Overview
- Board members declined a 90-day extension requested by Eatonville leaders who sought time to present a town-ownership alternative.
- A Jan. 13 vote is scheduled after a workshop where a majority signaled support to sell the surplus 117-acre gateway property to Dr. Phillips Charities.
- The draft sets a $14 million price with $1 million paid upfront and up to $13 million forgiven if 10-year milestones are met, including a greenspace and pavilion donated to the town, an early learning center, a community hub with health care, and a new town hall and history museum.
- Dr. Phillips’ concept includes housing, retail with a grocery, a conference hotel, education and medical facilities, parks, and potential property donations back to Eatonville.
- Supporters point to tax-base growth and movement on a long-vacant tract, while some town council members argue Eatonville should own the land to control development and revenue; any project would still require town zoning approvals.