FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- The North River property just outside downtown Fort Wayne continues to be a coveted piece of land after another group tied to businessman Eric Doden submitted an offer Friday to purchase the property from the City of Fort Wayne. According to a press release, the inquiri ng party is Cumberland Development LLC and is comprised of "local investors and business leaders." While the release does not disclose the names of anyone involved aside from Trout Moser, president of National Oil & Gas, Inc., financial disclosure statements tied to the 2024 Indiana gubernatorial race link Doden to Cumberland through a real estate-related partnership. The release claims the purchase offer is estimated to be in the $8 million to $10 million range and would save millions of taxpayer dollars compared to the City of Fort Wayne's current plan, which includes a sports complex and future plans for other mixed-use developments. Sports complex on historic North River site planned to boost Fort Wayne’s economy Allen County property records show Cumberland owns multiple properties along High and Barthold streets, which is just west of the North River property that borders Clinton and 4th streets, and the firm argues it would be able to create a "bold, mixed-used" urban development plan with the property. Domo Development, which Doden co-founded, released plans in 2023 that also referenced High Street properties for mixed-use developments. "Not only does it make the best financial sense for the city and taxpayers, it ensures the development is led by local leaders truly invested in the future of the community," said Trout, who also serves as principal of Cumberland. The investment firm's announcement comes a few days after Fort Wayne Next, another group linked to Doden, inquired about using riverfront property for a stadium that would be utilized by Snider High School. Similar to Cumberland's claims, Fort Wayne Next argued its proposal would save millions of dollars and bring "world-class facilities" to the downtown and riverfront areas. In the 24 hours following Fort Wayne Next's announcement, both Fort Wayne Community Schools and the City of Fort Wayne distanced themselves from the organization's proposal, with the latter saying it does not intend to sell the North River site or any other related property. City of Fort Wayne distances itself from Eric Doden’s Fort Wayne Next On Friday, the City of Fort Wayne reiterated its stance regarding Cumberland's proposal, saying it is "not interested in the purchase offer and is not affiliated with the group." The City of Fort Wayne is still moving forward with its plan to turn the North River property into the North River Fieldhouse, a sports complex that is expected to bring in $26 million annually, along with future developments that include housing, a hotel, a restaurant, retails spaces and a parking garage. Once completed, city officials anticipate the North River site will be a "source of community pride and a center of activity for generations to come." ...read more read less