Title
Update on Redevelopment Projects and Development Agreements (NB)
Explanation
Staff has been asked to provide an update on referrals, several redevelopment projects and development agreements under review. This update is a sampling of the many projects underway by the CRA, and is not a complete list.
Project Updates:
Southeast Gainesville Redevelopment Initiative -Wilson-Miller has provided an initial draft for a SEGRI Special Area Plan (SAP). This document has been circulated amongst CRA and City staff for input and comment. Additionally, CRA staff met with Southeast Gainesville's neighborhood leaders on January 17th to discuss SEGRI implementation and the proposed SAP. The meeting was well attended and response from the stakeholders was generally positive. A larger public meeting with residents, CRA staff, and Wilson-Miller is scheduled for February 13th at TB McPherson.
SW 2nd Avenue Master Plan - Work has begun on this engineering, site planning, and market analysis. The consultant has met with the CPUH advisory board and is in the process of interpreting data and assessing stakeholders. The project will involve a large level of stakeholder involvement. Staff will continue to provide updates as this study progresses.
NW 1st Avenue Lighting - Construction/installation of the five new Domus fixtures is scheduled to begin in early February. The fixtures will be a continuation of similar lighting in the area and will be located between NW 19th and 20th Streets.
CPUH and Downtown Parking Studies - The selection committee ranked top respondents on January 30th. A final decision is anticipated for February, following oral presentations from the top candidates.
Gainesville Responsible Hospitality Partnership - GPD has released statistics relating to underage drinking violations for the 4th quarter of 2008. Three GRHP members, all located in the Downtown hospitality district, exceeded the Partnership's 12-violation maximum. Mojitos, Rehab, and Rue Bar will subsequently lose their "Responsible Vendor" status. These businesses may be eligible to rejoin the group if they reduce under-21 violations over the next quarter.
GRU Site Master Plan - Subsequent to the August 22nd public meeting, City, CRA, and GRU officials recognized that this project needed additional attention and retooling. After regrouping to assess the situation, progress on this project is again underway. Representatives from The University Financing Foundation met with City, GRU, and UF officials on February 7th. TUFF has significant experience in funding projects of this scope and magnitude (such as Technology Square at Georgia Tech), and will aid the CRA and the City and the process moves forward.
Hampton Inn/Lot 9 Redevelopment - Fencing, staging, and site-clearing work have begun. Onsite foundation work will commence by the end of the month. Pictures of on-going progress are attached as backup.
Downtown Façade Grants - The CRA received four grant applications, and DRAB awarded funding to all applicants. The majority of funding was awarded to two projects adjacent to Lynch Park on S. Main Street: a vacant building, formerly an automotive imports business, will be converted into a restaurant; additionally a vacant 3-storfront building will receive a full architectural restoration in preparation for new retail tenants. Additional funding was also awarded to Emiliano's Café and the Motel Bar on University Avenue. The overall amount of grant funding awarded was $20,000.
CRA Streetscape Design Standards
The standards have been reviewed by DRAB, FAPS, and CPUH. ERAB will review on February 21st. Bellomo-Herbert is revising the standards from comments submitted by staff.
Cade Museum
The City Commission formally extended an invitation to the Cade Museum leadership on January 14th to explore Depot Park for museum construction. The museum organizers plan to hold a public meeting in Gainesville to develop concepts.
University Avenue Improvements
Bike racks have arrived. The remaining waste receptacles, planters, and benches are due to arrive the first week of February. Installation is planned for February and March. The roadway median designs (5 in CPUH, 3 in Eastside) are completed and work is underway to design irrigation systems.
Bus Shelters
The Request for Qualifications for Bus Shelter design was issued on January 15th and two firms attended the non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting held January 30th.
Eastside Gateway Project
Construction documents are complete and have been released to the Purchasing Department for bidding. The project is expected to be bid by mid-February.
Fiscal Note
None at this time.
Recommendation
Executive Director to the CRA: Receive update from Staff.