Catholic Church expansion plan parking proposal passes technical review

On March 27, 2014 the City of Fernandina Beach Technical Review Committee (TRC) met with Miranda Architects, agents for St Michael's Catholic Church, to discuss a revised site plan for the expansion of the existing historic sanctuary located at 202 North 4th Street. The expansion will increasing seating by 180 seats bringing the church's seating capacity to 489.

A key factor in moving forward with church expansion is the requirement that the church provide additional parking to offset the increased seating capacity offered in the expansion.

The proposal presented calls for valet parking in order to maximum parking spaces in a church owned, soon to be expanded, parking lot located on North 5th Street behind the parish office.  The existing lot offers parking for 16 vehicles.  After expansion, 32 additional spaces will be added and that number meets the requirement for the new church addition.

According to Jose Miranda, the church continues to seek other options for parking whether it be remote lots or shuttle services in order to reduce the need for valet parking.  Valet parking is a solution allowed by City code.

After hearing no objections from various TRC members, Marshall McCrary announced the proposal is code compliant.  The approval requires a demonstration that the proposed lot will accommodate 48 vehicles.

Approximately 10 church members who have expressed dissatisfaction with the church expansion were in attendance, along with a few adjacent property owners.  They spoke of issues such as lighting, traffic flow, safety, and liability concerns for the parish and diocese.  Some concerns  raised were parish concerns and not pertinent to decision making responsibilities for the TRC,  reminded Chairman Marshall McCray.

The bright spot of the meeting is a magnolia tree located in the northeast corner of the lot might be saved if a possible church property acquisition can provide additional parking spaces.

TRC is a City administrative committee formed to review compliance with rules for new development projects.   Once approved permitting may proceed.

Neighborhood parking issues are a separate issue and not under the TRC purview.

For a previous Fernandina Observer article on the St Michael's Catholic Church expansion, click here.

For a previous Fernandina Observer article on neighborhood parking issues click here.

March 27, 2014 6:30 p.m.