Guest Column: Hydro responds to critics of plan

Guest Column: Hydro responds to critics of plan



MATTHEW DIONNE
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 12/14/08


The aluminum manufacturing facility on Riviera Boulevard has been a cornerstone of St. Augustine's economy for more than 30 years. Since Hydro North America acquired it in 2002, the facility has seen more than $30 million in improvements and established itself as a good corporate citizen in St. Johns County.

Hydro has been working with elected officials and local business leaders for more than a year on a Planned Unit Development (PUD), a form of zoning common in establishing residential subdivisions and shopping centers. This public process will conclude on Dec. 16 with a hearing before the County Commission (set for 1:30 p.m.)

Interested St. Augustine residents should have all the facts concerning this process and how it will benefit all the parties involved. Hydro has kept area residents informed throughout this process, including holding its own public meeting. Unfortunately, many details have been omitted, misstated or misinterpreted by others. Accurate facts, however, are essential to facilitate the public's understanding of the PUD process.

The PUD establishes a growth plan for a period of up to 20 years. It defines certain restrictions, such as building height and density of land development, which will protect Hydro's residential neighbors. The facility at Riviera Boulevard encompasses approximately 150 acres, 40 of which are currently developed. The building covers more than 334,000 square feet. While the PUD will allow Hydro to update its facilities, it will not expand the company's property boundaries, nor will it grant Hydro any extraordinary rights or exemptions.

A land planner assisted Hydro with creating a master development plan, including land-use designations and buffer zones. Hydro has established conservation areas (like the old compound on Riviera Boulevard) and buffer zones, to protect against future development near property boundaries. It also conducted and reported traffic studies to demonstrate compliance to local ordinances.

A PUD will also allow Hydro to manage and adapt its facilities to accommodate its day-to-day operations, ensuring that the company continues contributing to St. Johns County well into the future. These contributions are significant as Hydro is one of the largest industrial manufacturers in the county.

Hydro currently employs 326 people, more than half of whom live in St. Johns County. The company's average payroll, more than $20 million annually, flows into the local economy through the purchases of everyday life, such as groceries, gas, rent, movie tickets and such.

Hydro pays more than $1.86 million per year in taxes, including payroll, property and other taxes. It spends more than $8.3 million to purchase goods and services from local St. Johns County and regional-based companies. This includes everything from fuel to office supplies. And just since 2007, Hydro has spent approximately $6 million on facility enhancements and safety improvements.

Hydro has developed a Web site -- www.hydro.com/sta -- dedicated to its St. Augustine PUD application so that neighbors and residents can get the full facts about this process and our facility.

This PUD will help Hydro remain a corporate leader in St. Johns County, providing jobs to area residents and revenue to local businesses and the county in these most difficult economic times.

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Matthew Dionne is vice president and general manager, Hydro Aluminum North American Inc.


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