Title
Rescind the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) order for the Oaks Mall (B)
Explanation
The proposed resolution will rescind the existing Development of Regional Impact (DRI) order for the Oaks Mall originally issued by Alachua County in 1975. Rescinding the DRI order will mean that future redevelopment of the Oaks Mall will be subject to the City of Gainesville’s Land Development Code. The current DRI order limits the total development area to the approximate size of the existing mall building.
Last year, the owner of the Oaks Mall met with the Department of Doing and requested the City consider rescinding the DRI in order to facilitate future redevelopment opportunities. Subsequent to this meeting, the Department has been approached by several groups interested in developing new infill residential and office buildings on the mall property. New residential and office space would create a greater diversity of uses on the mall property and facilitate redevelopment, increase job opportunities, and contribute to more efficient land-use pattern.
Subsequent to the issuance of the DRI order, the Florida Legislature amended Section 380.06, Florida Statutes, to designate certain areas, including the entire City of Gainesville, as Dense Urban Land Areas (DULAs) that are exempt from the DRI requirements in Section 380.06, Florida Statutes. State law was further amended in 2018 to effectively end state involvement in DRI review thereby allowing local governments the ability to amend or rescind DRIs through local action.
Fiscal Note
None.
Recommendation
Staff to City Commission - Approve the proposed resolution.