FBCC approves controversial ordinances on downtown density, land use/zoning changes for N. 2nd & Broome Street properties

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

June 7, 2017 11:36 a.m.

At their June 6, 2016 Regular Meeting, the Fernandina Beach City Commission enacted six ordinances on Second and Final Reading:

• 2017-10 amending parts of the Land Development Code dealing with Bosque Bello Cemetery;
• 2017-12 increasing density in the Central Business District;
• Four interrelated ordinances (2017-13 to 2017-16) dealing with changing land use and zoning for property on North 2^nd and Broome Streets.

There was no public comment or FBCC discussion prior to approving the cemetery ordinance on a 5-0 vote. The amended sections include: definition clarifications; bulk cemetery lot purchase; transfer of ownership; perpetual care services and memorial; vault installations; and interment.

One speaker asked that the density ordinance be tabled until the related parking issues could be addressed. Commissioners did not respond to this request and voted unanimously to approve the item without further discussion. First Reading had attracted considerable public input (see http://fernandinaobserver.com/2017/04/19/fernandina-beach-downtown-density-increase-approved-4-1/).

Despite significant public input at First Reading on the four ordinances dealing with land use change and zoning for North 2^nd and Broome Streets (see http://fernandinaobserver.com/2017/05/11/land-use-zoning-changes-proposed-for-n-2nd-broome-streets/), no one from the audience addressed the issues at Second Reading, and the changes were approved without further discussion on a 4-1 vote (Vice Mayor Len Kreger dissenting).

The FBCC also unanimously passed on First Reading Ordinance 2017-18, dealing with City issuance of special beach driving permits for emergency vehicles, handicapped persons, certain fishing licenses, and senior citizens. Changes were proposed to clarify parts of the existing code for enforcement purposes. Deciphering which fishing licenses qualify for the special permit has been very difficult for staff to analyze due to changing state laws regarding fishing licenses. The City Commission had directed the City Attorney to amend Section 90-48 to provide for special permits for driving on the beach south of Sadler Road only for disabled persons with an annual maximum of fifteen permits.

There was no public comment on Ordinance 2017-18, which will return for a Second Reading and public hearing at a future meeting.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.