The Gainesville City Commission voted Thursday on a seven-part motion aimed at boosting economic development and placing different city projects into a singular plan.
To fund the initiatives, city staff presented the idea of a general obligation bond that could generate from $65 million up to $200 million in 10 years. That bond would need to be voter-approved and would show up as a tax increase.
The City Commission didn’t directly address if they’d try to use a bond, but the list of unfunded projects would require tens of millions to complete. The plan for 8th Avenue and Waldo Road alone could cost up to $100 million, including a stadium, a new multipurpose center and a pool. Other unfunded projects include a revamp for City Hall and the Historic Thomas Center, park development in Southwest Gainesville, a cultural arts center and Public Works emergency operations enhancements…