Alachua County Commission Chairman Rodney Long urged the city Monday to come to a quick decision about two proposed revitalization projects.
Property deals for both projects would be facilitated by Long, acting for his private company, Rodney Long Realty Services.
The first project, which would develop 2.5 acres at the corner of East University Avenue and Hawthorne Road, could cost up to $1.8 million, Long said.
That price tag would include the purchase of 25 private properties, seven of which are owned by Christopher Chestnut, a local attorney and son of Florida Rep. Chuck Chestnut and County Commissioner Cynthia Chestnut.
Commissioner Scherwin Henry, who represents East Gainesville, said the proposal would be good for the area.
"This could be a new downtown for the East Gainesville community," Henry said.
Long also asked the city to consider the $300,000 purchase of Mom's Kitchen, a diner that has stood on Northwest Fifth Avenue since 1947. He suggested turning the building into a museum or neighborhood library.
Although commissioners expressed some doubts about funding, both projects were referred to area advisory boards for further discussion.
