Commonwealth has strong Potential

MY VIEW -- If you can think about what the Southwood area was before the development of the HUGE 4,000 residential, mixed-use master planned development commenced, it was nothing more than a sprawling cow pasture with some state offices nearby. Today Southwood is home to some of the city's more impressive buildings, homes, and potentially will develop into the next major commercial hub.

Long established, Commonwealth sits near the junction of two major Tallahassee highways, I-10 and Capital Circle, and not far from another, US Highway 90. Railroad tracks even run near the park and the Tallahassee Regional Airport is a short distance away.

Similar to Southwood, there is the presence of a state workforce in addition to a rather substantial collection of private sector employment such as General Dynamics, Gates that Open, Coca-Cola Bottling & Distribution, Waste Management, FedEx, Comcast, Citizens Insurance, with several others present and more on the way (Federal Govt. has plans).

One would think, given the inventory of employment in this area, a major housing development wouldn't be far off. Working in Commonwealth myself, I can tell you -- of the many who work here that haven't yet purchased a home, most desire to live near their job. Yet, there simply aren't that many options.

Many people who work in Commonwealth leave "campus" at lunch for distant diners and stores because in this area also, options are limited -- unless you desire to spend your lunch hour roaming the long isles at Lowe's.

One would assume a study would have been commissioned to gauge the feasibility of providing to this rather under served business park's employees more places to spend our money. Until now, there wasn't much hope.

Until now there was no Park Place proposal.

Many wonder why I get excited about yet another PUD for Tallahassee. For me, its as simple as knowing there's a need for something that someone has finally decided to provide. Park Place proposes to add a plethora of options to a 300 acre parcel that fronts the intersection of I-10 and Capital Circle just north of the Commonwealth Business park. If all goes according to plans, we could see this relatively quiet interchange transformed into one with more homes, shopping, restaurants, and hotels. Which ultimately means more life and business for our fair city.

I'm excited about the possibility of grabbing the dollars of those passing through Tallahassee along I-10. Soon there should be a major boost in traffic along this stretch of road as motorist pound their way to the new Wind Creek entertainment complex in Gretna. Surely we could use those outside dollars to help build infrastructure and keep our community vibrant and beautiful.

Tallahassee has clearly expanded its boundaries beyond the Monroe Street-centered district as is evident by the struggles of the Tallahassee Mall. Now is an excellent time to tap into the potential of Old Exit 28 and continue the expansion of Tallahassee along the newly widened 6-lane Capital Circle NW corridor. This area is virtually a blank slate with large tracts of land now undeveloped waiting for someone with big dreams to mold it into something great.

The developers of Park Place have decided to take this leap. For that reason I rejoice. If only they would change the name to Park Place at Commonwealth.