Submitted by
Douglas M Newton
Co-Editor of Fernandina Observer
Opinions have circulated during the last month essentially accusing the City of Fernandina Beach of forcing the closure of the Beach Club of Amelia by imposing an unexpected $20,000 fee and making impossible requirements for parking. These viewpoints are neither accurate or truthful.
The Beach Club of Amelia started and was given a city license as a private club for certain homeowners associations located in Fernandina beach, charging a nominal fee of $500. The food menu was very limited. Not having enough patrons, more homeowners associations that were neither on the island nor in Fernandina Beach were invited to join, with no change in the limited menu.
Shortly thereafter, the Beach Club decided to charge $1000 fee for each member in each respective association. The result was withdrawal by most all homeowner associations and their members. Shortly thereafter, the Beach club closed it doors for a kitchen remodel and then reopened to the public. It is important to note that the Beach Club was not licensed as a public restaurant nor did it have the requisite number of parking spaces required by the City code.
The Beach Club apparently paid the “impact fee” of $20,000. Impact fees are levied when a restaurant opens to the public since there is an increased burden on city resources. Parking was an issue because the City code requires a certain number of spaces for restaurants open to the public and the Beach Club was short the required number.
Community Development Director, Marshall McCrary, state that the City code was “relaxed” to allow the Beach Club to “borrow” the required number of parking spaces from other businesses within its vicinity. The City did not impose any fee for such “borrowing,” and in fact desired and encouraged the Beach Club to be successful. The Beach Club subsequently did not present sufficient evidence of “borrowed” parking spaces, and consequently, ceased business. The City should be commended for its efforts to assist the Beach Club in its endeavor, not admonished for allegedly forcing it to close.
July 1, 2012 7:55 p.m.
Thanks for setting the record.