NFCC campus, YMCA center coming to Perry

As part of Cypress Mill development

Taco Times News Article, October 18, 2006

The team behind Perry’s new traditional neighborhood development, Cypress Mill, announced Monday it has partnered with North Florida Community College (NFCC) to establish a satellite campus here.

Also announced was a plan to establish a YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) center on the 250-acre project site.

The news came during a daylong charrette (Workshop) unveiling plans for the project, which developers say hearken back to the 1930’s and 40’s.

The new traditional neighborhood will be a credit to Perry and Taylor County and represents a return to “front Porch” living. The planning team is pleased with the phenomenal interest and excitement shown for the project.

Cypress Mill will be designed around a town center within sauntering distance to homes, boasting a neighborhood post office and more than four miles of walking trails. Streets will be pedestrian and bicycle friendly, according to designers.

The town will also have a blend of commercial and professional offices, along with the planned YMCA center and NFCC campus.

NFCC President Morris Steen stated they are looking forward to having a facility and an increased presence in Perry and Taylor County. They are very excited about this project and think it is a great opportunity for the citizens of Taylor County. They will probably expand their allied health care education offerings, as well as general course offerings that lead to an Associate of Arts degree. Since it is in such an early state, they do not know full how it will develop. They will build the facility and will probably lease it.

The developers of Cypress Mill have committed to building a YMCA facility and it will be operated according to Christian principles. The center’s director and staff will be funded by YMCA. The facility will include common meeting areas and exercise equipment. Visions are to include a gymnasium and a regulation swimming pool that could be used to host swimming competitions, etc.

Phase I of the development is expected to include some 30 home sites, as well as the college and YMCA facilities.

Groundbreaking is tentatively slated for early 2007 with anticipated move in by 2008.