City of Gainesville - File #: 120380.

• File #: 120380.
• Version: 1
• Name: Innovation Square Program Update (B)
• Type: Discussion Item
• Status: Passed
• File created: 10/4/2012
• In control: City Commission
• On agenda: 12/6/2012
• Final action: 12/6/2012
• Title: Innovation Square Program Update (B) The purpose of this item is to provide an update to the City Commission on the Innovation Square Program; request authorization to move forward with final construction documents for SW 9th Street, SW 3rd Avenue, and the SW 9th Street park projects as publicly maintained infrastructure; and request authorization for the City Manager to accept the deeds for right-of-way dedication.

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
12/6/2012	1	City Commission	Approved as Amended	Pass

Title
Innovation Square Program Update (B)

The purpose of this item is to provide an update to the City Commission on the Innovation Square Program; request authorization to move forward with final construction documents for SW 9th Street, SW 3rd Avenue, and the SW 9th Street park projects as publicly maintained infrastructure; and request authorization for the City Manager to accept the deeds for right-of-way dedication.

Explanation
The Innovation Square Workgroup is comprised of stakeholders from the University of Florida (UF), Shands Healthcare, University of Florida Development Corporation (UFDC), Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU), Public Works Department (PWD), Planning Department, Parks Recreation and Cultural Affairs (PRCA), Gainesville Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the private sector. The working group meets regularly in order to facilitate on-going coordination of utilities, other infrastructure, and development in the Innovation Square area and in the larger Innovation District (iDistrict). Work in the iDistrict is an important initiative with the goal of removing barriers for redevelopment of this area, increasing economic development opportunities, and creating an environment that is conducive to retaining and attracting businesses to Gainesville’s urban core for the stabilization and strengthening of the local economy.

In addition to the CRA’s involvement as a redevelopment agency in the iDistrict development, the CRA is acting as an agent for the City in the development of two new public corridors within the iDistrict, SW 9th Street and SW 3rd Avenue. At the December 6th City Commission meeting, acting as an agent for the City, CRA staff will present the progress of the development of these corridors for the City Commission’s review and approval.

For reference, it is important to note that property owners and members of the Innovation Square Workgroup have discussed the possibility of establishing a Business Improvement District...