Title
Update on Redevelopment Projects and Development Agreements (NB)
Explanation
Staff has been asked to provide an update on several redevelopment projects and development agreements under review.
University Corners- The draft development agreement has been provided to the developer and staff is awaiting response.
Hampton Inn/Lot 9 - The draft development agreement is in review by staff.
Jefferson on Second - The developer is preparing an initial proposed development agreement based on previous agreements, for review by the CRA Attorney and Staff.
Gainesville Greens - A draft development agreement has been provided to the developer.
Downtown Parking Garage - The Grapevine Deli and Ice cream Parlor, new tenants of the retail space in the garage, are tentatively scheduled to open near the end of July or beginning of August.
Model Block Project Update- The first residents of the Model Block have closed and moved into the home on 408 NW 4th Street. The second Model Block House, Site B, located at 408 NW 4th Avenue is nearing completion. A ribbon cutting ceremony for Site B has been tentatively scheduled for Thursday, July 27 at 9:00 AM. Open house and bid information for Site B will be available within the coming weeks. Site D construction will begin shortly.
Northwest 5th Avenue Streetscape- Bid documents are being processed by the Public Works Department.
Tumblin Creek Watershed Management Plan -- At the July 5 College Park/University Heights Redevelopment Advisory Board meeting the Board reviewed the draft Tumblin Creek Watershed Management Plan report. This important planning document outlines the stormwater issues and opportunities in the area and provides the Advisory Board with options to consider funding to address stormwater issues in the area. Stormwater is among the biggest infrastructure concerns in the College Park/University Heights Redevelopment Area, and affects further redevelopment of the area. The College Park/University Heights Redevelopment Advisory Board will continue their review of the Master Plan at their August 2 meeting. After reviewing and discussing the report the College Park/University Heights Redevelopment Advisory Board will submit recommendations to the Community Redevelopment Agency.
Eastside Redevelopment Area Expansion - A special workshop meeting of the Eastside Redevelopment Advisory Board was held on July 13 at 6:00 PM at GTEC (2153 Hawthorne Road) to discuss ideas for redevelopment of the proposed Eastside Expansion Area, an area south of the existing Eastside Redevelopment Area, which contains blighted areas including the Kennedy Homes property. The Eastside Redevelopment Advisory Board will review the draft Plan that is developed from the meeting at a special meeting on August 10. The proposed amended Redevelopment Plan will then be forwarded to the CRA and City Commission for final consideration and adoption.
SW 5th Avenue Triangle - The bid documents are being processed through the Public Work's department.
CRA's Visual Master Plan - The Community Redevelopment Agency's Visual Master Plan is now available. This Visual Master Plan sets the vision for the next ten years in Gainesville's Community Redevelopment Areas: Downtown, College Park/University Heights, Fifth Avenue/Pleasant Street and Eastside. Included in the Plan are landmarks, existing parks and recreational opportunities, upcoming public projects such as roadway improvements, and potential redevelopment sites. Copies of the Plan will soon be posted in prominent locations. You can also review the Plan at the following website: http://www.redevelopgainesville.org/. The website currently contains a PDF version of the Plan, and will become fully interactive in the near future.
Downtown Competitive Façade Grant Program - Following approval by the CRA in June, a new, competitive façade grant program to aid Downtown commercial storefronts was launched. The new program aims to focus the grants on high visibility corridors such as University Avenue and Main Street. Two grants of up to $10,000 each will be offered to applicants. Applications are due in July and the Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board will select two projects for funding in August. The CRA also offers free digital design assistance to help envision building makeovers by testing design ideas. Successful grant applicants will be recognized at a public meeting of the City Commission upon successful completion of their projects.
Fiscal Note
None at this time
Recommendation
Executive Director to the CRA: Receive update from staff.