Fernandina Historic District News

For and about Fernandina Beach’s Historic District Publisher/Editor Chuck Hall

HDC Fees Hurt Us

Last month, I went to the City Hall to get permission to remove a rotting non-historical 1974 set of outdoor steps. Our goal is to restore the 1909 home to it’s historically-correct appearance. I was told by staff, that I must speak to the Historic District Council before they could issue a demolition permit. I wasn’t happy, but I said OK. Then I learned that the fee to speak to the HDC, was a whopping $200.00 !!! Not only that, but I was scheduled for the November meeting….2 months away!

I wish the City fathers would think through this whole process of government restrictions. It seems that if the City wants us to keep our homes historically accurate, they should reward us rather than punish us. I think this fee is far too high, and actually creates an environment of distrust.

We all know of residents in the HD that will not ask City Hall for permission to do anything because of the hassle and expense. Many homeowners just refuse to do the needed work, and the HD suffers overall. When the HD suffers, so does tourism, and thus goes the local business climate.

I recommend that the City create a way to encourage us to keep our homes in good condition. Let’s create an environment that encourages renovation in the HD. Let’s reward our homeowners when they improve our best local economic engine.

Let’s get this process right. Stop punishing the keepers of the HD here. These are just people trying to do the right thing for our community

Best Decorated House Contest

Well, the HFBA (downtown merchants association) is at it again, with a big Christmas-time slate of events coming to town!

As you know, each year, there is a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony downtown. But THIS year, there will be so much more! Santa will visit downtown each Saturday during December; there will be contests, and parties throughout the holiday season.

Today, however, I want to give all the homeowners downtown a heads-up about the ‘Best Decorated Historic District House’ contest. There will be a huge trophy awarded, along with bragging rights. The winner is picked a blue-ribbon panel of judges.

Businesses won’t be left out, as there is another contest for the ‘Best Decorated Store Window’, too. Winners will be picked by popular vote from shoppers for this contest.

Add these events to the Lighted Boat Parade and other new events, I think that there will be more than enough to keep your interest downtown this season.

‘Pocket Parks’ are Dedicated

If you have been downtown lately, you’ve likely noticed the new ‘Pocket Parks’ as they are called around here. These are small grassy parks with walks and benches, located between the existing buildings next to Last Flight Out and Sea Breeze, on Centre Street.

These parks were created by a lease hammered out between the land owners and the City, by the Mayor. They are a face-lift for the vacant lots that have existed in those locations for many years. It’s a very nice addition to the leisurely pace of the downtown shopping area.

The Ribbon-Cutting Event for these parks was held Oct. 3rd at 5 PM, just before the start of the last Sounds on Centre street concert for 2008. The dedication also offered hamburgers and hot dogs to the attendees. Yes, yes, of course I had a hamburger!!!!!! Yuuummm….

Waterfront Park Construction Still Drags On

OK. I might be as thickheaded as my wife says I am, so am I missing something here? I attended the Waterfronts Meeting with the City Commission recently, and I could swear that it seemed like nothing was done. There was some talk about the format of the meetings and what the next step should be, and who was in charge of what. But I don’t think that they really did anything substantive that night.

Our Riverfront Park downtown seems to be dragging in the water right now. Most folk I know want to see the bulldozers out there moving dirt yesterday.

Seems that we have been working on this project for several years. Shouldn’t the format, and the responsibilities have been determined already? Don’t you usually do this in the beginning?

Oh well, I’ve heard that it's probably not best to watch sausage or legislation being made.

Over 20 Screenings at 4 Venues
AIFF F0UNDING MEMBER $ 75., STUDENT $ 45., SINGLE PASS $ 100., PER COUPLE $150
Pass Holders will be admitted first to all Screenings before General Public
Send check or money order to: AIFF, PO Box 504, Fernandina Beach, FL 32035-0504
Call: 904. 335. 1110 for more information. Website: www.AmeliaIslandFilmFestival.org
Inaugural Season SEPTEMBER 25-28, 2008

The new pet adoption and care organization, is having their ‘open house’ at the Palace Saloon Banquet Room on January 31^st from 6 to 8 PM. This event (nicknamed Paws at the Palace) is being held to raise awareness about the new organization, and to share their vision with the public!

I don’t know if you have heard about this group, but they have contracted to buy 13 acres near Callahan, to care for injured and abandoned animals. Their plan is to offer spay and neuter services, and to assist with adoption of animals. Principal members include some of Nassau County’s prior animal control officers.

I think that all of us will surely benefit by having another dedicated group concerned with the well-being of pets. The event is also to benefit the SPCA and the Humane Society.

They will be serving heavy appetizers, additionally, there will be a cash bar open there. Lynda Mixon will be presenting a PowerPoint presentation, and will be answering questions.
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So, if you feel like getting out of the house and going downtown for a little bit of banjo music, I’ll be playing live acoustic music with some friends at the event. Casual attire, of course.
Historic Helpers Success!

I told you about ‘Rufus’ the terrific Black Lab-mix dog that was up for adoption last month. Well, glory be! Thanks to some alert readers of this column, we were able to get the dog adopted to a great couple here on the island! What a great success story, and yes, everyone is doing well. Thanks to YOU!
The ‘Historic Helpers’ is a community action group that helps the elderly and disabled in the Historic District with light outdoor tasks. Please contact me if you need assistance.

Waterfront Plans Get Derailed

Hey you guys, I could use a good story about the neighborhood. If you know of any property or people that should be highlighted let me know. There are good things out there and we need to share them!

Fernandina ‘Historic District’ News

Amelia Island Fall Arts Fest

In the historic downtown area, a wonderful new annual art festival is coming November 10^th and 11^th. There will be over 100 artists there, and special foods offered, to. The Festival will be held along Centre Street from the waterfront to about 4th St.
Now this will be a fine arts show, not just a catch-all craft show. Specialty artists are coming here from far away to show their wares. So, if you are interested in seeing some very special and exclusive art forms, come join us downtown.
If you are a wine enthusiast, there is even a Wine-Tasting event, with 5 vendor-locations throughout the downtown area. You can sample fine wines (many of which you will see for the first time) and learn about new offerings in the wine world.
Are you a new or upcoming artist? There will also be an "Emerging Artists" section that will showcase the work for several young artists just getting started.
There is no charge to attend the Festival, however, to participate in the Wine-Tasting events there is a small fee to register.

Amelia Cruisers Car Show

Shine up the old Edsel, and get downtown to the 11^th annual Amelia Cruisers Car Show! It will be held on Saturday, Oct.20^th. This event is always a fun time for the family. You’ll get to see cars here that you can’t see anywhere else. This year, about 250 cars are expected to be entered in the show. They will be displayed all along Centre Street, and if you have a few dollars, you can even buy some of them! These are real ‘show cars’, of all sorts. You can find rare vintage automobiles, fully restored, or even customized cars ready to ride! There is no charge to attend the event.
Charities supported by the Cruisers are The Children’s Miracle Network, local student scholarship funds, and others. Over $60,000 has been donated by the Cruisers within the past 10 years, according to The Cruisers.

Historic Helpers !!

It occurred to me the other day that we have a community here that really cares about their neighborhood and their neighbors. Unfortunately, there are some neighbors here that are not able to maintain their properties as well as they might want, due to health, age, or other issues beyond their control. That’s where you can help!
Introducing Historic Helpers; a neighborhood-based community action group that is dedicated to helping neighbors improve their homes in the Historic District.
I have had discussions with people around the Historic District about helping older folk with their yard work or house painting, through a volunteer program. What a worthy idea! So, if YOU are interested in helping some of the neighbors that have difficulty helping themselves, contact me, and let’s get started!
We will be organizing the group, identifying skills, schedules, etc. Also, we will be creating a list of properties / owners that need the help.
Note: this is NOT going to be a new-home-renovation program (like on TV). At this early stage, we will have severe limitations:

We are just seeking to do the lighter tasks that will make a big difference for the disabled or elderly homeowner, such as painting, yard work, and small repairs.
When it comes to needing a license to do the work, or, if the job is really large we aren’t prepared for that……. yet…….Hopefully this idea will catch on and we can take it to the next level later.

Please call / email me to discuss your ideas, and get on the volunteer list. You can do as little or as much as you like. And remember; the work you do will be in your own neighborhood.

Got News???
Hey you guys, I could use a good story about the neighborhood. If you know of any property or people that should be highlighted let me know. There are good things out there and we need to share them!

Chuck Hall 904-261-6846 netthall@hotmail.com

Fernandina ‘Historic District’ News

May, 2007 For and about Fernandina Beach’s Historic District Publisher/Editor Chuck Hall

Thoughtful Approach To Historic Renovation

Please allow me to comment on the recent loss of the Meddaugh House on the corner of Broome and 6^th Streets.
While there seems to have been a lot of effort to save the house, the result has been, as you may know, the total loss of the structure. At the pace in which we are losing historic homes here, we may be faced with losing our Historic District classification someday within the next 30 years.
I am not here to point fingers or blame anyone at all. It seems that this process was transparent, and the ordinances were followed to the letter. But, if anyone is to be blamed, it is the ‘process’.
To this end, I offer these 4 proposals to the HDC, and to the City Commission.

1. Never, ever again allow a historic structure to be lifted as this one was, for a basement or garage.
There are a thousand reasons that we can clearly see now how poor this idea was. Certainly there are times when a house must be partially jacked up and made level for structural reasons to save the house. But, to allow a house to be moved from it foundations and returned, is, as we now know, a recipe for disaster.
Some people are ‘good fits’ for historic houses, while others are best served by living in newer homes.
It takes a special person to live in a historic home, and deal with the myriad of repairs and lack of modern conveniences that come with the privilege.

2. Major Structural Renovations should require an engineering study.
Whenever a structure is being eyed for MAJOR renovation, i.e. removal of part, or major addition to the structure, then require an engineering study, which shows you there is not a loss likely to occur.
An architect is not a structural engineer.

3. Create a severe financial penalty for such a loss resulting from renovation errors such as this one.
Should all your efforts still fail to save a structure, then penalize the owners for causing the City an irretrievable loss. The Historic District is a highly prized and irreplaceable asset to the city and county.
Contractors and homeowners should be aware that IF their plans go awry, the penalty would be severe. The funds received from the penalty could be used to maintain the Historic District.

4. Study the possibility of relaxed construction standards for older homes .
It is stated that this house had sub-standard construction, which exceeded the 50% rule for the inspectors. I suspect that most of the 120 year old houses here have that same problem. I submit there must be a way created that allows the inspectors to waive off the strict standards of the current building codes. These codes simply do not apply to housing that was created in an era of vastly different construction methods and designs.

Let me close by stating that Fernandina Beach is becoming more attractive everyday to those with very deep pockets, thanks in large part to the good efforts of the City.
These folk have the unique capability to remove and replace houses at a cost that you and I would consider unthinkable.
Perhaps the City Commission will study these recommendations, and do something to stop the next accident.

Please contact me, and let’s get you on the map for the Big Sale !!!!
Each participant gets a listing in the flyers and maps. The advertising cost per sale site is $5.65 We will do as much advertising as we can with the monies received. In the NewsLeader, too.
Contact me to get on the list. Quick !!!!! Cut-off for the sale registration is March 12th

Historic District Receives New Survey Grant

City Commission Votes to Reduce Tax on B&B’s

The City Commission has voted to reduce the ad valorum tax on Bed and Breakfasts here. The County Commission, however, failed to pass the measure, and therefore will not be giving a much-needed tax break to the B&B’s.

The City’s reduction, however, will cut the tax burden to the B&B’s by 50% (of the Ciy’s share). This would equate to about 2-3 mills. This would average about $2,000 per B&B. If the County had helped, that burden would have been much more significantly reduced; more than $7,000 for some of the hotels.

The reduction is allowed by the State for certain types of historic properties that fit a certain guideline, i.e., they must be open to the public at least 40 hours per week, and qualify as historic properties.

There are other properties in the Historic District that may qualify for this reduction as well. If you think that your property might qualify, contact the City Manager for more information.

FHDN thinks this is the right direction for the Historic District. We agree that the businesses here have been hard-hit lately, and need some significant tax relief to continue to preserve the buildings and the business climate here. We ask that the County Commissioners reconsider their position, and pass tax relief for historic properties.

Pajama Party a Big Success for Downtown

The Downtown Business Association has reported that the shopping day after Thanksgiving here was a bigger sales day than in past years. With the weather being so good, many more people showed up dressed in their finest pajamas to shop and compete for prizes for ‘best dressed’. They reported that many shoppers were coming in from towns in Georgia for the day.

Big sales and discounted merchandise were helpful in moving large amounts of inventory. It is really wonderful to see the Downtown area thrive. The additional hope is that the new townhomes planned for downtown will help boost sales for the area merchants.

Downtown Garage Sale???

I have been asked by a few folks about the possibility of our having a Downtown-wide Garage Sale !!! Sounds like a fun time…. Just think of it….. if there are 250 homes here, we can get a real good turnout with each household displaying their goods for sale.

The one-day event could be advertised inexpensively, as one ad would cover the whole event. Each home could have a map of the area, to give to visitors, directing them to other sales on the route.

We thought that springtime would be appropriate, as it will give us plenty of time to get ready. I know that at my house, we have a lot of things to sell. ………..You, too? Let me know your thoughts, thanks…..

Fernandina ‘Historic District’ News

October 2006 For and about Fernandina Beach’s Historic District Publisher/Editor Chuck Hall

Historic District Picnic Big Hit !!!

One and all had a good time at the annual Historic District Picnic. In addition to the horse and carriage rides provided by Amelia Island Carriages (which stayed busy the whole time!) we had lots of great food provided by the best cooks in town!!! There was a flaming BBQ, smoking the most tender chicken you could have asked for, too!

I suppose the best part of the Picnic each year, is getting to meet new neighbors and see old ones, too. Someone or other will appear, out of no where, that I haven’t seen in 40 years or so, always surprises me! What a cool thing to have happen.

Tours of the sculpting studio were again on the menu, and everyone loves to hear the story about how my grandfather used to raise terrapin turtles on the very site of the studio, for consumption by the local dock workers. In fact, the foundation of the studio is actually the pond that Grandfather raised them in !

We are thinking about changing the weekend on which the Picnic is held. Seems that many of you sent regrets, as you would be away on that Labor Day weekend. I was thinking that later in September would be a good date. Please send me your ideas on this….. would you come if it were on another date? When is good for you?

Port Authority vote is Nov.

The current sitting member for District 3 of the Port Authority is Ed Gandy. FHDN asks voters to remove Mr. Gandy from the Board. He has been party to historic house demolition, and to attempting to expand the Port facilities into the HD neighborhoods. Keith Sawyer is the challenger.

County, City, must reduce Taxes

There is a rumbling in our area. You can feel it everywhere. The citizens are FED UP with these leaps in ad valorum taxes each year! The only ones protected from these increases are the homeowners that have fortunately filed for homestead exemption; and still, they, too, can expect a steady 3% increase per year.

The election results show you how people feel about it. The incumbents are heading for the hills! New Commissioners are taking office, and with them, the new hope that taxes can be significantly reduced !!!! Not JUST held, but actually reduced.

Consider the fact that there are millions of dollars in new taxable properties coming on line every year, yet, your tax still goes up? In a world where dollars made sense, you would expect a reduction in YOUR tax, when hundreds of other properties START paying new taxes, right?

Oh sure, we have all heard the rhetoric from the county administrators that spout ‘increased services’ as the reason. BULL. I say ‘fire the bums’ and let’s salvage what’s left of our own county……

Historic District Preservation

As you know, the River waterfront is turmoil about the zoning, density, etc, of the parcels there. While this may not be directly affecting the HD proper, there is some concern for us anyway. There are parcels along 2nd St that are asking to be rezoned to C-3. We agree that their plans for mixed-use are good. That area needs a boost. However, the FHDN is opposed to a 45-foot height allowance there adjacent to the HD. As a matter of record, we’d rather see height limits at 35 feet, and a 30-foot buffer to any heavy rezoning adjacent to the HD.

All New…. Historic District Website

Yes indeed, not to be outdone by the New York Times, The FHD News has it’s own website now. You can see it by browsing over to http://fhdnews.com Send the links to your friends, too. They can sign up for the News, info, and offers from the local businesses.

Get the News by E-mail

If you are getting the News by snail mail now, and would like to get it by email, just send me an email to netthall@hotmail.com and I’ll add you to our list. Add your friends, too!

Chuck Hall 904-261-6846 netthall@hotmail.com

Discover Fernandina's Historic District. Visit www.FHDnews.com

Fernandina ‘Historic District’ News

September 2006 For and about Fernandina Beach’s Historic District Publisher/Editor Chuck Hall

Come to Your Picnic !!!

Oh boy! It’s time for the annual Labor Day Picnic for the Historic District. This is a great time for meeting your neighbors and seeing old friends.

It is set up as a ‘pot luck’ dinner, so think of a covered dish that you can bring to share. We will provide the tables and chairs, cups, plates and flatware. You might even call us a couple of days in advance to see if we will need ice or something. Thanks.

Again this year, the Amelia Island Carriages will be giving residents rides around the neighborhood.

Other businesses are invited to contribute also ! (great exposure to the neighbors)

This always proves to be a fun afternoon; hope to see you here. I plan to fire up the old BBQ, too!

It will be "Rain or Shine" Sunday afternoon, September 3^rd, 4 PM at my house, 315 Calhoun St.

(that’s at the corner of N. 4^th and Calhoun St. across from the Catholic School).

Call us at 261-6846 with any questions.

An RSVP would be nice, as I’d like to know how much to set up. Last year we counted over 80 people!!!!

Protecting the Historic District Pays Off in Many Ways

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved." Helen Keller

Port Authority preliminary vote for Republican party: Sept 5th

The current sitting member for District 3 of the Port Authority is Ed Gandy. FHDN asks voters to remove Mr. Gandy from the Board. He has been party to historic house demolition, and to attempting to expand the Port facilities into the HD neighborhoods.

Planning Board Eyes C-3 Zoning Requests Closely

The Planning Advisory has turned down requests made recently to rezone some industrial properties to C-3 (mixed use). While the FHDN is in favor of mixed-use along North 2^nd St. We are opposed to a height limit of 45 ft. (rather see 35 ft limit) and the ability to build edge to edge (rather see a 30 ft buffer along the adjacent lot line with the homes there).

Certainly this issue will continue to rise up, and we hope that the PAB will perform due diligence in representing the neighbors. We all want to see progress, but not at the expense of our future quality of life.

Small Business Owners:

The County Commission is planning to raise the trash disposal fees soon. You might want to contact them to get the details, and see how it will affect your business. Rumor holds that the fees might as much as double?!!

Get the News by E-mail

If you are getting the News by snail mail now, and would like to get it by email, just send me an email to netthall@hotmail.com and I’ll add you to our list. Add your friends, too!

Chuck Hall 904-261-6846 netthall@hotmail.com

04 Apr 06

Fernandina ‘Historic District’ News

April 2006 For and about Fernandina Beach’s Historic District Publisher/Editor Chuck Hall

"Vote to Protect Your Future"

The Historic District News is currently interviewing local candidates; concerning one thing: what is their position to the Port’s expansion into the Historic District? As you know, the FHDN is absolutely against this expansion. This expansion will only hurt the Historic District.

So far, we have responses from Sapp, Malcolm, Williamson, and Thompson. They all support saving the Historic District. We have yet to get responses from Perry, Stewart, and Raysor, although we have asked.

While all the candidates have something to offer, we ask that you consider the MOST experienced and qualified candidates that oppose the Port expansion.

Let’s save the Historic District while there is still a chance. An elected Commissioner that has the guts to protect the Historic District (as the voters wish) can help protect our future here in Fernandina.

The election is April 11^th. If there is a run-off in the election for Group 5, the next election will be the next month. Seethe Political page on this site: Click here

Port Expansion Update

At the recent Planning Advisory Board meeting, the Board passed the Port’s rezoning request, subject to a rarely used ‘developers agreement’. This agreement must be drafted and returned to the PAB at a future meeting for review and approval. Then, the PAB will send the rezoning request onto the City Commissioners for their approval or rejection of the rezoning. (whew!)

This agreement is designed to stop the Port from installing high security lighting, fencing, and buildings on the parking lot site. Our interpretation of the State requirements for Ports, shows that the State can force the Port to install all items in violation of the City’s requests.

This link is to the State Requirements for Ports:

http://www.myflorida.com/myflorida/government/governorinitiatives/drugcontrol/min_sec_stds_final.doc

The Port is under the mandate of State and Federal law enforcement where security in involved. Since 9-11, the Port here has had many changes required of it by the State. In fact, the City lost access to the right-of-ways around the Port, as the State restricted these locations from traffic.

There was not a request, just a ruling.

We believe that ANY agreement made with the Port is subject to being voided by the State.

Well, the Port has passed the Staff’s review, and the PAB approval, so the City Commissioners vote is the last hurdle. If we are to save this Historic District neighborhood, this is our only hope.

Please contact these Commissioners to voice your opposition to the Port expansion.

Ken Walker 261-9875 (H) email: kwalker@fbfl.org

Joe Gerrity 261-3556 (H) email: jogerbmw@aol.com

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Chuck Hall 904-261-6846 netthall@hotmail.com

Please note: wood sculptures are available at www.shadyoakstudio.com

The Port has requested a rezoning of the two parcels of land they bought for Homeland Security from R2 residential zoning to C2 commercial zoning. According to Chuck Hall- these two parcels consist of a total of 10 lots that are 48'x93' in size. Now the Port wants to put a parking lot there.
Chuck and other residents in the northern Historic district are opposed to this rezoning as they view it as a major intrusion into their residential neighborhood since this will be an Industrial parking lot that will be utilized 7 days a week /24 hours a day /365 days a year; and will be complete with industrial lighting throughout the night time hours.

The northern neighbors are also concerned that once zoned C2, it would be easier for the Port to get other uses in the future.

Staff has recommended approval with certain restrictions including: a 30' vegetative buffer against the residential area; and a recorded restriction that the property could only be used as a parking lot. (I believe the 30 ft. buffer is depth, but I also heard that the Port could begin their measuring from the center of the road- though I can't visualize how that could be utilized in this situation- if someone knows please email me back).

CFOF's position is against this rezoning for the following reasons:

- An industrial, lighted parking lot that will be in constant use being located adjacent to residential properties is not appropriate; such an action would harm a residential neighborhood that is showing strong signs of revitalization.

-The Port's intrusion into the Historic District would also separate those historic properties on the northside of the North neighborhood from the rest of the district.

-CFOF believes that this parking lot- in this location- is not needed by the Port. The Port has existing parking lots, as well as other potential locations, that could actually meet the "security requirements" better than this location which is backed up by residential homes.

- CFOF believes that this policy of a business expanding into a residential neighborhood and asking for a zoning change sets a new precedence. We believe that past city policies are that any business is welcome to expand within the confines of an Industrial area; but that the city did not allow a residential zoning to be changed for business pursuits to expand into residential areas. CFOF worries if this precedence is set- other potential properties owned by Smurfit and Rayonier in other areas- could potentially utilize this change in policy so that other neighborhoods could be faced with similar situations in the future.

Please help support the integrity of the Historic District by attending the Planning Advisory Board meeting at 5:30pm Wednesday.

Concerned Friends of Fernandina

Concerned Friends of Fernandina is a grassroots citizens group formed to inform and involve

residents wanting to preserve the small town identity of Fernandina Beach and its natural beauty.

"With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed." -- Abraham Lincoln

Fernandina Historic District News