City of Gainesville - File #: 140766.

• File #: 140766.
• Version: 1
• Type: Discussion Item
• Status: Passed
• File created: 2/25/2015
• In control: City Manager
• On agenda: 3/9/2015
• Final action: 3/9/2015
• Title: Update on the use of City Lot 10 during Bo Diddley Plaza Renovations (B) This item provides a brief update regarding the use of City Lot 10 during the Bo Diddley Plaza renovations.

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
3/9/2015	1	City Commission	Approved, as shown above

Title
Update on the use of City Lot 10 during Bo Diddley Plaza Renovations (B)

This item provides a brief update regarding the use of City Lot 10 during the Bo Diddley Plaza renovations.

Explanation
The Downtown Bo Diddley Community Plaza is scheduled for renovations beginning March 1, 2015. The improvements, which include new public restrooms, an information kiosk, a water wall entry feature, green room and a second café space, will take about one year to complete. The entire plaza is closed for construction except for the historic Bethel Station property on the south end, which will re-open under new restaurant ownership in late spring. Many events and programs that have routinely occurred at the Plaza will not be able to be scheduled there during this period.

To address the need to provide downtown programming space for the Farmers Market and other events and programs, City staff met and looked at several possible locations. Based on the type and size of space needed, feedback from the representatives of the Farmers Market and City staff, Lot 10 was felt to be the most viable location. Lot 10 is being reviewed for development opportunities but it is unlikely that the site will be needed before the Plaza renovation is completed.

Several steps have been taken to prepare Lot 10 for use as the temporary alternate site. Electrical work is currently being done to enable access to power for those authorized to use the site. Public restrooms are available at the adjacent Southwest Downtown Parking Garage and will be open and staffed Wednesday through Saturday from 8 PM until 2 AM. Public metered parking is available on streets adjacent to the site. Additional information on the SW Downtown Garage, Downtown parking lots and on-street parking is available at .

At the February 19, 2015 City Commission meeting, the Commission approved funding for purchase of a mobile stage for City programming, such as the “Free Fridays” concert series. ...