Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
January 6, 2017 4:15 p.m.
It’s not really “Fred’s tree.” But for years a magnificent live oak has graced the parking lot of the former Fred’s Department Store on 8th Street in Fernandina Beach. This tree has a 77-inch diameter and a crown spread of 105 feet. A recent property sale along with tree work had apparently convinced the local social media gurus that the tree’s imminent demise was on the horizon. Not true; quite the contrary, in fact.
Chip Sasser, one of the developers working to repurpose the old Fred’s space took pains to reassure Fernandina Beach City Commissioners and the public that the new owners of that property share the community’s love for the old oak tree. In a follow on email to this reporter, Sasser wrote that current owners have secured professional help to protect the tree so that residents and visitors may be able to enjoy a healthy tree for years to come.
Sasser forwarded a report from Early McCall, the arborist working on the first phase of tree preservation. In his report, McCall provided specific recommendations, including reducing weight and surface areas that could cause limbs to twist, crack ore break in high winds. He also recommended reducing the amount of Spanish moss and ferns on tree limbs to increase sunlight to the tree.
Arborist McCall wrote, “[This tree] is a neighborhood asset and will be the focal point within the City of Fernandina Beach for years to come.”
Concerning development plans for the property, Sasser wrote that developers are still in the due diligence period in regards to the purchase agreement with Fred’s. He indicated that the last pending item is a report from the structural engineer on the condition of the existing building and the potential for its use in redevelopment. He is hopeful that closing will take place by early fall 2017.
Sasser continued, “Our development plans are not complete, but we will likely be a mixed-use retail and residential development. Several downtown residents have shared with us how disappointed they are to have lost the convenience of going to their neighborhood store for staple items and other goods. We think that a grocery/deli and a pharmacy to serve with the residential units for the growing downtown walking neighborhoods is a good concept for this location.”
As reported in a separate article, development plans will also hinge on final City Commission action on the proposed downtown density increase.
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.
I live a few blocks from Fred’s and boy do I miss that store. This community is “almost walk-able” but the loss of Fred’s set us back. We very much need a place for groceries and household items right downtown. I want to also note that the customers supporting Fred’s were largely lower income folks, many without cars. Walking and biking to Fred’s was a great convenience. While I certainly would appreciate any store selling grocery and household products, it must be remembered that the Fred’s customers will not support upscale overpriced goods. I know that is probably contrary to the developers thinking. I am just pointing that out to people who may not know the area quite as well. You have a proven customer base just waiting for a suitable place to open. No need to try and reinvent the wheel.