New island shopping center in planning stages

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

May 23, 2019 - noon

The Technical Review Committee (TRC) of the city of Fernandina Beach heard from owners and developers of a 9-acre site for development of a 55,000 square foot retail shopping center that will be anchored by an as yet unidentified grocery store.  Lindsay Haga with England-Thims & Miller presented the project at a pre-application discussion at the May 23, 2019 TRC meeting.

The property is currently located in Nassau County.  However, developers are working with both county and city staff to ensure that the project complies with city requirements prior to requesting annexation into the city.  The property, identified as parcel 00-00-30-044B-0037-0010, is zoned commercial and has been advertised for sale for many years.

Haga indicated the owners’ desire to work concurrently with county and city officials.  The project will be developed in two phases, and only the first phase is being developed at this time. The two out parcels along the parkway have not been purchased or leased.   In order to proceed with development and annexation, the project is seeking a small scale land use amendment and a zoning change.  The project is exempt from the current moratorium because it requires annexation into the city to receive utility services.

The developers will follow city codes, emphasizing their intent to respect those related to land clearing, tree mitigation and landscaping.

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.