Max Planck Gets Green Light

A parcel of land in Jupiter just west of Scripps may not look like much now, but after a deal reached today between Palm Beach County Commissioners and members of the Max Planck Society of Germany, the future of science and the county's destiny will be intertwined. "For us it's an historical moment because this is the first Max Planck Institute in the United States," said Peter Gruss, President of the Max Planck Society.

Max Planck will build a 100,000 square foot bio-imaging facility to conduct cutting edge science. 135-high paying jobs will be created. In return, the county agreed to shell out $87 million dollars in incentives in addition to $94 million pledged by the state. "This is really about the transformation of Palm Beach County's economy, one that has been dependent on real estate and tourism," said Kelly Smallridge with the Palm Beach County Business Development Board. Frank Brogan president of F.A.U. Where Max Planck will be housed said "I think what we will see with the bio cluster that over time there will be an ability to keep more of Florida's young people here."

Max Planck coupled with Scripps will most likely create smaller spinoffs and could sprout up to 1800 related jobs over several years. Good news, but some want more immediate results. " It is certainly a trying time for Palm Beach County with our financial situation and cutbacks. Yet we are going ahead spending 89 million dollars?" asked commissioner Burt Aaronson.

Despite that, the board's vote was unanimous to approve the grant. Max Planck still has to discuss land issues with F.A.U. They hope to start hiring early next year.