Hamilton County should take a practical look at whether the current Business Development Center is still serving its purpose. While it played an important role in the past, the reality today points to a facility that is no longer being used in the way it was intended.
Basic issues stand out. Parking is limited, and complaints about cars being towed are common. Tenants have raised ongoing concerns about HVAC problems. At times, the building sits largely empty, which raises questions about demand and effectiveness.
Even the appearance works against it. The exterior and aging windows do not project a strong image for a space meant to support growing businesses.
There are also structural concerns with how the incubator operates. These programs are typically designed for short-term use, around three to five years, to help businesses launch and then move on. In practice, some tenants have stayed close to a decade. That limits turnover and reduces opportunities for new entrepreneurs to access the space.
Taken together, these issues suggest the center is not operating at its best use. Continuing to invest in an aging, underutilized facility is hard to justify when better options are available.
Moving incubation efforts to the Franklin-Roberts Future Ready Center offers a more modern approach. A newer space tied to workforce development and training can better support today’s businesses and create a stronger pipeline for growth.
Selling the current property is not about stepping back from economic development. It is about using resources more effectively and aligning them with current needs.
Lilith Grace Davenport