The city of Gainesville cut the ribbon on a new section of roadways that will allow continued expansion on its Eastside Health and Economic Development Initiative (EHEDI) site on Friday, where UF Health’s Urgent Care Center—Eastside already operates.  

The city’s infrastructure investment totaled $3.8 million for the roadways, sidewalks, lighting and underground utilities, leading to four construction-ready sites. The next step for EHEDI will be a Regional Transit Systems (RTS) transfer station, with plans to finish construction in 2026.  

Mayor Harvey Ward said he sometimes doubted if the city would be able to bring its vision to life on the site. He told residents to visit EHEDI and believe that the city will continue its efforts for East Gainesville and each quadrant of Gainesville. 

“I’m asking you to believe that we can do something better because we have done something better,” Ward said. “We have proof of concept. We have something that allows you to have a little faith and to grow that faith.”  

Commissioner Desmon Duncan-Walker said she’s proud of the city fulfilling its continued promise to its people and places.  

“This day isn’t just about sidewalks and asphalt,” Duncan-Walker said. “It’s about building opportunity for people who will use these changes to access jobs. It’s about building opportunity for the small businesses that can benefit from the strength of public and private investment here, and it’s about bringing amenities and economic empowerment to the district and neighbors that I am so proud to represent.” 

The city plans to use the construction-ready pads for mixed-use development like office space, retail and a food hub.