Fernandina Beach Main Street continues making improvements to downtown.

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
December 10, 2018 5:00 p.m.

Arlene Filkoff

Fernandina Beach Main Street (FBMS) Executive Director Arlene Filkoff updated the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) on her organization’s activities, goals and plans for the new year at the December 4, 2018 FBCC meeting.

On the short-term horizon are events related to Dickens on Centre the weekend of December 7-9.  Work continues to finalize costs and implementation decisions for the approved wayfinding project, reaccreditation with the National Main Street Program, and consolidation of responses of business interest in developing the Wade Vuturo property on Front Street.

Main Street is also focusing on further shoring up relationships with downtown businesses. Amelia Island Coffee is hosting and sponsoring a get together for local merchants and supporters on December 11 to this end.

Filkoff said that her organization is looking at the possibility of expanding their area of coverage to include businesses on Atlantic Avenue and 8thStreet.

This has been a year of accomplishments for Main Street.  Just since October, the following accomplishments have been racked up:

  • Defined and received approval for Wayfinding design
  • Implemented new planters as part of downtown landscaping
  • Very successful Peg Leg Pete Birthday Event
  • Petanque Vendor Sponsorship
  • Completed Wade Vuturo Expression of Interest Document
  • Began meeting with Shrimp Festival Committee to ensure smooth for businesses
  • Began conversations regarding more of a downtown presence for Amelia Concours
  • Board approved funding strategy which includes board members’ contribution and responsibility matrix
  • Expanded board size to include new at-large members
  • Maintain presence at all HDC, TRC and PAB meetings for the Main Street mission

One of the innovations brought to local merchants by FBMS is a mobile app developed for Main Street cities called distrx. This app, useful to visitors and businesses, allows merchants to advertise promotions, post menus and other information that potential patrons can access as they walk along Centre Street.  More information on this app is available on the FBMS website .

The Main Street Board will hold a strategic planning session to develop a 3-year plan in the first quarter of 2019.  Goals for 2019 include:

  • Wayfinding Implementation
  • Serious implementation planning for three major and integrated projects – lighting, sidewalks and Bradford pear trees
    • This plan must include stormwater and any other City projects planned within the Main Street district
    • This plan will require close communication and contact with affected businesses
  • Event involvement/sponsorship will go through refinement – Main Street will review events annually for continued sponsorship depending on impact on business

For more information on Fernandina Beach Main Street, including ways to support the work through volunteering or donating, visit their website http://fernandinamainstreet.com.  FBMS also maintains social media presence on Facebook and Instagram.

 

 

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Tammi Kosack
Tammi Kosack(@tammi-kosack)
5 years ago

Kudos to Ms. Filkoff for re invigorating and creating momentum on the Main Street program.

One item listed for 2019 needs serious reconsideration : the Bradford pear tree was introduced from China some 40 years ago. Widely overplanted by developers and homeowners alike due to its fast growth and ornamental nature, it is an invasive and extremely weak tree that is now actually banned in many municipalities for safety issues.

The limbs are prone to breaking and falling in even moderate wind. Not a good idea for a public setting in a hurricane zone! They are short lived and also emit a funky odor when in bloom. They repopulate aggressively from the fruiting berries and the leaves, while beautiful in Fall, add extra maintenance in blowing and managing.

Please eradicate this from any plant list and consider some attractive natives instead. Thanks for keeping Main Street a safe and charming destination.

Sonny Bennett
Sonny Bennett (@guest_54145)
5 years ago

Totally agree and second the motion.

Brad Clark
Brad Clark (@guest_54147)
5 years ago

Thanks to the Committee for all the great work on downtown. I agree with the other comments about the trees, however. Please avoid the Bradford Pear Trees downtown. They will cause problems for sure. There are lots of better alternatives, including Crepe Myrtles.

Tammi Kosack
Tammi Kosack(@tammi-kosack)
5 years ago

Yes, quite a few superior alternatives. Attractive 4 season interest, pollution tolerant, low maintenance and not finicky natives include Redbud, dogwood, the under- utilized but gorgeous fringetree, Vitex, star magnolia, styrax and even winged elm. Let ubiquity reside elsewhere and keep Fernandina charming and distinct.

Arlene R Filkoff
Arlene R Filkoff (@guest_54151)
5 years ago

Thank you all so much for the comments. We are working hard and hope that after we implement new signage, we will be able to focus on the more complicated replacement of lighting, sidewalks and Bradford pears. We have determined that Bradford pears will not be our replacement tree. We will work with the City arborist and the Tree Conservancy to make the replacement choice. Again, thank you for noticing that we are moving ahead.

Penny Landregan
Penny Landregan (@guest_54153)
5 years ago

We have in Fernandina Beach, a small, quaint, beautiful, Victorian seaport town. Let’s keep it that way please. You guys are doing a wonderful job of helping the City to maintain our town. Thank you for all your hard work and planning.