The Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is halting plans for a new warehouse and office until more information can be gathered, according to a spokesperson.
Proposals for a new 250,000-square-foot facility were accepted last fall. Due to state law, the ABC Board has to lease all buildings and facilities, so the builder would build the facility specifically to lease it to the state for 10 to 25 years.
The lease on the current facility expires in 2025, and a new building will be needed by the end of that lease. ABC spokesperson Dean Argo said there is no more room in the current space, and the buildings are over 40 years old.
However, the ABC Board decided not to move forward with any of the proposals for a new warehouse at this time.
Argo told 1819 News three proposals were received. Those came from DHL Supply Chain, Scannell Properties, and Aronov and BL Harbert International. After thoroughly examining those proposals, Argo said staff recommended no action be taken until more information can be gathered.
ABC Board member John Knight told 1819 News last September there were a lot of questions surrounding the project, which was estimated to cost around $80 million. He said he wanted to be sure taxpayer money was being handled responsibly.
Argo said the agency will now look even deeper into what it can do by examining what other states are doing to meet customer demands, but he said there is certainly a need for more space.
"There's no time table in place, but we remain aware that our current lease expires in late 2025, so we're working diligently to find answers and opportunities that will allow us to grow and manage demand," Argo told 1819 News. "Please remember that our warehouse and administration buildings are more than 40 years old and have been modified several times during that period. We simply have outgrown our current configuration and space."
"If we were to remain here, major changes would have to be made," he continued. "Obviously, infrastructure modifications that include new construction take time. So, time is no longer on our side."
As of now, there are no plans to issue another Request for Proposals.
There are only 16 other alcoholic beverage control states in the United States.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
