Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
September 8, 2016 2:00 p.m.
Citrona and Hickory Streets will soon be the site of a new residential development named Amelia Bluffs. The 15-acre site, which consists of 9.9-10.1 acres of uplands, was recently sold to developers by the Nassau County School Board. It lies along Citrona just north of the Shell Cove development and across from the Fernandina Beach high school complex.
The property is currently vacant and is zoned R-1, Low Density Residential. The proposed development conforms with zoning requirements.
The undeveloped property contains 1400 trees, with 5 or 6 that are more than 20 inches in diameter. According to Dan McCranie, who presented the plans to the Fernandina Beach Technical Review Committee (TRC) on September 8th, the developers understand how important preservation of trees is to the community. They will be sensitive to that in developing the 32 home sites on the property.
McCranie said that the developers—Amelia Bluffs, LLC—are aiming to secure all required permits by the end of the year so that any work that needs to be done along Citrona with respect to utilities can occur during time when the school are closed for winter holiday. Community Development Director Marshall McCrary reminded McCranie that in addition to a tree survey, a biological survey will be needed as well.
Plans to break ground for the new development are tentatively set for January-February 2017.