoned AG and neighbors know it. It can bvought cheap too, leaving 2,000,000 plus to operate on.
The sale of 4-H property to NFCU is a very good move. Now we need to ensure that the kds have a place where they can have the activities that 4-H represents. The Bayer property is perfect for growth, activities, raising livestock, gardening, and other things. Buildings on the property are a big plus. Rural community is a big plus. Environmental study is neededfirst but what a great opportunity for young people far into the future to be able to have this place. Stefani Road location is a residental area and not suited for activities of 4-H. The agent in charge should accommodate the 4-H not herself. Simple solution: move extension office to Bayer property.
In the know, an incumbent about to go!
I hope these kids can recieve a measure of fair compensation for their/our loss.
I wish I knew the whole story from cradle to grave of what led NFCU to covet
this beautiful land. They learned of it somehow, someone planted a seed?
Why is everyone talking about the amount of acreage? Yes, the Beula property has 240 acres, but let me ask you this:
How much of that acreage is “protected wet lands” that can’t be used?
Didn’t think about that, did you? If they are only using 30-40 acres of the Beula property, because the rest is protected wet lands, then what’s the big deal?
Something that needs to be considered with this “deal” is the amount of land that is being replaced of the 240 acres in Beulah. 20-30 acres and 23 acres is a far cry from 240 acres. 4-Hers cannot do very much with such a small area, if animals of any size or number are in the plans, and buildings, and campgrounds, and more. And how will the “city folks” feel about the smell, traffic, etc. in their neighborhood.
EVERYONE involved with this sale should keep in mind this fact – “They’re not making anymore land.” To purchase more land later will be very costly and very unnecessary.
Buy the Crabtree Church – Hwy 97 property and be prepared for whatever project future 4-Hers may want to get involved in.
The proceeds of this sale do not go to the county.
The county commisioners are the trustees or stewards of the local 4H Clubs assets such as the Langley Bell property.
There is also a local 4H Clubs foundation of adults that oversee the local 4H Clubs finances such as the proceeds from a previous sale of property in 2001 or so and now the proceeds from this sale.
Next step is to get rid of the Extention Service Agent in charge as I have not seen any posts from anyone that likes how she treats the local 4H Clubs.
I pay taxes: Now Why Should Taxpayers have a sav in bequested land given to 4H members in 1943 as a gift. It is not taxpayer land and belongs to 4H members through a foundation and a set up of a trust fund, that I have concerns with, If it were county funds they could spend proceeds on roads, libraries, hire Forrest Gibbs and so on. Best that it is not in their pool of money!
I am 100% for the purchase of the Bayer property and if there was a way to cut out a lot of the middlemen the better 4H would be. Lack of use of the LBC was an excuse to build up to the sale of LBC. WELL< if you put so many restrictions on its uses then you can say "Look at the lack of use. . This whole deal has too many "well doers" involved that were out for its demise.
To sale to NFCU is not a bad thing for Escambia county, but cut the nonsense and give the 4Hers alike piece of property!
They should buy some land, whether it is the Bayer plot or not; just because the head of the Escambia County Extension Services oversees the 4H does not not mean that they have to combine headquarters on Stefani Road for convenience. The children in 4H are far more important than someone’s personal convenience.
It would be great if our 4H could obtain land just across the Alabama line, beyond
the reach of the esc co commission, but not too far from home.
There are some beautiful areas just across the Perdio river on hwy 112.
There has to be a way for 4H to be shed of these commissioners.
I hope they will take the Crabtree Church property. It has more potential for growth and more options for the 4H groups. It also has some things already in place for them.
I believe that as tax payers we could be able to say where the money goes that the county make off this sale. I think that the county should buy the land on highway 97 for the 4H. I believe it is more important for these kids to have somewhere to go and learn about farming and agriculture. I also believe that our county officials need to start worrying more about the people in this county. I pray for God to look over our county officials and help them make better decision for our county and the people in it