Gainesville Board Denied Zoning for Depot Park Cottages
The Gainesville City Plan Board rejected proposed zoning changes for a property that provides affordable housing.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in City Hall
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The Gainesville City Plan Board voted four-to-three to deny land use and zoning changes for The Cottages at Depot Park. The decision keeps the 37-unit, 2-acre site under its current regulations instead of allowing a new drive-thru business.
Why it matters
Board members rejected the proposal because the site currently provides rare affordable housing in the downtown area. They also expressed specific concerns regarding the appropriateness of adding drive-thru facilities to this particular location.
The board voted 4-3 to block the transition to Urban 6 zoning, which would have permitted a drive-thru by right. The property currently consists of 37 units on a 2-acre parcel with monthly rents fixed at $1,100.
The players
Gainesville City Plan Board
This local government body is responsible for reviewing land use and zoning applications within the city.
Gainesville City Commission
This is the primary legislative and policy-making authority for the city of Gainesville.
Bobby Mermer
He is a member of the Gainesville City Plan Board who voted in the majority to deny the zoning changes.
The details
During Thursday's public meeting, 16 commenters spoke out against the regulatory changes. While owners could still pursue redevelopment under existing guidelines, the board noted that such actions would likely shift the property toward market-rate housing.
Timeline
The rent at the property has remained at $1,100 for the past three years.
The Gainesville City Plan Board voted on the proposal on Thursday.
Political Context
The board's denial marks a departure from the city's broader Urban 6 development trajectory for the Power District. Dissenting board members argued that existing zoning frameworks provide a necessary pathway for owners to pursue future site improvements.
The board's decision ensures that 37 units remain available at the current $1,100 monthly rate for the time being. Residents in the area will see no immediate changes to the property's use or the addition of new drive-thru traffic.
The takeaway
This vote highlights the tension between facilitating commercial development and preserving existing low-cost housing stock in downtown areas. Property owners looking to redevelop in high-growth districts must now account for increased board scrutiny regarding affordability.
What happens next
The Gainesville City Commission is scheduled to conduct a final review and issue a definitive ruling on the requested land use and zoning changes.
Further reading
For more on local development policies, visit City Hall.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Mainstreet Daily News Gainesville.
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