April 2008

Fernandina ‘Historic

 

 District’ News

April, 2008     For and about Fernandina Beach’s Historic District    Publisher/Editor Chuck Hall

 

Historic Riverfront Changing Fast

 

As you may have heard, Lane Development Co. has purchased two more riverfront parcels adjacent to the current townhouse and retail development downtown. While I have yet to see the plans for this addition, it might be a good move for all concerned.

Let me explain: the parcels in question are a vacant lot on the riverfront, the Florida Petroleum Company’s fueling docks, and (get this) the ‘tank farm’ east of Front Street. I must say, that I never thought I’d see that parcel sold. Just the reclamation costs alone will be sky-high.

Lane Company plans to continue the fuel sales from the new Marina being built there. As for the tank farm, they will be installing the tanks underground, with parking on top. This use might be a good application for a once-tank-farm, considering the soil conditions. So, gone will be the familiar and somewhat unsightly fuel tanks.

And for some, another piece of our small town…..

My hope is that as the waterfront is developed, the owners keep in mind the citizens are very concerned about the view of the river being lost. While we now have a great view, due in large part to the dilapidated old buildings there, new buildings will certainly change that view. Everyone I know is concerned that we may end up with a Destin Beach problem (no views).

So, congratulations to Lane Development Co. I’m sure the purchase of this piece is a big step for them. Hold on to your hat friend, the times they are a-changing. Your riverfront is about to change a lot.

Port Authority Race

 

This November, there are 3 seats up for grabs in the Port Authority race. I’ll be printing interviews with the candidates this summer, as these seats are critical to the future of our Historic District. If you care as much as I do about this area, you’ll follow this race! This year could be a pivotal point for our District.

Shrimp Festival Memories

 

I was thinking about this event recently, and I realized that I have never missed a Shrimp Festival in my life! When I was a little boy (here we go folks) the event was no bigger than a few shrimp boats racing up and down the river, accompanied by a case of beer. That was about it, but it was something we all looked forward to. I rode on Cecil Bennett’s boat, or the Tringali brothers’ boat, depending on which boat had room at the time.

It was lots of fun for a little kid, and over the years, the boat race faded away (due to cost of wear and tear), but the Festival gained a new life of it’s own. Yes, the event is far more commercialized than it was first envisioned. And sure, there is still a healthy debate as to whether it’s actually a benefit for some businesses here.

But in the grand scheme of things, I still love the festival, and I look forward to it.

At our house, we have recreated the full-size 8 flags that flew over the island during its history, and we fly them around our porch that weekend. They really brighten up the place! The festival gives us an excuse to invite lots of old friends to visit during the event for a cookout. Since parking is at a premium downtown that weekend, they always seem to accept our offer (hmm?).

So for most locals and us this is a big deal. If you haven’t attended yet, I can recommend it. And yes, there is a lot to do besides shop at the art booths (there will be about 300 of them this year). Free concerts, great food, children’s Fun Zone, and much more.

Arrr! Of course, there is the Pirate Parade on Thursday, May 1st at 6:00 PM as it takes over Centre Street. Friday evening the Pirates invade the town at the main docks, and stir up the crowd with their swash-buckling antics. The Festival runs May 2^nd through the 4^th.

Chuck Hall 904-261-6846

 

 

netthall@hotmail.com

May 2008

Fernandina ‘Historic

 

 District’ News

May, 2008     For and about Fernandina Beach’s Historic District    Publisher/Editor Chuck Hall

 

Hardy-Board is Approved?

 

If you live in the Historic District, you have surely heard about the request by a resident here to place Hardy-board siding on the entire exterior of her home. The Historic District Council originally turned down that request.

Well, not to be daunted, the resident found a lawyer, and the case was re-heard again recently, with the new testimonial of a historic structure expert testifying to the age and condition of the structure, and he confirmed that the existing wood siding was not original anyway. So, the HDC approved the replacement.

There was a lot of talk around town about how the original ruling was unfair, and how Hardy Board is a fine material, etc, etc. Well friends, I am obliged to chime in on that approval, and the tempest surrounding the debate

.

First of all, I don’t really take a position concerning the use of Hardy Board, as it is indeed a great product, and I have used it myself many times. In fact, with the overwhelming body of evidence supporting the use of such a product, one would be foolish to say it’s not a quality substitute. Enough said about that.

My concern is really about something altogether different. I am concerned about the strength of the Historic District Council, and the support they get from us. I think they got far too much criticism about their first ruling.

Consider this; these folk are all unpaid volunteers. They don’t get thanked often enough for the work they put into this good task. Secondly, they are not engineering or construction professionals. For the most part, they are just like you and me, average working folk that have a sincere interest in preserving the Historic District. So, they had to wait for credible testimony before allowing a radical change to a historic house with a modern product!

Sometimes residents might not agree with them in their opinion about what is historic and what is not. Some even think the Council makes unfair decisions. I guess this is bound to happen.

But in the long run; for the ‘big picture’, I’d like to think that we’ll end up with a Historic District that will be true to our heritage, and valuable for our children. I’d like to see the HDC receive appropriate support from the City Commission, and the City attorney, too. Surprisingly enough, I might even like to see some of the guidelines even more strictly enforced (I can’t believe I said that).

Some of us might not like what the Council says, even I have had my share of problems there, but we must remember: “Preservation of the past secures our future”So, when you see a member of the HDC, give them a hug.

 

Advertising Racks Downtown

 

Have you ever noticed how many advertising racks there are downtown? Once you have noticed them, they seem to be everywhere! The city attorney, the merchants association (HFBA), and the advertisers are in discussions right now about how to cut back on this odd proliferation of multi-colored boxes along the streets.

The problem is that there are too many boxes, located in too many places. These boxes are all different colors, shapes and sizes. Some are damaged, and some are even abandoned! They become shifted about, and overall it has become an eyesore.

So, the city is attempting to place a limit on all this confusion by providing racks to the advertisers to place the boxes in, creating a more organized look. I’m pretty excited about anything that can clean up the streets in the Historic District, and I’m looking forward to some real results.

It seems odd to me that the City ever allowed anyone to put advertising boxes anywhere they wished. I guess it just sneaked up on them over the years.

 

 

 

Chuck Hall 904-261-6846

 

 

netthall@hotmail.com

This is a privately funded newsletter, not related to any association, or government body.

The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the publisher, unless otherwise noted

 

June 2008

Fernandina Historic

 District News

June, 2008     For and about Fernandina Beach’s Historic District    Publisher/Editor Chuck Hall

City Commission Meets Downtown Association

 

 

The Commissioners met with the HFBA on Tuesday June 10^th, to discuss how the two could work together more closely to create a long-term vision for the downtown, and for the Historic District overall. The meeting covered a variety of topics such as waterfront redevelopment, maintenance of the downtown area, events for downtown, and the most important item: participation in the Florida Main Street Program!

The Main Street Program could provide a vast amount of expertise and resources to our downtown, and has been used very successfully in other towns around the State. I’m really hopeful that the City and the HFBA can work together to bring this program here.

Only a few towns are accepted annually to the program, we were unsuccessful a few years ago in our effort to become part of the program. However, thanks in part to our new CRA, we are better poised to be picked as a candidate for this program.

There has been a lot of work toward this goal by many members of the downtown merchants over the years. Perhaps someday soon, all that work will pay off. You can find out more by browsing to: http://www.flheritage.com/preservation/architecture/mainstreet/

City To Allow Musicians Downtown!?!

Finally! After weeks of waiting and meeting with the City Commission and officials, we have finally hammered out a deal that will allow Street Performers back onto the streets here in downtown Fernandina. I met with these people many times, even after our very successful ‘pilot program’ in April.

 

As you may know, the HFBA has been working with the City to place acoustic musicians and performers along Centre Street for entertainment. Our pilot program was a big hit, but we had to work with the City to create a better ordinance to secure our right to play downtown, and to protect the rights of other performers and citizens, too.

So, come on downtown every Friday and Saturday evening from 2PM until 8 PM to enjoy some acoustic music from our Street Musicians. Oh, and if you are a musician interested in joining us, just call me!

“My Charleston Trip”

We recently returned home from a short visit to Charleston, SC. I wanted to mention the efforts they go through there to preserve their Historic District. There are actually 2 things that really piqued my interest in the ways that they enforce their preservation ideals.

 

One item was the tree ordinance. They have fantastic old Live Oaks there, much like ours here, and they are really serious about keeping them alive While locally, our penalty is a serious inch-per-inch diameter replacement cost ($5,000 for a grand old oak), Charleston has a penalty of $100,000.00 per tree cut down without permission!

The second thing that I thought was interesting was their determination to keep their old buildings, even when they seemed less-than-perfect. Example: there was a huge earthquake there many years ago, and scores of homes were damaged to the point of being far from straight and level. When you look at the house from the street, it leans so far over as to appear to be falling! (yes, really)

The City will NOT allow them to tear down these structures, and people still reside in them today. While efforts have been made to secure and make the structures safe, the buildings are really strange looking. “Never-you-mind”, says the city, it’s all part of the historic record for Charleston.

We could learn a thing or two from other cities that have taken very serious steps to historic preservation. Millions of dollars in quality revenue are attracted by historic preservation. Again, the long-term view proves to be the most beneficial.

Album Debut at Florida House

 

 

 

Local singer – songwriters, Robert Sanders and Michael Howerton of the band “Whitby Quinn” invite all to the CD release of their debut album entitled “She’s Gone”. The Release Party is set for Thursday, June 26, 2008 at the Florida House Inn in the Frisky Mermaid. 7-10PM.

Robert brought a copy of the CD to me for a quick listen: I developed an ‘ear worm’ after listening to the first track, “Where She Goes”….it’s really catchy….I kept singing it all day!

They will be signing copies at the party. Listen for yourself at the website www.whitbyquinn.com. There are these cool links that will play the songs without a download! Neat…

 

Chuck Hall 904-261-6846

 

 

 

This is a privately funded newsletter, not related to any government body or association.

The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the publisher, unless otherwise noted