FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – There’s a lot to love about Fernandina Beach and city leaders hope to capitalize on that charm with a new waterfront park and other downtown improvements.
The city has several downtown revitalization projects in the works to enhance downtown while keeping its historical appeal intact.
Under the downtown revitalization project, the city will improve downtown sidewalks, landscaping and lighting because some of the infrastructure is 40 to 50 years old.
The waterfront park, which would include green space, a pavilion, restrooms and improved parking, would be built on Marina Lot C & D on South Front Street.
Interim City Manager Jeremiah Glisson said the city had discussed ideas about the park for decades.
“We had the impact fees in place to fund the project. It’s been something that’s been discussed for years. We’ve had studies. We’ve had plans and concepts. It’s just never got to the point where it’s positioned to be a reality. And it looks like we’re finally there,” Glisson said.
Kayli Fletcher, who works in downtown Fernandina Beach, welcomed the changes.
“If there is a way that you could bring families together where they could sit, have lunch, have the kids play in a safe area that would be beneficial for downtown Fernandina Beach,” Fletcher said.
Cayman Hogue, who also works and lives downtown said she was concerned about the possible new addition.
“I’m not quite sure how they’re going to fit all this in. Because we are already having spacing issues, especially like all the housing lots. They’re building like two houses on one lot. So, I don’t know how they’re going to financially do this, how they’re going to make enough room for all this, especially because we still have the train tracks and stuff,” Hogue said.
Hogue also felt like there were more pressing issues that the city could address.
“For example, the streets, their potholes, there needs to be more lighting, for sure,” Hogue said. “They need to fix the smaller issues before they go on and making us even more of a tourist destination than we already are.”
Take a look at the rendering below:
Fletcher understood change is inevitable but was okay with it as long as it benefits a family-friendly environment.
“If families feel safe, and can bring their family down here and feel safe, I think that’s going to be a major improvement to the businesses downtown,” Fletcher said.
Glisson encouraged residents to get involved with the process as the city works to approve the design and start construction.
“There’s no form of government that affects your quality of life more than your local government. So be engaged, your thoughts, your opinions matter, and that’s helped shape where we’re at now,” Glisson said.
The city said there are some funding challenges with the downtown revitalization project, but some of the first phase funding is accounted.
The city commission will vote on the final design for the waterfront park on Tuesday.
If approved, construction is expected to start in the fall.