July 31, 2016
University of Florida is steering a committee aimed at a long-term development plan that will better the city as a whole. A strategic development plan is in the works that hopes to "serve as a vision for creating a preeminent city for a preeminent University."
While there are efforts to make this city better with increased economic development, there is also concern about losing what makes Gainesville unique. For example the University Avenue Corridor, which is lined with brick buildings and eccentric storefronts, doesn't want to forsake its charm in the wake of upscale and large-scale development. It is important for Gainesville not to lose its character and also for the quality of life of residents to stay intact in historic neighborhoods near campus.
Many ideas have been brought to the table to transform the area of town between campus and downtown. In an attempt to revamp many underutilized corridors, a potential long-term plan includes residential housing situated over retail and restaurant space, as well as a light rail line or other form of fixed-route public transportation along West University Avenue.
Furthremore, there are also effortsaimed at increasing housing for faculty, staff and professionals. There is also a potential emerging research Corridor along Southwest 4th Avenue, with private companies who partner with UF.
The consulting team currently working on the project, Elkus Manfredi and DumontJanks from Boston, are planning on using Cambridge, Massachusetts, Columbus, Ohio, Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Portland, Oregon as potential models for Gainesville's master long-term plan. This is exciting for all Gainesville residents and for the future of such a prosperous and ever-growing town.
For more details on the plans, read the full article at Gainesville.com.
