Title
A resolution designating a brownfields redevelopment area in the City of Gainesville comprised of the proposed University Corners project for the purpose of environmental remediation, rehabilitation, and economic development. (B)
Explanation
The Florida Legislature created the Brownfields Redevelopment Act (sections 376.77-376.875 Florida Statutes) to create incentives for developers to rehabilitate contaminated and potentially contaminated sites for its return to economic viability. Section 376.80 Florida Statutes provides the process by which local governments designate Brownfield Areas by resolution. Once the local government adopts the designation resolution, it informs the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), which then records the site as a Brownfields Area. The owner of the designated Brownfield Area can then pursue the benefits offered by the Brownfields Redevelopment Program. Statewide, 101 Brownfield Areas had been designated at the end of 2004.
Michael Conroy, President of University Corners LLC, has submitted a written request that the City designate the proposed University Corners site a Brownfield Area. The site is bounded on the south by University Avenue, on the north by Northwest 3rd Avenue, on the west by Northwest 14th Street, and on the east by Northwest 13th Street. All parcels in the proposed Brownfield Area are owned by University Corners. A portion of the proposed site, formerly occupied by Supercuts, is impacted by dry-cleaning solvents. According to Mr. Conroy, University Corners has performed a voluntary cleanup under the supervision of FDEP. Contaminated soils have been removed and a Contamination Assessment Report has been filed with FDEP. Additional groundwater remediation at the site will be conducted.
Mr. Conroy is seeking the Brownfield Area designation to qualify his project for the Brownfield Redevelopment Bonus Refund to attract business tenants when the project is completed. ...
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