Businesses struggling with Streettree renovations in downtown Gainesville

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) – A road that was originally supposed to be closed only because of the pandemic will now remain closed forever, angering downtown business owners.

Streetree, located on Southwest 1st Avenue between South Main Street and Southwest 2nd Street in downtown Gainesville, is undergoing a renovation to make the area more pedestrian-friendly, according to city officials.

The renovations will include a curbless street with exterior lighting, 40 electrical outlets for food trucks and fixed gutters, city officials said in a news release.

While the city hopes to make downtown more welcoming, some local business owners aren’t in favor of the changes.

Kim Bosshardt of Bosshardt Reality Services sent a letter to city commissioners outlining her grievances against Streetree.

“While I understand the desire to make downtown more pedestrian-friendly, the reduction of parking spaces, especially those designated for people with disabilities, raises serious accessibility issues,” she said.

Bosshardt Realty, among other downtown businesses, is considering legal action against the city over the renovations.

Some residents don’t know what to think.

Rohaya Seck, an employee at The Paper Bag in downtown Gainesville, said the renovations could be helpful, but doubts it would cause parking problems.

“I think the road closure proposal could be good for the city and the downtown atmosphere,” Seck said. “On the other hand, it can be difficult for the city—like, it’s hard to maneuver when they can dedicate all of the parking specifically to people who might work downtown.”

Construction, estimated to cost between $2.4 million and $2.8 million, will begin in late 2025.

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