The Groundbreaking for a 37-acre Eco-Industrial Park resource recovery space on Gainesville's east side, which was postponed from October 10, has been rescheduled for Wednesday, October 24, 2018, from 10 a.m. to noon, on the east side of the Leveda Brown Environmental Park and Transfer Station (5115 N.E. 63rd Ave., Gainesville view on map). The groundbreaking is a critical step in Alachua County's long-term collaboration with the University of Florida and the City of Gainesville for a sustainable waste management strategy. The site supports east side economic development and job growth. The groundbreaking is open to the public, and refreshments will be served.
The event features several speakers, including Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman, County Commission Chair Lee Pinkoson, and UF Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Dr. Charlie Lane.
"This is a tremendous collaborative project and partnership between Alachua County, UF, and the City of Gainesville to strengthen the east side community while addressing our recycling and waste management goals," said Alachua County Manager Michele Lieberman.
Alachua County Economic Development Coordinator Edgar Campa-Palafox said, “Modeled on the success of UF's Innovation Square and the Sid Martin Biotech Park public-private partnerships, it will be a hub for waste-related material research and business incubation as the best and brightest from UF develop new material reuse and manufacturing processes on site.”
The site will be shovel ready for the first building by Spring 2019, and will target industries that handle tires, glass, plastics, textiles, paper and fiber products, carpeting and mattresses, and scrap metals to e-waste. Phase II projects at the site will include a 20,000 square foot Research and Incubation Anchor Facility and a 15,000 square foot Bulk Materials Storage Facility.
The Eco-Industrial Park supports the region's recycling/zero waste goals by co-locating private sector reuse, recycling, and manufacturing in a dedicated industrial park. The new jobs at the site, primarily in manufacturing, are expected to pay family wages with benefits. Approximately 280 to 470 jobs will be created by businesses occupying the park when it is complete. Many jobs will be created during the infrastructure and building construction.
For more information, contact Edgar Campa-Palafox at 352-264-6908 or ecp@alachuacounty.us or University of Florida Director of Communications Margot Winick at 352-846-3903 or m.winick@ufl.edu.