Press Release: Save UF Grad Housing Asks for Help to Save Maguire Village

Press Release from Save UF Grad Housing:

Did you know that starting in just a few weeks, the University of Florida is planning to tear down the best graduate student housing in the country?That's right, the University of Florida is slated to begin destruction of the wonderful, historic, and affordable housing community of Maguire Village and University Village South (UVS), located on campus along SW 34th St. for over 50 years, starting as soon as March 19, 2025.  This action appears to be in violation of several agreements, promises, and (possibly) laws, and we need your help to stop that terrible decision.

The current UF plan calls for complete annihilation of all structures in the 27 acre green space, including the 44 brick apartment buildings, multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, many large trees, and even an outdoor pool.  As of today, there is no plan to replace them, or even to build anything else on site.

But the good news is that UF is beginning to listen, and even recently formed a "Subcommittee on Graduate Student Housing," although they don't allow public comment.  Our Petition is doing well too, with over 1700 signatures, but we still have not gotten answers as to who damaged the student memorial at UVS.  

Getting more transparency is a must, which is why we hope you consider helping us in the following ways:

Contacting the Board of Trusteesand requesting that they postpone demolition of Maguire Village and UVS until they either produce reports showing the cost/benefit analysis of all options, or have a plan in place to replace them.  You can email them at ufbot@ufl.edu, and if you are willing to speak in person at their March 27-28 meeting, please let us know.  

We also invite you to a sign-waving event to Save Maguire/UVS in conjunction with "Rally for Respect" on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the corner of SW 34th St. and Radio Road -- right next to Maguire Village!

If you want to learn more or volunteer, you are also welcome to join our Zoom call this Sunday (3/9/25) at 2:00 p.m. where we'll discuss updates and future activities.

There is not much time left, but we believe with everyone's help we can make a difference!.

Thank you, and feel free to reach out with any questions.

The Save UF Grad Housing Team

SaveUFGradHousing@Gmail.com

www.SaveUFGradHousing.comwww.change.org/SaveUFGradHousing

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