Analysis of Existing Community Center Sites in East Gainesville A Project By: William Barber Kristen Bell R. Edward Cantu Eve Shackleton

Goals & Objectives To survey two sites for proposed community centers in East Gainesville, and determine which site will be better suited for the center. These four areas make up the criteria used in the surveying. Hazardous flood zones Number of children between the ages of 5-17 Distance to nearest school Distance to nearest existing bus stops

Background The east side of Gainesville has historically been one of the more depressed communities within the city. This area is known for its lack of community services, lower income families, and higher crime rates. Property values are also much lower on this side of the city, and as a result, low income housing has sprung up in and around the area. Many parents are single parents and must often work multiple jobs to support their families. But many can not do this because there is are no safe places for their children to go after school.

Problem Statement & Justification Two separate sites for a community center have already been proposed to be built in this area of East Gainesville. This center will provide a safe place for children to gather and also provide recreational and educational activities. However, while one of these sites may be located in an optimal part of town to better serve the community, the other may be in a poor location, and therefore will not serve the community as well. Our task was to analyze these two planned sites using GIS, and find which site offers the best location for a community center.

Overall Study Area  Site one: “Eastgate Activity Center”  Site two: “Eastside Activity Center”

Study Area 1

 “Eastgate Activity Center”  4.25 Acres  3 RTS Stops within ½ mile of site  No schools within 2 miles of site  Is not located within “Hazardous Flood Zone”  Site Observations: Located next to an existing sheriff's office and a COX cable building, a smaller parcel, heavily wooded, with residences located very close to site and many children between ages 5-17 living in the area

Study Area 1

Study Area 2

 “Eastside Activity Center”  Acres  9 RTS Stops within ½ mile of the site  2 schools within 2 miles of the site  Located partially within “Hazardous Flood Zone”  Site Observations: Close proximity to existing high school, large area, heavily wooded, no residences near site, many children between ages 5-17 living in the area

Study Area 2

Methodology

Results & Discussion  The map at right shows the number and location of RTS stops, schools and their locations within East Gainesville.

Results & Discussion  The map at right shows the age distribution in East Gainesville, the location of Hazardous Flood Zones, as well as the number of RTS stops located within a ½ mile from the sites, and schools located within two miles of the sites.

Conclusion After reviewing our GIS data, while neither one completely satisfied our criteria, we came to the conclusion that Site 2, the “Eastside Activity Center,” would be better suited for a community center because: Much more land to work with, although some lies within the “Hazardous Flood Zone” Closer to major schools More RTS stops within closer proximity Has the most children within the ages of 5-17 years of age living near by.