Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
February 24, 2016 3:45 p.m.
During a joint workshop of the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) and the Planning Advisory Board (PAB) on February 23, 2016, Senior City Planner Kelly Gibson presented a status report on the workings of a Planning Advisory Board (PAB) subcommittee that has been meeting for more than a year to discuss improving the 8th Street Corridor. Serving as the entrance to the city, 8th Street has not lived up to its billing as “Scenic A1A”. The PAB subcommittee has included local citizens and developers interested in improving both the appearance and efficiency of the corridor.
Gibson reported that the subcommittee is considering recommending creation of a new zoning district—the 8th Street Multiple Use Zone–along parts of 8th Street that would modify existing commercial zoning, add a residential component and increase allowable density to 18 units per acre for a 10 block area. While the intent is to create a “Centre Street like” appearance, there would be no design guidelines per se, except for those areas already included in the Historic District.
The slide to the left indicates what would change and what would remain the same, should the proposed new zoning category be approved.
Added design standards would include a 6-foot pedestrian landscape area (8th Street only), a required primary entrance from 8th Street, screened mechanical equipment, reduced driveway cuts from 8th Street, fence & sign requirements along with pedestrian scale, a 10% minimum landscape area (to replace the current 20% requirement), and no drive-thrus entering or exiting on 8th Street. There would be no Historic District Council review for signs.
Gibson stressed, however, that trucks are a constant that will not be going away with a new zoning district.
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is amenable to receiving landscaping suggestions from the city for this stretch of the state road. The city has put forth a design concept that would present a landscaped entrance to the city at Lime Street. As part of this design, there would be a landscaped island separating the two lanes of traffic. Hardscaping has also been suggested for 8th Street, which would include replacing the grass areas separating the curb from the sidewalk with brick pavers. The photos below were modified to show possible future changes by Yulee High School students:
The FDOT’s major concern with 8th Street is traffic load. There appears to be no way to eliminate or reduce truck traffic on this artery, and a change in zoning to add more residential development along the stretch of road could, in worst case planning scenarios, add 40-50 percent more vehicular traffic above the current FDOT forecast for 2035. However, FDOT has expressed a willingness to work with the city to identify ways to reduce dependency on 8th Street.
In response to City Commissioner Roy Smith’s concerns over inaction attributable to too many committees and subcommittees needing to review proposals before they are sent to the FBCC for approval, PAB Chair Judith Lane said, “You can execute all you want, but unless you have a good plan you will not accomplish your goal.”
Vice Mayor Robin Lentz, who serves on the 8th Street Subcommittee, thanked the PAB for all the work invested in this project, which has had broad public participation through public meetings and even a walking tour of the area under consideration.
When the PAB finalizes its recommendations for 8th Street, the FBCC will consider approval during upcoming City Commission meetings.
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.