Title
Seminary Lane (B)
Explanation
Seminary Lane was a multifamily low-income housing development located on NW 5th Avenue. The property is approximately 5.9 acres in size; it is owned by the Florida Housing Corporation and managed by the Gainesville Housing Authority (GHA). The development was constructed in the same era as Kennedy Homes, and was recently deconstructed due to severe deterioration of the buildings which left the development largely uninhabitable. The property is located midway between Downtown and the University of Florida, in the heart of the Fifth Avenue community; it is now cleared/ vacant, and its condition, large size, and central location provide great redevelopment potential. The CRA has long expressed interest in the long term vision for the property, and has communicated willingness to participate and assist in redevelopment should the Florida Housing Corp. and GHA desire to move forward with redevelopment of the site.
The Gainesville Housing Authority and the FL Housing Corp. have contacted CRA staff regarding the former Seminary Lane property. Both groups are interested in pursuing redevelopment and have proposed organizing a work group consisting of representatives from GHA, FL Housing Corp, the CRA, and the City of Gainesville. This work group would meet throughout the spring and summer to develop a redevelopment plan for the site. Redevelopment of Seminary Lane will have a major impact to the FAPS redevelopment area and to the urban core of Gainesville. For these reasons, staff would like to inform the CRA board of the new opportunity for collaboration at Seminary Lane and receive input regarding the CRA's next steps.
Fiscal Note
None at this time
Recommendation
CRA Executive Director to the CRA: 1) Receive update from staff; and 2) provide input as necessary.