Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger
January 6, 2014 12:19 p.m.
According to Ocean Highway and Port Authority Board Chairman, Richard Bruce, Attorney Clyde Davis will request the Fernandina Beach City Commission at tonight’s meeting pull two agenda items. No reason for the request for withdrawal was given. The items on the agenda involve future land use and zoning changes for lots located at North 3rd and Dade Streets.
As reported by Suanne Z. Thamm, Fernandina Beach City Commission sides with Port on Land Use Changes, at the December 2 commission meeting Commissioner Johnny Miller and Mayor Ed Boner opposed the action, while Vice Mayor Sarah Pelican, Commissioners Charlie Corbett and Pat Gass voted in favor. Land use changes require two public hearings prior for final approval.
On January 7, at 5:00 p.m., a meeting will be held with the City Commission and the Ocean Highway and Port Authority. Agenda items include discussion of the Port Master Plan.
Looks like those opposing this change have won the initial battle as OHPA probably saw the handwriting on the wall that the request would be defeated after the change in the composition of the commission.
My guess would be the lay offs that occurred at the port yesterday.
The Port’s re-zoning request, the “strategic plan” and the development agreement with the city need to be part of a larger policy discussion about the Port and its role in the community. I sincerely hope the Port leaders can find a way to work with the city in a cooperative manner. To date they have failed to communicate their true intentions with clarity and credibility.
A good faith, open discussion, between parties can go along way to setting a course for all. No one will get everything they want. If the Port and the City can do it, it will show others how to do it.
This is positive outcome whatever the reason.
There is a Commission/Port meeting tomorrow evening where there can be some positive results.
We all have to play a part in the preservation of our small town and its Historic District. I hope our leaders keep the character of this special place in mind, as they seek new forms of revenue for various businesses.
Those of us that have never lived anywhere else, might not be able to appreciate what a gift we have here. Others know that this is special and irreplaceable once changed.
So, my prayers are with our leaders, and my support is with those that will defend this place we call home.