Commission approves purchase of three conservation parcels, including 100‑Acre Marsh in Fullerwood

The St. Augustine City Commission on Jan. 27 voted unanimously to acquire three privately owned parcels for conservation, approving three resolutions that staff said would add open space and shore‑line protection in several neighborhoods.

Assistant City Manager Reuben Franklin presented the staff proposals and financial context. Franklin said the city’s general fund began with about $3 million in unrestricted reserves; the owner of the May Street parcel (the Van Dyke property) agreed to sell at the appraised value of $1,140,000, Franklin said. He also told commissioners the Fullerwood site commonly called the “100 Acre Marsh” was appraised at $600,000, and that the Avery Street property is an 11.39‑acre parcel staff recommended for acquisition as part of the city’s conservation program.

Franklin outlined funding options and said the conservation program held about $677,562; depending on which combination of purchases the commission approved, the general fund unrestricted balance would be reduced but remain above staff‑reported minimums. Commissioners discussed fiscal reserves, hurricane season contingencies and possible grant reimbursements related to conservation acquisitions.

Public comment on the 100 Acre Marsh was substantial. Neighbors and Fullerwood residents told the commission the parcel provides flood mitigation, wildlife habitat and local drainage benefits. Ruby Raley, Gina Burrell, Tawny Kern, Emily Bell, Charles Pappas and other Fullerwood residents testified they favored city acquisition to prevent development that would increase flooding and destroy habitat; several speakers expressed that the previous owner had wanted the land conserved and urged the city to keep the parcel natural.

Commissioners highlighted public benefits of the acquisitions: increased shoreline conservation on the San Sebastian River bank (staff said acquiring the Avery Street parcel would bring city‑controlled shoreline to roughly 40% of a targeted stretch when combined with existing holdings), neighborhood flood mitigation for Fullerwood from preserving marshland, and continuity with prior acquisitions in the same corridors. Commissioners and staff also noted that, if the purchases proceed, staff could develop conceptual plans for structures on acquired parcels (for example, removal of dilapidated buildings) with neighborhood input.

All three resolutions passed by voice vote and roll‑call confirmations. For each resolution the motion was made by Mayor Nancy Sykes Klein and seconded on the floor; the clerk recorded unanimous yes votes from Commissioners John De Prater, Cynthia Garris, Jim Springfield and Vice Mayor Barbara Blonder.

Details and next steps

- Van Dyke (May Street) property: staff said the owner agreed to sell at the appraised value of $1,140,000. Funds for that purchase were proposed from general‑fund unrestricted reserves.

- 100 Acre Marsh (Fullerwood): appraised at $600,000. Staff said the commission could direct neighborhood‑informed conservation stewardship and return with plans for removal or repurposing of a deteriorated garage structure if commissioners desired.

- Avery Street parcel: described in the meeting as 11.39 acres along the western bank of the San Sebastian River; staff said the parcel would add shoreline area under city control and complement adjacent county and city conservation holdings.

Commissioners asked staff to provide follow‑up information on implementation options (management plans, potential structure removal, public access considerations) and to report back about any available grants or cost‑sharing opportunities. The commission’s vote establishes the city’s authority to complete the purchases at the stated appraised values and initiates next steps for stewardship planning.