Title
Innovation Square (B)
Explanation
Redevelopment of the Alachua General Hospital (AGH) site and surrounding properties into the Innovation Hub and Innovation Square has the capacity to bring huge benefits to Gainesville. The most obvious impacts will be in the areas of urban form, economic development, job creation/retention, etc. However, if executed properly, redevelopment of the area will positively affect many other facets of the community as well. One key component in realizing the potential of Innovation Square is ensuring that the relevant land development regulations are capable of supporting the desired redevelopment. The regulatory framework must be structured to support the desired uses and to achieve high quality redevelopment and urban form, while simultaneously providing the clarity, brevity, and practicality needed to cultivate significant private (and public) sector reinvestment.
Unfortunately, the existing regulations cannot accommodate these needs, and unless revised, redevelopment of Innovation Square/surrounding properties is unlikely to reach its envisioned potential. For these reasons, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is taking the lead role in crafting revised land development regulations which will govern both the former AGH site and the surrounding area. The goal for these regulations is to provide a simple, straightforward, flexible framework that will facilitate investment in the community and high quality redevelopment, while also ensuring high quality design in our built environment. The CRA has engaged David Green, with Perkins+Will to assist in this effort. Perkins+Will is a global leader in designing science/technology buildings, and Mr. Green is a leading urban design professional.
Draft regulations were presented to the City's Community Development Committee (CDC) on October 28th and to the CRA on November 15th. Final feedback was received from the CDC, CRA, Planning staff, Gainesville Regiona...
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