Title
CRA Project Summary (B)
Explanation
As a regular informational item on CRA agendas, Staff provides a brief update on selected referrals, redevelopment projects and development agreements under review. This monthly update is typically a limited sampling of the CRA's many on-going projects, as opposed to a complete list. As a supplement to the standard project updates, for this agenda Staff has provided a comprehensive list of current CRA projects. This project summary will provide additional detail and breadth regarding current CRA initiatives.
CRA Annual Report - The CRA report for FY 2007 has been published and distributed to taxing authorities, Board Members, and the general public. The CRA will continue to utilize the Annual Report as a valuable marketing tool over the next year.
CRA Website - The CRA website is currently under construction. Staff is working closely with the site's designers and builders, and hopes to launch the site this summer, July 21.
City Beautification Awards - The CRA won three awards for its projects: the SW 5th Avenue Triangle Pocket Park, the NW 5th Avenue Tot Lot, and the Bartlett Building Façade. Other award-winning projects with CRA participation are SW 2nd Avenue Reconstruction, Rush Law Office, and B'nai Israel cemetery.
IEDC Awards - Staff has submitted the CRA's FY 2007 Annual Report to the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for consideration in the IEDC's Annual Awards.
Façade Grants - CRA staff and the CRA attorney are finalizing legal agreements for recent recipients of the DRAB façade grant program. The CPUH Advisory Board approved two façade grants at the June 2008 meeting, and will continue discussion on a potential third grant recipient at the July meeting.
Tumblin Creek Park Decorative Fencing - Approximately 600 feet of new decorative fencing was installed with the assistance of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. CRA provided funding and design assistance.
CRA Maintenance Programs - CRA currently provides/manages maintenance activities such as pressure washing, landscaping, and street cleaning. The Downtown Board is currently examining the feasibility of using free labor from the Alachua County Corrections Dept. as an alternative to funding maintenance services in the area.
Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Historic Preservation Services - An item related to the selection of contractors is in on the agenda.
Southeast Gainesville Redevelopment Initiative - Wilson-Miller presented the Special Area Plan document to the City at the May 12th City Commission meeting. Staff from the CRA, Community Development, and the City's Attorneys office are currently working together to finalize the document in order to begin the process of incorporation into the Land Development Code.
Kennedy Homes - At the May 2008 meeting, the CRA approved the scope for redevelopment at the former Kennedy Homes property. The issue will move forward to the City Commission to discuss optioning the property to the CRA for redevelopment purposes.
Hawthorne Road Properties - At the April 2008 meeting, the CRA approved the purchase of two lots on Hawthorne Rd to be redeveloped to encourage economic development in the SEGRI area. The CRA closed on the properties on June 9. A survey has been ordered and internal site analysis is underway.
Renaissance Lights on University from Waldo to SE 15th Street -Work has begun on installing the Renaissance poles on E. University Avenue adjacent to the existing concrete poles, which will be removed once the 6ft arms have arrived from the vendor and installed.
Cotton Club - The rehabilitation effort is to take place in three phases, stabilizing the main building, rehabilitate surrounding shotgun houses and grocery store.
Eastside Gateway Project - Two bids for the Gateway construction were obtained on April 10, 2008. Both bids were over the budget of $300,000. The Anglin Construction bid was $386,400 and the Lawson bid was $457,773. The project will be rebid in June.
Exterior Paint Program- An item related to this is on the agenda.
University Avenue Medians - The design for the 5 medians in CPUH and 3 medians in the Eastside is complete; however, the irrigation design has encountered difficulties regarding utility locates. CRA staff and Zamia Design are working to resolve the utility issues.
Lynch Park - The Parks Advisory Board has enthusiastically approved of the dog park/garden concept for Lynch Park. CRA staff has also received approval from the City of Gainesville Parks & Recreation Director regarding an implementation strategy at Lynch Park. The City Commission and CRA have also approved the project. Staff will finalize details for the planned improvements and present these issues to the CRA at an upcoming meeting.
Bethel Station/Downtown Plaza - The CRA is the lead agency for revitalization of the Downtown Plaza and Bethel Station. Staff is currently formulating the scope for installing a new business at the Bethel Station. It is anticipated that this business will be food service oriented. Additionally, the CRA has contracted with Anglin Construction for demolition and removal of the old, discontinued bus shelter adjacent to Bethel. That project is now complete. Staff is also formulating additional concepts for revitalization of the Plaza.
Hampton Inn/Lot 9 Redevelopment - Construction is currently underway; foundation work is complete and the structure is now going vertical. It is anticipated that the project will be complete and the hotel will be operational by July 2009.
Jefferson on 2nd Avenue - Construction is nearing completion. The CRA Engineer is working with developers to ensure that CRA standards are well reflected in the finished product.
Gainesville Greens/Lot 10 Redevelopment - The City Commission will hold a special meeting on Monday June 16th at 6pm to consider an extension of the option at Lot 10.
The Palms - Construction on this condominium project is nearing completion. The CRA Engineer is working closely with the developer and the construction team to ensure that CRA standards are met and that the finished product is of high quality.
Porters Neighborhood Improvements - The new Porters Oaks fence has been installed along Depot Avenue. The CRA Engineer is working with DRMP and coordinating with local utilities to develop 30% plans for improvements along SW 3rd Street. Considerations for improvements include undergrounding utilities, completing connectivity of sidewalks through the neighborhood to the Porter's Community Center, and upgrading street and pedestrian lighting.
CPUH and Downtown Parking Studies - Staff is working with consultants from Rich & Associates to coordinate a timeline for services. It is anticipated that background work will occur over the summer. However, in order to achieve an accurate assessment of local conditions, observations of local parking demand will be scheduled after students have returned for Fall Semester.
Bus Shelters - The CRA approved the selection of Bentley Architects on April 21, 2008. Staff is proceeding with the professional services contract to begin this project.
Gainesville Responsible Hospitality Partnership - GRHP continues to work with Greek students to formalize support for the Partnership. GRHP will also be reaching out to other student and professional groups at UF.
CRA Streetscape Design Standards- Bellomo-Herbert has finalized the revisions to the standards. Staff is reviewing changes with the advisory boards and making revisions.
Cade Museum - The museum organizers addressed the City Commission on April 28th. The museum concept and history were presented as well as the themes of Inspiration, Invention, and Innovation developed at the March charrette. Refined concepts are anticipated to be presented at a later date.
University Avenue Improvements - The FDOT Maintenance Agreement has been completed and is being routed for signatures. It is anticipated that execution and installation of the first improvements (waste cans and benches) will take place in late June. The improvements extend from NW 20th Terrace to Waldo Road.
NW 1st Avenue Lighting - Installation of the new Domus fixtures (and associated power line undergrounding) is now complete.
Depot Rail Trail - JMJ Consulting Engineering is developing a feasibility study and alternative concepts for trail widening. Public Works, GRU, and CRA staff met to discuss the concepts and evaluate concerns. Refinement to the concepts and a review of permit requirements are currently taking place.
FAPS Redevelopment Plan - With input from the FAPS Advisory Board and from neighborhood stakeholders, the Plan update has been completed. Staff presented the plan to neighborhood members at the FAPS Crime Watch on May 13th, and conducted a final discussion of the Plan at the FAPS Crime Watch on June 10th. Following that meeting, the Plan will be scheduled for a public hearing at the City Commission for final approval.
NW 5th Avenue Streetscape - The streetscape project is completed. The final inspection of the project by Public works, the CRA, and Anglin Construction was completed on April 25, 2008. Anglin Construction has installed new sidewalks, brick pavers, street and pedestrian lights. CRA staff has requested that Public Works perform some cosmetic repairs on the curb faces, which has been completed. A ribbon cutting ceremony is anticipated for July 24, 2008.
University House - Construction is underway, with the first phase of buildings nearing completion. The CRA engineer is working closely with the developer and the construction team to ensure that CRA standards are fulfilled. The development agreement will be on the July CRA agenda.
Tumblin Creek Watershed Management Plan - The Tumblin Creek Watershed Management Plan (TCWMP) was completed in late 2007. Currently, staff is working on the implementation strategy of the plan. Projects listed within the plan have been prioritized, and staff is initiating the top priority project, SW 7th Ave exfiltration.
SW 7th Ave Exfiltration Basin and Improvements - CRA staff is working to issue a purchase order for CES, Inc. to develop designs for the underground exfiltration basin and above ground roadway and streetscape improvements along the SW 7th Ave corridor. This contract will be piggybacked off of the Public Works continuing services contract with CES.
SW 13th Street Pedestrian Overpass Enhancement Design - Staff is planning to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) and design competition for this project to be launched August 25. The project involves redesigning the pedestrian structure atop the FDOT bridge at SW 13th Street and Archer Road.
Rails-to-Trails Signage - The City Commission has adopted the CRA's design for guide signage for the City's rail trail system. CRA is currently designing the mounting system and design specifications.
5th Avenue Mixed-Use Project (Union Academy Building) - The rendering was approved by the CRA and the Fifth Avenue Advisory Board.
SE 7th Street Lights - The traditional pedestrian lights have been installed from SE 4th Avenue to SE 2nd Avenue. The overhead utilities have been placed underground the old light poles removed.
NW 6th Street Rail Trail - Public Works and CRA staff are collaborating on this project, which involves the design and construction of the 6th Street rail trail from South Main Street to approximately NW 14th Avenue. CRA will participate mainly on the design of the project. The trail project spans the Downtown, CPUH, and FAPS redevelopment districts.
A. Quinn Jones House - This house is located at 1013 NW 7th Avenue. Staff is in the preliminary process of recommending that the A. Quinn Jones House be placed on the National Register of Historic places. The text for the State marker has been written and will be submitted.
Depot Park - An item related to this project is on the agenda.
Fiscal Note
None at this time
Recommendation
Executive Director to CRA: 1) Hear presentation from staff.