me at the bank!

Hello all; John Sheppard is the winner of the May 22nd drawing for the Pirate wood sculpture.

Fernandina Historic District News

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

Historic Street Pavers Almost Sold

When I was a kid, the streets of Fernandina’s downtown were artfully paved with red bricks (pavers). They were likely laid down in the 1800’s to replace the sand and shell streets here. This continued right up until the redesign of Centre Street in the mid 1970’s. Recently, I received an email from an HD News reader that told me the City was auctioning off our antique street pavers on Ebay!

I was very concerned, as these bricks are a part of our heritage, and besides that, the price was only 1 penny each (I was afraid that they would be sold quickly)! I have always hoped that these bricks could be used in a project downtown; perhaps the new Pocket Parks?

Anyhoo, a few emails later, and the City Commissioners agreed to instruct the City Manager to halt the auction, and save our historic bricks. It is my hope that we treat our historic artifacts not as so much a commodity, but rather as an honored heritage.

Additionally, I am so proud of our readers; to get involved, and help preserve our heritage.

Waterfront Project On Hold

As you might know, the waterfront condominiums, retail, and marina project worked on so hard by so many along Front Street, is now officially ‘on hold’. The economy appears to have become a stumbling block even for the vast resources of Lane Development Corp.

As many developers do, Lane uses ‘equity partners’ to share the weight of such a large project, but the lenders today are not forthcoming with funds. So, sadly, we will wait even longer to see this project develop.

What’s even more distressing, is that Lane has decided not to purchase the Florida Petroleum sites, or some other vacant lots along the waterfront. I had high hopes that we would see a great deal of activity there, but not for now. There are currently no plans for a start date.

Historic District Picnic

Wow! Another fantastic Picnic was held on Sept. 7^th downtown (in my backyard!). We were so blessed by the generous outpouring of gifts and services from so many merchants around the county! The door prizes were quite numerous; seems like everybody left with a gift!

I counted about 150 attendees over the 4 hour event. Many local musicians provided live music. All the visitors brought side-dishes to share and relaxed under the Live Oak tree. Citizens Bank even donated the children’s bounce-land!! Boy, were the little ones tired after all that!

Food? It was so varied and delicious. Annette’s Special BBQ was a big hit. The weather was perfect, too. All in all, another big day in the Historic District!

Fall Arts Show Sept 27-28

The Historic Fernandina Business Association is presenting the annual Fall Arts Show this month! This year’s event promises to be full of unique paintings, sculptures, and multi-media designs. As you know, this event is designed to be a fine arts show, rather than a catch-all market. In addition to the art, there will be food booths and a multi-location Wine-Tasting event. Live music will be performed both days, and even the Pirates will be there with their ship! Arrrr!!!!

We expect over 100 artists to display, plus the additional attractions. This will definitely be an event to attend! Location will be from Front Street along Centre St. to 3^rd St., and along 2^nd St. Hours are 9 Am to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday. Sept 27-28

Fiesta de Santa Maria, Sept 20

Hosted by the Historic Fernandina Business Association, the 5^th Annual Fiesta de Santa Maria takes place Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the culturally-rich South 3^rd Street – the site of the Florida House Inn, the state’s oldest surviving tourist hotel.

While staying at this Victorian-style bed and breakfast, Jose Marti plotted the Cuban War for Independence from Spain in 1895-1898. The fiesta is named in honor of “Isle de Santa Maria”, which was the name of Amelia Island during the first Spanish reign from 1565 to 1763.

Artisans, crafters and local businesses will transform South 3^rd Street into a marketplace from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Younger visitors can participate in piñata breaking at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Historical displays and dance exhibitions are also planned. Latin-themed dishes from area restaurants will tickle visitors’ taste buds with flavors of the days when Amelia Island was ruled under the flags of Spain and Mexico. A street dance will be held from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Amelia Island Film Festival

Hey, I am so excited about the Film Festival ! This is the inaugural season, and there are over 40 films to see! The films will be shown at various locations around the island. So, if you are a film buff like me, you’ll really enjoy this local version of Cannes and Sundance.

The festival runs Sept 25^th through the 29^th. Contact them at www.AmeliaIslandFilmFestival.com or call 904-335-1110

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Chuck Hall                     904-261-6846               netthall@hotmail.com

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Historic District Picnic Sept. 7^th!!!

Ahh a Summer’s Picnic! Come visit with your neighbors in the Historic District! Be sure to mark this date on your calendars! This year, the 4^th annual Historic District Picnic is being held on Sunday, Sept 7^th, at 4 PM. We will have a BBQ, a bluegrass band, carriage rides, and more. As before, this year’s Picnic will be held in my back yard;  smack-dab in the Historic District.

You’re sure to have fun. We ask that you bring a covered dish to share, and lawn chairs enough for your group. If you have free access to a children’s-bounce-land, please let me know. There were lots of children last year, and it would be nice to give them something fun to do while the parents visit.

Please contact me at 261-6846 if you have any questions. RSVP would be nice, too.

I need to know how many to plan for.

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.

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.

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

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.

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…