Feds in town!

Submitted by Susan Hardee Steger

May 7, 2014 12:55 p.m.

Salty Pelican's Al Waldis, (R) discusses access issues with federal, and state investigators, as railroad representative looks on.

Federal investigators and an FDOT representative have arrived in Fernandina Beach to follow up on an ADA complaint filed by Massachusetts resident Jennifer Niles after she fell from her wheelchair  while crossing a railroad tracks in March of 2013. (Click here for previous story.) At the time of her fall, the railroad crossing at Centre and Front Streets was in deplorable condition. Although the crossing is now much improved, the ADA complaint also included the issue of access to the popular Front Street eatery Salty Pelican.  The City of Fernandina Beach and Patricia Toundas, owner of the Marina Restaurant disagree over who owns the property west of the restaurant. (Click here)

Niles's approaches the end of the "Sidewalk to Nowhere."

At last night's City Commission meeting, City Manager Joe Gerrity thanked individuals who helped pressure the railroad to fix the crossing, but said the Federal Government's interest in the crossing was also helpful.  He said he will be meeting with the investigators on Thursday.