Opinion: Creative housing solutions are possible - Gainesville Times

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Opinion: Creative housing solutions are possible

The old Blue Ridge shopping center off Shallowford Road in Gainesville is home today of several churches, an event center and a few other small businesses. Luxury townhomes and a retail center could be built as part of a redevelopment. - photo by Scott Rogers

12092021 BLUERIDGE 1.jpg — The old Blue Ridge shopping center off Shallowford Road in Gainesville is home today of several churches, an event center and a few other small businesses. Luxury townhomes and a retail center could be built as part of a redevelopment. - photo by Scott Rogers

It makes no sense to tear down empty, functional space with electrical and plumbing to make way for more "upscale" i.e. unaffordable, rental housing when Gainesville has unhoused folks living out of tents and cars.