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CAVE JUNCTION Ambitious Illinois Valley airport plans already in jeopardy Owner of development company owes Josephine County $175,000 Comment By Jim Moore Grants Pass Daily Courier MailTribune.com By Jim Moore Grants Pass Daily Courier Posted May. 3, 2015 at 8:52 PM By Jim Moore Grants Pass Daily Courier Posted May. 3, 2015 at 8:52 PM » Social News CAVE JUNCTION — Six months after all the fanfare, an ambitious development deal that promised much-needed improvement to the Illinois Valley Airport and high-tech jobs already is in jeopardy. The Josephine County Board of Commissioners last week authorized a default warning over delinquent rent payments from Manor Communities Development Corporation and concern about apparent liens against Larry Osborn, owner of the company. To date, no upgrades have been accomplished, no businesses have been attracted, no jobs have been created and no money has been paid to the county. In a letter to an attorney representing Osborn and Manor Communities Development, Josephine County states that the company owes $174,240 that came due on Jan. 2 of this year as well as accrued interest. In addition, Osborn needs to prove to the county, which owns the airport, "that there are no judgments or liens against him or his assets." The Josephine County Board of Commissioners authorized county Legal Counsel Wally Hicks to write the letter Wednesday after emerging from an executive session. Board Chairman Keith Heck and Commissioner Cherryl Walker voted to send the letter, but declined to discuss details about the situation. Commissioner Simon Hare was absent. On Friday, Hicks told the Daily Courier he had little comment beyond the letter itself. "The letter is pretty comprehensive," Hicks said. "The letter very clearly shows Manor owes us money." The letter was mailed to Carlyle Stout III, a Medford attorney county officials say represents both Osborn and Manor Communities Development. His law firm said Stout would have no comment. The board, amid much ballyhoo, signed the lease agreement Nov. 12 after it had been previously signed by Osborn. Terms call for Manor to pay the county more than $18 million over 30 years, though only $5.5 million would be in actual revenue with the rest being upgrades and improvements at the airport. It calls for a $174,740 payment to the county in the first year, with escalating payments topping out at $642,904 by the fourth year. Manor can receive credits by making improvements at the airport. Upgrades would include a new water system, new electrical system, a taxi way to connect existing taxi lanes, an airport ramp area, a septic handling system and completion of an industrial park at the airport. In return, Manor would have access to some 74 acres at the airport. Manor’s stated intent is to build facilities at the airport for multiple tenants related to the unmanned aerial vehicle industry, better known as drones. Manor proclaimed its tenants could provide up to 200 jobs. At the time of the agreement, county officials said there was no downside for the county because it has no money invested and the land is sitting unused. In addition, the county has an exit clause to end the contract if Manor doesn’t uphold its end. Despite those assurances, several critics, including former county Commissioner Sandi Cassanelli, testified against the lease prior to the board signing it. Many others, including Cave Junction Mayor Carl Jacobson and local real estate agent Jim Frick, testified in favor of the lease. According to its website, Manor Communities Development has offices in Grants Pass and Las Vegas as well as a manufacturing facility in Lodi, Calif. Osborn has been involved in several projects in the Illinois Valley, including home developments, a medical facility and an unsuccessful attempt to buy Laurel Pines Golf Course. By Jim Moore Grants Pass Daily Courier MailTribune.com By Jim Moore Grants Pass Daily Courier Posted May. 3, 2015 at 8:52 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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