Title
Waldo Road Corridor Study (B)
This agenda item requests funding for a proposed corridor study by the University Of Florida College Of Design, Construction and Planning, for the Waldo Road corridor.
Explanation
The City, County and the University of Florida have received a proposal from Professor Martin Gold of the University for a design study of the proposed Waldo Road corridor. The proposal states that the study will gather previous initiatives and proposals; define the corridor focus area and areas of influence; develop a future project matrix that summarizes proposals and alternative components noting the advantages and difficulties; extend and refine existing initiatives such as the Plan East Gainesville project; suggest multiple transportation modalities and linkages to other local projects; and suggest appropriate alternatives for commercial, housing and mixed use development. The proposed cost of the proposal is $105,000, with the suggested cost being shared by the City ($35,000), County ($35,000) and the University of Florida ($35,000) as proposed by Professor Gold.
There are two existing plans for the area, Plan East Gainesville, and (covering only the southern portion of the Waldo Road area) the Eastside Redevelopment Plan prepared by the Community Redevelopment Agency. Plan East Gainesville has set the vision for establishing activity and employment centers along Waldo Road, as well as an established long-term transit plan that will link the eastside activity centers to the University of Florida and the broader community. The Eastside Redevelopment Plan sets the foundation for implementing Plan East by providing a funding mechanism for incentives for redevelopment and for funding of infrastructure, improvements and physical enhancements to corridors, sidewalks, public spaces, parks and buildings. Given the long-range planning that has occurred, this proposal by the College of Design, Construction and Planning should provide a focused study of Waldo Road corridor opportunities and the future use of State-owned properties such as Tacahale. The proposal could develop a plan for how these properties should be used, looking at public/private partnerships, and what role the University of Florida and/or Santa Fe Community College could play in the long term development of the area. The proposal could also determine what short-term improvements could be made to improve the aesthetics along the corridor as it relates to landscaping and signage regulations.
Fiscal Note
The request is for $35,000 from the City. Funds are available in the City Commission contingency fund (001-990-9989-5810-9110 with a balance of $150,000).
Recommendation
The City Commission fund one-third of the study cost ($35,000) from the City Commission contingency fund.
Alternative Recommendation A: The City Commission not fund one-third of the study.