Archer has finished the first of three phases in a project to replace the city’s septic systems with a sewer connection, with city leaders announcing phase one was completed on time and within its $6.5 million budget. The initial phase installed eight miles of main transfer pipe linking Archer to Newberry, and residents who connect to the new system within a specified window will not face hookup costs. Two more phases remain, including work on state-controlled road crossings and construction of a collection system inside Archer, with the full project expected to take about two more years.
Sources: WCJB TV20
The Gainesville Housing Authority and the City of Gainesville have received a $25.1 million Choice Neighborhoods Initiative grant from HUD to redevelop the Lake Terrace and Pine Meadows public housing properties. The project will expand the sites from 180 units to roughly 500 mixed-income townhomes and apartments along the East University Avenue corridor. GHA and the city were among only four communities nationwide selected for the award, which follows a 2023 planning grant and two years of community engagement.
Sources: City of Gainesville
About 65% of Gainesville households will see their curbside collection day change when the city moves to a new five-day solid waste pickup schedule on Oct. 5, coinciding with a transition to a new residential collection contract with GFL Environmental. The current three-day schedule remains in effect through the week of Sept. 28 with no disruption to Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday routes. Alachua County has also issued a reminder that related residential curbside collection changes take effect Oct. 1.
Sources: Alachua County · City of Gainesville
The Alachua County Commission approved its Fiscal Year 2027 budget at the rollback millage rate of 7.2107 mills — the 10th consecutive year the rate has been reduced — with a roughly $327 million general fund and a $500,000 amendment dedicated to pothole repairs. The county also launched an online Pothole Portal allowing residents to report road issues via an interactive map, and announced that curbside residential collection schedules will change under a new agreement with GFL Solid Waste Southeast beginning October 1. Officials reminded residents that extreme water shortage irrigation restrictions remain in effect despite recent rainfall.
Sources: Alachua County
