Commission asks USF to draft RFP and real‑estate agreement for Progress Point; developer’s LOI for lots 7–8 deferred

Commissioners on April 23 directed USF to prepare a draft request for proposals and a draft real‑estate agreement to guide development at Progress Point within the Westgate technology park, after a lengthy presentation by Brian Nehof, CEO of USF.

Nehof told the commission the proposal is a three‑part approach: launch a formal RFP for specific lots (he recommended lots 7–9), use a time‑limited real‑estate agreement under which USF would handle marketing and preliminary vetting of end users (fees capped and tracked), and amend CCRs/owners‑association documents to unify management and allow assessments for shared amenities. Nehof said the package is intended to streamline transactions across the three‑county Westgate park and to set objective standards for acceptable proposals. “The first and foremost is really activating and going to market with Progress Point,” Nehof said during his presentation.

Commission discussion focused on who retains final authority (the commission keeps sale/approval authority), the size and cap of USF fees (USF proposed up to $50,000 per transaction; staffing charged at stated hourly rates), and whether adding an owners association would add bureaucracy or needed structure. Commissioners asked for an updated appraisal if the real‑estate agreement proceeds.

Joshua moved and Shane seconded a motion requesting USF provide a draft RFP for Progress Point lots, a draft real‑estate agreement, and a review of CCRs; the motion passed 3–1–1 (three yes, one no, one abstention recorded in the transcript). The vote authorizes staff to work with USF and the county attorney to circulate drafts for review at the next meeting.

Separately, attorney Jim Brunson presented a letter of intent from a client interested in purchasing lots 7 and 8 for a total of $20,000 and investing up to about $10 million to develop up to three quick‑service restaurants and a gas station. Brunson said the project could produce roughly $200,000 a year in assessed‑value tax revenue if built as proposed. Commissioners agreed Mr. Brunson’s proposal was premature to act on immediately and asked that appraisals and the RFP process proceed first.