From your roving reporter – Mayor addresses 2014 challenges

Submitted by Gerry ClareEd Boner 5
Roving Reporter

I caught up with Ed Boner, Fernandina Beach Commissioner and Mayor, in his real estate office to ask him this question about the challenges the city is facing this year. While he is encouraged that the city commissioners seem to be listening to each other and discussing city matters in a forward manner, he does see several big issues.

For instance, “after stopping some major projects other commissions have pushed, such as Forward Fernandina, it is now a challenge to figure out how to improve Fernandina Beach in a reasonable way regarding the waterfront and CRA to positively affect the downtown area.This would involve not just pushing one idea, but discussing and exchanging all views and alternatives.”

He also sees other outside influences like lawsuits and the Centre Street railroad crossing as issues that have become big issues. Personally, he also feels that the railroad crossing safety should be the railroad’s responsibility, as we have other crossings that have far less traffic and are in much better condition.

“The city enterprise funds, i.e. the marina, golf course and airport, continue to be big challenges and really need long term sustainable agreements and planning. Short term contracts and solutions are not the answer. The good news is that the economy seems to be improving if you look at property values and the fact that some of the city’s long term debts will be decreasing by 2020 as well as our insurance costs should be going down. There should also be fewer pension shortfalls …all positive situations to help us in the next few years.”

Gerry Clare.jpg 2Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.

February 12, 2014 9:10 a.m.

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Len Kreger
Len Kreger (@guest_18285)
10 years ago

The City should and I believe are looking at infrastructure issues, such as storm water improvements. This issue has been deferred for years. Using the current storm water fees it will take over 70 years to make the recommended improvements!

As far as Enterprise funds of the city should consider sale of golf course and Course and develop a plan to ensure Marina operations in the “Black.”

The airport I believe is making money, and can a major economic engine for the city.

Marlene Chapman
Marlene Chapman(@crew2120)
10 years ago

Who will hold responsibility when someone else gets seriously hurt or killed at the Centre St tracks? It would be truly interesting to see how quickly this all would have moved if this affected your family. …
Let’s put on our big boy pants and get those fixed!