$58,110 and counting - Code Enforcement Board acts again on South 8th Street property

Susan Hardee Steger

May 15, 2017 3:24 p.m.

Since October of 2015, Mark O’Brien owner of property located at 400 South 8th Street and home to Taylor Rental Center, has ignored most code violations and fines issued by the City of Fernandina Beach Code Enforcement & Appeals Board (CEAB). As of May 3, 2017, daily fines and administrative costs going back to October 1, 2015, total $58,110.43. Now there are more violations and more fines.

A growing crack on the Taylor Rental building located at 400  South 8th Street. Photo taken May 14, 2017.

During the May 3, 2017, CEAB meeting, Code Compliance Officer Michelle Forstrom, requested the board approve two additional violations noting unsafe structures and uncleaned lots. Forstrom said a complaint was filed in September 2016 calling attention to  a crack on the south side wall of Taylor Rental Center. Shortly thereafter, O’Brien was notified verbally and in writing of a notice of violation and a May 3 hearing. According to Forstrom, the crack is growing. The second violation for uncleaned lots involves a broken fence, garbage around the fence, a junk pile within the fence, and inoperable equipment on the property.

The board approved the additional violations and fines of $500 per day and requested City Attorney Tammi Bach to explore placing a lien on the property.  If during the next three months city fines are still unpaid, the board directed Bach proceed with foreclosure on the property "if legally possible."

Property owner O’Brien did not attend or have representation during the May 3, 2017 meeting or during the prior October 1, 2015 CEAB meetings.

Top two photos of the Taylor Rental Center Sign facing north, and sign facing south (photos taken October 1, 2015). Bottom photo taken May 14, 2017 .

Violations on the O’Brien property that began on October 1, 2015, addressed concern over a poorly maintained and unsafe sign along with structure maintenance issues.

“The building is just an embarrassment at this point,” said one board member.