Title
Innovation Square (B)
Explanation
Redevelopment of the Alachua General Hospital (AGH) site and surrounding properties into the Innovation Hub and Innovation Square has the capacity to bring huge benefits to Gainesville. The most obvious impacts will be in the areas of urban form, economic development, job creation/retention, etc. However, if executed properly, redevelopment of the area will positively affect many other facets of the community as well. One key component in realizing the potential of Innovation Square is ensuring that the relevant land development regulations are capable of supporting the desired redevelopment. The regulatory framework must be structured to support the desired uses and to achieve high quality redevelopment and urban form, while simultaneously providing the clarity, brevity, and practicality needed to cultivate significant private (and public) sector reinvestment.
Unfortunately, the existing regulations cannot accommodate these needs, and unless revised, redevelopment of Innovation Square/surrounding properties is unlikely to reach its envisioned potential. For these reasons, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is taking the lead role in crafting revised land development regulations which will govern both the former AGH site and the surrounding area. The goal for these regulations is to provide a simple, straightforward, flexible framework that will facilitate investment in the community and high quality redevelopment, while also ensuring high quality design in our built environment. The CRA has engaged David Green, with Perkins+Will to assist in this effort. Perkins+Will is a global leader in designing science/technology buildings, and Mr. Green is a leading urban design professional.
Draft regulations were presented to the City's Community Development Committee (CDC) on October 28th and to the CRA on November 15th. Final feedback was received from the CDC, CRA, Planning staff, Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), Public Works Department (PWD), adjacent property owners, and other stakeholders. This feedback was incorporated into the proposed regulations, which are attached as backup to this agenda. Based on the positive feedback from the CDC, CRA, Shands, UF, General Government staff, and other stakeholders, the next step is to request the City Commission approve the initiation of a planning petition. CRA staff will coordinate with City Planning Department staff to bring the proposed regulations through the approval process in a timely fashion. The goal is to have the new regulations fully incorporated into the Land Development Code in early 2011. Based on recommendations from stakeholders and from the CDC and CRA, the new regulations have been structured to consolidate and replace both the University Heights Special Area Plan and the base zoning regulations within the Innovation Square study area. The attached backup includes modifications aimed at structuring the new code as an underlying zoning for the area.
Fiscal Note
None at this time
Recommendation
CRA Board to the City Commission: 1) request CRA staff coordinate with City Planning Department staff to initiate a planning petition to bring the proposed regulations, as a base zoning layer, through the approval process.