Public reaction was quick and varied following the announcement late last week that a major transformation of Gainesville’s Lakeshore Mall is planned. Many feel it’s time something is done to upgrade that area and most of the opposition centered on the hundreds of apartments included in the plan and the increased traffic they are likely to generate.
A sampling drawn from social media:
“That’s what we need…more apartments.”
“Awesome!”
“It’s not getting a makeover. It’s getting torn down. This is great!”
“Exactly what we need. More people that can’t drive.”
“It’s about time!”
“Reminds me of Suwannee town center area. Would be nice to have an area like that…”
” Great news.”
“It makes me sad to see this because I miss the glory days of that mall, however this will be much better than what is there currently!”
“Maybe do something about the homeless and crime first, if not, it will a colossal failure. Not really the area for that type of venue.”
“Finally!”
“More apartments!!! We are beginning to look like the Eastern block countries where no one could afford a single home!!!! We have enough apartments!”
“Living in Lakeshore Heights, traffic is an absolute nightmare from 3 o’clock on every day. I can’t even imagine what it’s going to be like when this happens.”
“All the dang apartments in Gainesville already!!! How many of them are rented?…It’s all about money not the community! Gainesville has been ruined by all the apartments and no roads to get anywhere.”
“The big question should be is how is the owners of these properties connected (related) to the politicians approving all these apartments being built!”
“Excited to see this change!!”
“That’s fantastic!”
The Times reported Friday that plans call for a mixed-use development with more than 300,000 square feet of retail space, more than 38,000 square feet of greenspace and more than 650 multi-family housing units, and room for future development of townhomes and a hotel.
Groundbreaking is not expected, though, for another two years.