Attempt to block public beach parking fails

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger

January 14, 2015 7:55 p.m.

An Elizabeth Street homeowner failed in his attempt to eliminate newly created beach parking spaces by placing boulders on a City of Fernandina Beach right of way.  Michelle Forstrom, code compliance officer, visited the homeowner to request the boulders be removed within two weeks.   And where are the Elizabeth Street signs  placed by the City to designate beach parking? They have disappeared.

Boulders lining Elizabeth Street. Photo courtesy of Michael Leary

According to Deputy City Manager Marshall McCrary, on December 29, city officials were notified that beach parking signs on Elizabeth Street were removed.   "Unfortunately, City installed signage - particularly beach parking signage in residential areas - goes missing far too often. If we catch someone 'in the act' or find clear evidence of a theft, we will prosecute, " says McCrary.

Beach Parking Sign Photo courtesy of Michael Leary

To secure Federal dollars for the City's upcoming beach renourishment project, the City is increasing beach parking spaces to meet federal guidelines.  The Elizabeth Street location was one area identified for additional parking.

A June 2014 letter addressing the parking situation from City Manager Joe Gerrity assured  the U S Army Corps of Engineers, that "the city will be in compliance with those stipulations [parking/access] prior to the next construction."  Although the Elizabeth Street parking spaces were not adjacent to a beach access, the parking spaces did meet federal guidelines that require the spaces be "within a practical walking distance of a pedestrian access to the beach."

On December 16, 2014, in response to a request from the Elizabeth Street homeowner, the city commission passed a resolution to abandon a portion of a utility and drainage easement due to a 1.1 foot encroachment of the 2801 Elizabeth Street home. According to McCrary, "ample room remains within the easement despite the encroachment." The new beach parking spaces were in the vicinity of the easement.