FBCC discusses new City Hall

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
January 8, 2020

City Hall building as it originally looked prior to modernization attempts

Fernandina Beach City Commissioners considered but deferred engaging a consultant to study options for a new or renovated City Hall at their January 7, 2020 Regular Meeting.

Following discussion, Commissioners directed the City Manager to limit the scope of study to three possible options: building a new City Hall on the city-owned lot across S. 2nd Street currently used as both a park and a parking lot; renovating and expanding the existing City Hall; and a combination of the two that would keep and renovate the existing City Hall while adding a second building across 2nd Street.

Commissioner Chip Ross reminded commissioners that the Building Department Fund contains money that can only be used for the Building Department. He suggested that if an annex were to be built across the street to house the Building Department that fund could be tapped as a funding source.  Vice Mayor Len Kreger endorsed this idea, adding that other city offices could also be housed in that annex.

Commissioner Phil Chapman asked that as part of a study, consideration be given to possible uses for the existing City Hall property, should the recommendation be to build a new City Hall.

Although the City has worked for many years to acquire the Historic Post Office Building at 4th and Centre Streets for repurposing as City Hall, the position of the United States Post Office is that the property is not for sale. Even intervention by Florida Senators and Representatives has not changed the USPS’ position. Commissioners concluded that continuing to pursue this property would not be productive, especially as the City’s space needs have outgrown the existing, aging City Hall Building.

Given the consensus of the FBCC, the City Manager may reconsider the need for a consultant and move directly to issuing an RFQ.

Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.

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thedavescottopinion
thedavescottopinion (@guest_56408)
4 years ago

If the city government is outgrowing its current facility, then reduce then reduce the size of city government.

Frank Quigley
Frank Quigley(@frank-quigley)
4 years ago

City Hall sits on valuable property that could be sold, and unlock value in the form of cash. There is plenty of land adjacent to the Peck Center, other places. City hall does not need to fancy.

Frank Quigley
Frank Quigley(@frank-quigley)
4 years ago
Reply to  Frank Quigley

*to be fancy

Frank Quigley
Frank Quigley(@frank-quigley)
4 years ago
Reply to  Frank Quigley

Also, model the county. Those offices are far from fancy (read: not expensive to build) but functional. Frugality and fiscal prudence need to be priories.

Gerald Decker
Gerald Decker(@myfernandina)
4 years ago

It is not at all clear why a new city hall is needed……do basic, essential renovations if any are needed and get on with the important financial issues impacting the city.
NO MORE STUDIES, use what you have.
That boondoggle trying to get the post office for $1 is finally put to bed.

Chuck Hall
Chuck Hall (@guest_56413)
4 years ago

Peck Center has lots of space, and lots of land. The neighborhood would be revived with City Hall there. What’s the problem with this idea?

Larry Myers
Larry Myers (@guest_56417)
4 years ago

The existing City Hall is at a low elevation. Notice the new apartments built next door had 3 to 4 feet of fill dirt ADDED, to raise their finish floor elevations.
Moving to Peck Center would be a better choice and sell the present City Hall & Parking lot to put these areas on the tax rolls.

Gerald Decker
Gerald Decker(@myfernandina)
4 years ago

Again, these ideas all cost taxpayers needlessly. Use what you have, practice frugality, show the taxpayer you are on their side.

Terry Jones
Terry Jones(@tjjonez39gmail-com)
4 years ago

acquiring the post office has always been an asinine pursuit——i think a majority of population has always made that clear but ignored by our elected officials———–if u want to spend & build something new –why not on the old school property on atlantic??

Jane Collins
Jane Collins(@jane-philips-collins)
4 years ago

I love the Peck area idea. It would do wonders for that community. What would be really helpful would be to build a parking garage on the current site of the city parking lot by city hall. (And on the lot across from the Crab Trap.) And do like the county has done and utilize the current city hall as an annex so citizens could also take care of business there. Hiring a consultant is a waste of money. It would be instructive to see an account of all the consultants that the city has hired over the years. I bet it would amount to many millions. If the city hadn’t messed the building up so bad back in the day, we would have another lovely historic building to care for.