Title
CRA Project Summary (NB)
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.
CRA Wide
CRA Sustainability Policy - This project is in process and has been assigned to a staff team. Initial research has been completed and a draft is underway. The target delivery date is February 2009.
CRA Website - CRA will begin a marketing program to promote the website. Additional web content is being developed.
Potential Eastside expansion areas - On January 15, 2009, the City Commission will receive blight finding reports on three potential expansion areas that are adjacent to the existing Eastside Community Redevelopment Area. Should the Commission adopt a Resolution finding slum or blight in any of the areas, the CRA could, at its February meeting, consider amending the Eastside Redevelopment Plan to accommodate the area(s).
Parking Study - Public input continues to be a major component of this project. An online survey is available until December 15th to collect additional opinions. The consultants will analyze this and other information and will provide preliminary to findings to Staff in December
University Avenue Medians - The contract for landscape installation is in the process of being executed. CRA staff has accepted a proposal from GRU for the installation of irrigation water supply lines. A preconstruction meeting will be scheduled for early January.
University Avenue Improvements - The improvements extend from NW 20th Terrace to Waldo Road and consist of new waste receptacles, planters, and benches. The FDOT has approved the permit and executed the maintenance agreement. The CRA is negotiating the price of installation and finalizing construction details and coordination with Joytech Construction. It is now projected that the improvement installation will begin around early January.
Eastside
Southeast Gainesville Redevelopment Initiative - The City accepted the Special Area Plan from consultants at the May 12th City Commission meeting. CRA Staff has met with the City's Community Development Dept. and the City's Attorney's office to finalize the document in order to begin the process of incorporation into the Land Development Code. The City of Gainesville Planning Department has informed CRA Staff that the issue will go to the City Plan Board in February 2009.
Kennedy Homes - The CRA and the City have authorized CRA Staff to act as the agent for the City in the RFP process and redevelopment efforts at this site. The RFP is in the final stages of legal review and will be finalized shortly. Along with the release of the RFP, the CRA is planning a targeted marketing strategy aimed at attracting top caliber respondents.
Cotton Club -The City Commission will hold a hearing to modify the permitted uses of the PS (Public services and operations district) zoning for the Perryman Grocery store to Restaurant and café. A marketing plan has been developed for the "Cotton Market Place" which will include a farmers market, crafts, and ethic foods.
Eastside Redevelopment Project - Staff will present an analysis of the project at the board's December 18, 2008 meeting.
Exterior Paint Program- Staff will conduct an outreach program for potential applicants for the Exterior Paint Program.
Eastside Gateway - Construction of the Gateway is underway. Vertical formwork is being hoisted and concrete pouring of the radius walls will occur over the next several weeks.
Downtown
Depot Park - On this Agenda
Downtown Community Plaza - Staff is currently formulating strategies for improvements to the Downtown Community Plaza. Working with DRAB, Staff is examining the issues and opportunities at play, and is also examining how the Plaza compares to examples of healthy, vibrant public spaces found in other cities. Staff will provide a full presentation to the CRA at a future meeting.
Bethel Station - At an upcoming meeting, the City Commission will consider leasing the Bethel Garage to the CRA. Should this lease agreement be approved, the CRA will proceed with issuing an RFP to attract new businesses that wish to locate at the Bethel site. The selected business will sublet the Bethel Garage from the CRA.
Lynch Park - The landscape architect is finalizing design documents for the park, which will include a dog park area and a garden area featuring 100% native species. Simultaneously, Staff is working with Lumec to create a lighting plan for the proposed security lighting fixtures. Staff hopes the park plans will be finalized by the end of the month, and will be ready to bid for construction in January.
GRU Redevelopment - Staff has received a finalized document from GRU, which incorporates small changes made subsequent to the November presentation to the CRA board. In mid December Staff will meet with Lord Aeck Sargent to discuss implementation strategies and steps to move forward.
Hampton Inn/Lot 9 Redevelopment -On this Agenda
Jefferson on 2nd Avenue - Construction is complete and residents are moving in. The CRA Engineer is working with the Developer to ensure the terms of the Development Agreement are fulfilled.
Lot 10 Redevelopment - Staff is working with the CRA Attorney to finalize the new RFP for this site. The project scope is based on the scope approved by the CRA at the September 15th meeting. Staff hopes to issue this RFP in January.
The Palms - Construction is complete and residents are moving in. The CRA Engineer is working with the Developer to ensure the terms of the Development Agreement are fulfilled.
Porters Neighborhood Improvements - The CRA has received a utility design scheme from GRU and Cox Cable for SW 3rd St (Depot Ave - 400BLK); AT&T design is anticipated. The 30% construction documents are nearly complete.
CRA Streetscaping for Depot Ave - The CRA is coordinating with the Public Works Department to add CRA streetscaping materials to the Depot Ave Reconstruction project, to be bid this year. Streetscaping elements include brick sidewalks, crosswalks, and decorative lighting.
CPUH
SW 13th Street Bus Shelters - On this Agenda
Gainesville Responsible Hospitality Partnership - GRHP is formulating strategies to help publicize and promote the Responsible Hospitality Partnership and enlist new Responsible Hospitality members.
Depot Rail Trail - JMJ Consulting Engineering completed the feasibility study for the portion of trail located adjacent to the SW 13th Street overpass and between SW 11th and 13th streets. The feasibility study analyzed options for widening and accessing the trail from SW 13th Street. It is recommended that the trail be widened to 10-ft and direct access be provided to the trail from SW 13th Street. Final recommendations were based on shared use path design quality and construction costs. Design concepts for accessing the path will be addressed in the RFQ/Design Competition for the SW 13th Street overpass, to be issued early next year. Widening of the trail will follow construction of the SW 13th Street overpass, anticipated 2010.
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 2nd Avenue Master Plan - The CRA continues to pursue a comprehensive vision for redevelopment along the SW 2nd Avenue corridor. The goal of this initiative is to formulate a plan that is based on a thorough understanding of the infrastructure issues and market forces (including the closure of Shands at AGH) that will impact redevelopment.
SW 7th Ave Exfiltration Basin and Improvements - The CRA engineer is working with CES and JMJ engineering to coordinate design, permitting, and construction of this project. Stormwater modeling and geometric layout of the roadway improvements is nearing completion.
SW 8th Ave Improvements - The CRA and PWD are initiating a project to complete construction documents for SW 8th Ave improvements (900-1300 BLK), a listed capital improvements project for the CRA. Improvements include reconstruction of the roadway from 900-1000 BLK, milling and resurfacing from 1000-1300 BLK, ADA compliant sidewalks, undergrounding utilities, safe crosswalks, and CRA streetscaping.
SW 13th Street Pedestrian Overpass Enhancement Design - The Design Competition packet is under review by the City's Legal Department.
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 facilitating the design of the mounting system.
FAPS
Mom's Kitchen - On this Agenda.
FAPS Strategic Planning - At the November meeting, the FAPS advisory board began a strategic planning process. The primary objective of this process is producing a 3-year strategic plan that addresses the objectives outlined in the Redevelopment Plan adopted earlier this year. Strategic planning will also allow for proper allocation of the funds, Staff time, and other resources required to implement thoughtful, high-quality redevelopment.
Model Block D 418 NW 4th Avenue- The closing of 418 NW 4th Avenue was September 11, 2008. The purchase price was $162,000.
University House - Construction is nearing completion and residents are moving in. Finalization of the development agreement is underway.
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 necessary steps are being implemented to stabilize the house. The top priority for stabilization is to replace a portion of the roof and deconstruct the flat roof carport that is causing water damage to the siding.
Fiscal Note
None at this time
Recommendation
CRA Executive Director to CRA: Receive project update from staff.