Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
May 15, 2017 1:00 a.m.
Does Fernandina Beach have a parking problem or merely the perception of a problem? There is a saying that if there is no solution, that proves there is no problem. But like tides in the city marina, the parking issue ebbs and flows over time as various city commissioners come and go. The current Fernandina Beach City Commission will consider the parking issue again at their August 1, 2017 Regular Meeting after they receive a report from the most recent Parking Committee.
Fernandina Beach City Manager Dale Martin is the latest city manager to try to come to grips with the parking issue. He has formed a committee to review and update previous studies and recommendations relating to downtown parking needs. Police Chief James Hurley chairs the committee whose members also include Fleet/Facilities Director Jeremiah Glisson, Streets Director Rex Lester, Stormwater Director Andre Desilet, and Senior Planner Kelly Gibson. Martin said that the committee has the sole discretion to add participants to their number.
Martin decided to form the committee following public comments related to downtown parking needs that were voiced in connection with a proposed waterfront redevelopment study at the May 2, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC).
In producing their report the committee will review, among other items:
- 2002 Downtown Parking Study
- 2009 Traffic Circulation and Parking Study
- 2010 Paid Parking Workshop
- 2014 Downtown Parking and Circulation report
The first two documents are available in the Document Center on the city’s website at this time.
2010 Paid Parking Workshop
One of the solutions that has been bandied about through the years as a way to address downtown parking problems is introducing a pay-for-parking system. Modern technology enables communities to implement paid parking without the necessity for the old parking meters. Many communities use parking kiosks. Even more modern technology allows drivers to pay for parking via cell phones. Below are some slides presented during the FBCC study in 2010.
Ultimately no action was taken because of opposition from members of the community who said that free parking was a defining characteristic of Fernandina Beach.
2014 Downtown Parking and Circulation Report
In response to many complaints primarily relating to the impact of church traffic on North Side Historic District residents, the city once again looked at changing traffic patterns and parking restrictions to resolve safety concerns.
The report was met with criticism over the proposed change in traffic patterns and was never revised or reprised.
The 2017 Parking Committee has much data to consider and little community consensus. The committee has been tasked providing an update and recommendations to the FBCC at their Regular Meeting on August 1, 2017.
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.
There’s not necessarily a parking problem, but rather a walking problem. People do not want to have to walk to get to their destination. Charging people to park downtown will discourage both locals and tourists from patronizing downtown businesses including restaurants.
It would certainly take some getting used to, but I like the idea of a one way street for Alachua and Broome, with the angled parking on those streets and the numbered streets.
We must do our best to keep those streets accessible to first responders during normal hours and peak times.
Seems like it would be very helpful to have members who are downtown business owners or their tenants and some city residents appointed to this committee. As currently formulated, the committee is comprised solely of City employees who may not feel the effects of parking the way The rest of our community does.
So true.
I agree with both Betsie and Ben. There is definitely a walking problem downtown and in most other areas. If we do not find a spot right in front of the business which we want to patronize, we immediately think there is a parking issue! First, to walk a block or two or three, does not a parking problem make. If business owners would not take the spots that are right in front of or close to their stores, that would ease parking and as a business owner, why wouldn’t you want to leave those up front spots for people to have easy access into your stores? Next, to have area residents and business owners on this committee makes such good sense as they are the ones who are directly affected! While I am aware that there are a few business owners who need to park as close as possible to their businesses, most do not….common sense people.
So – no change to include residents or members of the community or downtown business owners and/or operators?