Title
CRA Project Summary December 2018 (NB)
Explanation
As a regular informational item on CRA agendas, Staff provides a brief update on selected referrals, redevelopment projects and development agreements under review. This monthly update is typically a limited sampling of the CRA’s many on-going projects, as opposed to a complete list.
CRA Multi-District
Economic Development, Project Manager, Jessica Leonard: On Agenda
Façade Grant Program, Project Manager, Jessica Leonard: The Façade Grant program is a competitive matching grant program that is designed to encourage reinvestment in building facades, specifically those located on highly visible target corridors within each district. Staff is pleased to announce our interactive CRA District Wide Map has afforded the opportunity and empowered multiple area stakeholders to verify eligibility by visually showing address verification. https://gainesvillecra.com/cra-project-map/ Our newest completed Façade Grants by District; Eastside is 1735 SE Hawthorne Road being reimbursed for $10,000. Downtown has experienced the addition of two different murals and façade renovations finishing up at The 204 Building and Florida Theater. Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street has seen the remodel of the third generation Plummer’s Barber as they are nearing their 100th year anniversary as a family business. College Park University Heights has three façade grants that just completed this month that focused on creating outdoor spaces to enjoy First Lutheran Church, St. Augustine Catholic Church, and Pascal’s Coffee. We currently have numerous façade grants underway at various stages throughout our four (4) redevelopment areas as they work to complete projects.
Residential Paint Voucher Program, Project Manager, Jessica Leonard: The Residential Paint Program now provides applicants pressure washing with an increased amount of up to $750 to be used for the exterior painting of their home.
Eastside has twenty- three (23) homes painted to date in the area and ten (10) pending completion of paint this month. We recently shared the Paint Program again on the Gainesville East Marketing site to create awareness of resources and programs within our City.
Downtown has seen thirteen (13) homes painted to date and one (1) pending completion of paint this month.
Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street has twenty-three (23) homes painted to date and two (2) pending completion of paint this month.
Eastside Redevelopment Advisory Board (ERAB)
Cornerstone Phase 1 Development, Project Manager, Andrew Meeker: Construction of the Phase 1 Infrastructure Site Improvements is substantially complete with the exception of the areas immediately adjacent to the Merieux building development. Concept Companies construction on the Merieux building is well underway with a projected completion date of Winter 2019 which will bring approximately 50 new employees to the Gainesville East area. Staff will notify the Board once a ribbon cutting event is scheduled. The Condominium Association is complete and Front Street Commercial Real Estate is actively advertising the additional development opportunities. http://www.frontstreet.net/commercial-real-estate-listings/?propertyId=250493-sale
Gainesville East, Project Manager, Tricia Lopez: The second Eastside Community Information Session took place on Wednesday, November 14 from 5:30-7pm at DaySpring Missionary Baptist Church. Many City departments participated, including Wild Spaces and Public Places, PRCA, Public Works, GRU, GPD, RTS, Strategic Initiatives, Housing and Development, Economic Development, and more. At the Information Session a panel discussion was held that featured programs that are available to East Gainesville businesses and residents and initiatives that are ongoing in East Gainesville. Approximately 100 people attended the event.
The Gainesville East social media pages have experienced more growth in followers. Staff continues to explore options for murals along main corridors and is continuing community outreach and participating and promoting events in East Gainesville.
Greater Duval Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative (NRI), Project Manager, Jessica Leonard: As of March 2018, Habitat for Humanity’s “A Brush with Kindness” program partnership has completed 27 homes in the Greater Duval Neighborhood.
Heartwood, Project Manager, Daniel Gil: On Agenda
Downtown Redevelopment Advisory Board (DRAB)
Downtown Plaza, Project Manager, Nigel Hamm Bo Diddley Plaza continues to offer free Yoga and Capoeira classes during the week.
For additional event information visit: http://www.bodiddleyplaza.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/BoDiddleyPlazaGNV/
Power District, Project Manager, Andrew Meeker: Following the CRA Board’s approval of the Phase 1 Development Framework in July 2018, Staff is working internally as well as with the developer to draft and negotiate the terms of the Development Agreement and Purchase Sale Agreement. Once the terms of these agreements are completed, Staff will provide a presentation to the Board for consideration of approval.
College Park University Heights Redevelopment Advisory Board
Innovation Square, Project Manager, Dan Gil: The CRA continues to serve as a participant in the many on-going private public partnership discussions between the University of Florida Development Corporation (UFDC) and private development. On September 17, 2018, the CRA Board approved the public private partnership associated with the 800 Second at Innovation Square building for the northern extension of the SW 9th Street public walkway from SW 2nd Ave. to SW 1st Ave. Staff is currently drafting the development agreement with Concept Companies, the project developer. Construction on the public walkway project is projected to begin in January 2019 and is expected to be completed by April 2019. CRA Staff will provide project updates while construction is on-going.
South Main Street, Project Manager, Andrew Meeker: Construction continues on the three quarter mile section of South Main Street with complex underground utility work and hardscape improvements such as sidewalks and curbing. New traffic patterns are in place that incorporate the new roundabout as well as the reverse angle parking at Depot Park/Cade Museum. Currently spectators of the project can view some of the decorative street lights being placed as well as several landscape planters being completed. Driveway tie-ins are underway and the large live oak was recently installed in the roundabout. https://www.facebook.com/DestinationSouthMain/ The project website is serving as the communications hub for the project at http://destinationsouthmain.com/ Businesses, residents, and stakeholders are being informed on the project progress via on-site meetings, physical and electronic newsletters, press releases, and social media. Additionally, Destination South Main Street is a vital part of the recently launched Trans4ming East GNV communication initiative aimed to inform community stakeholders of the multiple street improvement projects underway in the area. http://www.trans4mingeastgnv.com/
Fifth Avenue Pleasant Street Redevelopment Board
Heritage Trail, Project Manager, Jessica Leonard: Staff will be bring forward information to the community and associated Boards in 2019.
Fiscal Note
None at this time
Recommendation
CRA Executive Director to the CRA Board: Receive project update from Staff