Friendly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram plans to move from Liberty to Dayton. Chris Jarmon told Dayton City Council the company proposes to invest no less than $8 million in a single-story dealership of about 30,000 square feet on a 13-acre tract at US 90 and Stilson Road, east of the Grand Parkway. Jarmon said the actual cost is expected to be higher.
Under the proposed agreement with the Dayton Economic Development Corporation, the dealership would employ at least 33 full-time workers for at least three years after receiving its certificate of occupancy. The corporation would provide up to $450,000 in incentives, paid in two parts: $240,000 after the building is complete and $210,000 once the employment requirement is met. The DEDC board approved the agreement 5-0 on Aug. 10. Council heard the first reading on Oct. 19, and City Attorney Brandon Davis said a vote is expected in November.
General Manager Humberto Escamilla confirmed that the Liberty dealership will close when the Dayton facility opens. The company currently leases its Liberty site and plans to own the new location. Escamilla said the move has been in the works since brothers Blake and Austin Salinas acquired the dealership, which they also own in Crosby through Friendly Ford.