Title
Petition 111SVA-00 PB, Brown and Cullen, Inc., agent for University of Florida Foundation Inc. and State of Florida IITF. Pursuant to Section 30-192(b), City of Gainesville Land Development Code, to vacate, abandon and close that portion of the right-of-way of Northwest 20th Street lying between West University Avenue and Northwest 1st Avenue. (B)
Explanation
This is a request of the City to vacate, abandon, and close the first block of Northwest 20th Street, from West University Avenue north to Northwest 1st Avenue. It is proposed by the University of Florida Foundation that the closed right-of-way will be transformed into an outdoor, quasi-public plaza that will connect the two Foundation buildings on the east and west sides of Northwest 20th Street with a design that provides an inviting open space and that safely conveys pedestrians and bicyclists to the signalized intersection crossing at West University Avenue and North-South Drive.
The City Plan Board reviewed the petition and expressed concern about the lack of review the City has over the development project. The Board expressed that the City should maintain a perpetual pedestrian easement over the right-of-way. The Board approved the petition with staff conditions.
At the October 23, 2000 City Commission meeting, the Commission directed staff to develop a license agreement satisfactory to the petitioner and City.
Fiscal Note
None
Recommendation
City Plan Board to Commission - The City Commission approve Petition 111SVA-00 PB, with staff conditions. The Plan Board vote (4-1)
Staff to Plan Board - Approve, with staff conditions.
Staff to City Commission - At the request of the petitioner to withdraw the petition, strike the petition from the agenda and authorize the City Manager to execute License Agreement, subject to the approval of the City Attorney as to form and legality.