The Newberry Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) Board reviewed ongoing and proposed initiatives for downtown at its Aug. 11, 2025, meeting, including a new mural, the first application for a commercial façade grant, and potential programs to support business marketing and residential improvements.
Work began Aug. 4 on a mural for the west wall of the city-owned building at 25439 W. Newberry Road. Artist Jesus Martinez was selected after a public call for submissions. The mural is partially funded by a $2,000 matching Art Tag Grant, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, Visit Gainesville, and sales of “State of the Arts” license plates. The project also includes landscaping, a bench, and sidewalk improvements to encourage visitors to stop downtown.
In other business, the board approved the first application under its new Commercial Façade Grant Program. Pabst Personal Care, PLLC, the owner of 25050 W. Newberry Road, received approval for improvements including seal-coating and painting the parking lot, repairing handrails, pressure washing, exterior painting, updated signage, and landscaping.
