City of Gainesville commissioners voted unanimously Thursday to back up Mayor Lauren Poe in signing a memorandum of understanding involving the city along with the University of Florida to collaborate on development projects.
The understanding creates a proper relationship relating to the university as well as the city while using the goal of working towards mutual preeminence. Based on the memo, areas that the two entities will collaborate on include economic opportunity, business development, housing, neighborhoods, arts and culture, safety, transportation, technology and environmental stewardship.
“There’s some critical needs we’re gonna be in the position to address collaboratively,” Poe said. “That’s some tips i have to get to figure on.”
Both the University of Florida Board of Trustees as well as Personal loan companies Gainesville endorsed respective strategic development plans in December 2016. The each plan discusses future collaboration relating to the city as well as the university, that will be carried out through this understanding.
“I’m downright giddy,” said Todd Chase, city commissioner, reflecting the attitudes of his colleagues. The commission expressed overwhelming support and excitement for your understanding.
“Growing in this city, there’s never been this connection I do believe we currently,” said Adrian Hayes-Santos, a ?Gainesville city commissioner.
Not all spoke in support of the understanding, however, with several citizens stepping forward to express concerns, many of which linked to congestion during the northeast corner in the University of Florida campus.
“There is really a anxiety from the land, you know,” said Mark Goldstein, former Gainesville mayor. Goldstein said he was unhappy with all the development trend of enormous, high-rise buildings around campus and the city.
“This is becoming parking zone city, high rise parking zone city, and you also either disassemble it or want to do something new,” Goldstein said, “Now you have an possibility for take action new.”
The understanding is planning-based, and yes it isn’t going to obligate either entity to pay cash projects, in accordance with Carrie Bush, director of strategic initiatives to your Area of Gainesville. University of Florida President Kent Fuchs and Mayor Lauren Poe will sign the understanding within the State on the City address Feb. 14.
“The marriage is great, the timing is good,” said Charlie Lane, chief operating officer in the University of Florida. “Frankly, it’s something that’s been essential for several years.”
