NTC Earns Designation That Allows Tax Credits and Other Incentives for Development

Lon S. Hatamiya, secretary for the California Technology, Trade and Commerce Agency, announced this week that the NTC received the preliminary designation under the agency's program for reusing closed military bases. The announcement "is the first step in clearing a path for maximizing job-creation activities at the Naval Training Center," says Hatamiya.The designations "have shown to be an effective tool for local economic developers to assist in their job-attraction efforts," he adds.

As part of the process, the state requires communities to submit an economic development plan for taking the redevelopment project from theory to reality. The state agency administers the program, created to stimulate job creation and development in areas experiencing military base downsizing and closure.

Since its inception in 1993, the program has assisted in the rehiring of 3,355 workers and creation or expansion of 132 business locations.Private investment has increased from $17.25 million in 1997-98 to $31.1 million in 1998-99.

The NTC closed in April 1997, ending more than 70 years as a training and education site. The NTC had expanded to almost 550 acres with 300 buildings. Only 361 acres will be transferred to the city, with another 51 acres being conveyed to the San Diego Unified Port Authority.

In partnership with developer Corky McMillin Cos., the city hopes to create a $500-million waterfront community on the northern section ofSan Diego Bay that mixes homes with offices, schools and recreation and entertainment facilities.