The city of Gainesville will move forward with the redesign of SW 2nd Street into a permanent “Streatery” for pedestrian use.
The road segment, between SW 1st Avenue and S. Main Street, has been closed to vehicles since 2020 when the City Commission approved the concept as an aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. The commission then voted to make the pedestrian space a permanent feature.
However, design and construction of a permanent space stalled, leaving the concept looking temporary. Recently, bollards replaced the temporary structure blocking the road. The Downtown Advisory Board recommended earlier this year to reopen the space for vehicle traffic and parking and brought the issue back to the forefront.
At Thursday’s General Policy Meeting, Commissioner Reina Saco said the city had to wait on construction for other considerations, like the development of Lot 10. She said the waiting and continuations have been part of the public frustration with the site.
She said it deserves improvement, and the commission’s concepts plan will permanently close the street and turn it into a curbless pedestrian area for use by restaurants, food trucks and special events.
The plan will cost around $2.4 million, and earlier this year, the city hired JBPro to work on conceptual plans, brought forward Thursday.
The next steps will include a public meeting and presentation to the Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area. The City Commission will then have a final vote in February.
Andrew Persons, Chief Operating Officer for Gainesville, said in a release that the city is excited for the next phase.
“The Streatery has the potential to be a true downtown gem,” Persons said in the release. “We’re looking forward to making the improvements needed to turn it into a long-lasting and valuable community asset.”
Construction is expected to start in late 2025.
I think your description is incorrect. Avenues run east and west, streets north and south. There is no road “between” SW 1st Ave and S. Main Street. Are you referring to the currently blocked-off SW 1st Avenue perhaps?
yep, pretty sure they are talking about Sw 1st Avenue between SW 1st street and S Main Street. I’m not sure why they need to waste 2,4 Million on it, seems they could just leave it blocked off like it is now.
Where do people who are disabled park? Or are they now excluded from using this public road?
I am not in favor of this plan. It’s a waste of parking spaces. It was much more convenient and useful as a normal street.
The cities management of downtown including failure to provide adequate safety result in a steady decline of eating and entertainment opportunities for citizens. No one is going to come downtown to a streatery. Fix the fundamental problems.
I don’t have a problem closing this street for special events. But 24/7 hurts most of the businesses in this area instead of helping them. One more reason not to go downtown.
Just another example of the delusion from our City Commission. If you citizens want a better city and a better downtown you need to vote for better candidates.