Newberry OKs tax exemption and impact‑fee mitigation as city prepares AgTech Park announcement
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Summary
Commissioners approved a second‑reading tax exemption ordinance and an impact‑fee mitigation agreement to help recruit Harvest Singularity (Project Hydro), which staff says plans a roughly $40 million, 90‑job hydroponic greenhouse; a press conference announcing the anchor tenant is scheduled.
The City of Newberry voted this week to finalize incentives aimed at attracting an AgTech company the city identified as Harvest Singularity (also referred to as Project Hydro).
On second reading the commission adopted Ordinance 25‑73 granting an economic development ad valorem tax exemption for Project Hydro. Separately, staff presented and the commission authorized a draft economic‑development impact‑fee mitigation agreement under which the developer would be eligible for up to $73,000 in impact‑fee credits if it creates at least 20 jobs that pay a minimum of 115% of the average annual wage.
Dallas Lee summarized the project's anticipated scale: "The current project estimates over $40,000,000 in capital investment, 90 jobs," and described clawback provisions and a three‑year certification period that begins when the developer receives a building permit.
City Manager highlighted the recruitment outcome and announced a press conference to disclose the anchor tenant on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 9:30 a.m. at UF/IFAS. At the meeting the manager described the technology and jobs potential: "This is Dutch technology. It's completely encapsulated greenhouse agriculture. It's all AI. It's robotics." He also said the company expects high levels of production and water efficiency.
Staff said the mitigation agreement allows the developer three years from permit issuance to meet investment and job targets; the city retains the ability to recoup waived fees if commitments are not met. Commissioners unanimously approved the mitigation agreement and authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute the final contract.
Next steps: staff will finalize the mitigation agreement and host the scheduled press conference where city officials plan to provide additional details about the project and timeline.