Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
May 20, 2018 9:00 p.m.
Executive Director Arlene Filkoff provided the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) with a quarterly update on the Fernandina Main Street Program at the May 15, 2018 FBCC meeting.
She thanked the city for its cooperation in removing the excess newsboxes from the Central Business District, adding that public reaction has been very favorable.
Among other accomplishments she included:
- Joint efforts with the Tourist Development Council to improve signage in the downtown area;
- Downtown tree assessment;
- 9 new community partnerships;
- Work with city and Florida Public Utilities on a new lighting implementation for Ash Street and City Hall as well as city lot on 2nd& Alachua;
- Conceptual design for a butterfly garden at the Train Depot;
- Declaring October 6 as the date for the 40thbirthday party for Peg Leg Pete;
In the next quarter, efforts will also continue to assess the downtown trash problems and identify solutions. Main Street will also develop plans (and costs) for improvements in downtown lighting and sidewalks as well as tree replacement. Filkoff reported that she will complete an “Expression of Interest” package for the Vuturo Building at the city’s request and will begin the review process.
Implementing a funding strategy is also a key goal for the next quarter.
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.
Another way to raise the high [ . . . deleted by editor] taxes that already too high.