Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
March 17, 2018 4:47 p.m.
CMR Island Properties returned to the Fernandina Beach Historic District Council on May 15, 2018 to present a drastically revised plan for residential development encompassing the southeast portion of the parking lot associated with BuyGo at 22 S. 8th Street.
Many members of the community, dressed in black and white as a sign of solidarity, attended the meeting to see how the developers had addressed concerns they raised about the previous plans unveiled at the HDC’s January meeting.
While it would be an exaggeration to say that earlier opponents were happy with the new plans, which scaled back the development from ten to six townhouses, it could be said that many of their concerns had been addressed with respect to design. Although the developers made a sincere effort to allay the public’s concerns over the future well-being of “Fred’s tree,” a certain amount of both public fear and skepticism remained that development could not proceed without harming the Heritage Tree.
Architect Joel Reitzer walked the HDC and the public through the changes made to the original plan:
- Reducing the number of planned dwellings from 10 to 6;
- Eliminating roof decks and garages;
- Limiting building height to 30-32 feet off grade;
- Providing sidewalks and on-street, unreserved parking;
- Adding porches with internal access only to all major rooms;
- Proposing to add accent trees to the city right-of-way between the sidewalks and the street.
Reitzer also presented two design options, labeled A and B for HDC and public review. Ultimately, the HDC and the public agreed with the developer that Plan A was more pleasing aesthetically.
Reitzer tried to reassure the public about the care being taken to preserve and protect the giant live oak for which the project is being named. He said that local arborist Early McCall has been retained to provide direction on the best way to ensure that the tree does not suffer from the new construction. He said that the amount of asphalt around the tree would be reduced. He added that at least two limbs will need to be removed: one on the south side because it has a serious crack, and one on the east to balance that removal.
In response to questions about the tree’s canopy in relationship to the buildings, Reitzer said that he did not see that as presenting a problem. Local tree activist Peg Lehosit expressed concerns that the “tree protection zone” around the base of the tree did not appear to be sufficiently wide to protect the tree’s roots. Reitzer indicated that when the project comes forward for final approval, it would come with an arborist’s report on the tree.
HDC members, in consideration of the tree root issue, expressed a preference to see the townhouses built on piers or a hybrid foundation as opposed to a slab.
Six audience members spoke during public comment, all of whom stressed the importance of protecting the tree. Speakers also expressed their concerns for maintaining the charm of the district and taking time to “get it right.”
HDC members urged the developers to pay attention to the design details going forward. Member Jim Pozzetta, an architect, said that the townhouses should “look as though they are on piers,” even if a hybrid foundation were to be used.
Member Mike Spino reminded the audience that “residential” is the least intensive development option for this site, which is zoned Central Business District (C-3). In this zoning district buildings can be built lot line to lot line to a height of 45 feet. There are no parking requirements.
The HDC voted 4-1, with Member Robert Erickson in opposition, to give conditional approval for the project to proceed, incorporating HDC and staff comments.
There are several more stages in the project’s approval process. The application will be heard by the city’s Technical Review Committee, which considers safety matters, stormwater issues, trash removal, streets, sidewalks and right-of-ways, among other concerns. The project must return for final HDC approval.
The HDC must also consider an application from the developers for a variance from the city’s tree planting requirements.
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.
The tree on this property, commonly known as Fred’s Tree, is one of the most majestic and significant trees on the island. It must be protected. We cannot continue to lose one of our most beloved resources, our trees.
This tree must be considered first and foremost as the development is planned and approved. It was wonderful to see more trees added to the Heritage designation earlier this year. In this instance protecting a tree designated as Heritage trees needs to be the priority
The tree will not survive being surrounded and encroached on like this. We have other places on the island for builders to make their killing without killing this magnificent old tree.
Omg, when will it stop! You know the old song ..put up a parking lot….this island is going to be asphalt and buildings. Why why why