Commission approves $2 million Amelia River Waterfront Park design, citing impact-fee funding

The Fernandina Beach City Commission voted unanimously to approve the final design, permitting and construction phases for the Amelia River Waterfront Park, authorizing a $2,000,000 transfer from the city's impact-fee fund to begin work.

City Engineer Charlie George presented the plan, describing a fast-track schedule that staff hopes will allow bids in August, construction to begin in September and substantial completion by the end of February. The proposal includes a pavilion, restrooms, landscaping, flexible open space and parking reconfiguration. "This is all based on impact fees. It's not a tax," George told commissioners.

The vote capped more than an hour of public comment. Supporters said the park would activate the waterfront, expand restroom and picnic space, and improve pedestrian access. "This will be a huge win for the community," the mayor said during deliberations, urging the commission to move forward.

Opponents warned the plan would reduce parking and harm the working waterfront. John Abbott, a waterfront resident, said, "I am totally opposed to any notion that that should be parking," arguing that converting sodded open space to event parking would damage the site and complicate maintenance. Marian Phillips, who serves on the Marine Advisory Board, urged commissioners to "preserve our working waterfront" and to reconsider design choices she said would interfere with shrimping and commercial fishing uses.

Several speakers from the Amelia Island Bulls Club, displaced by the park design, pressed the city to commit funding and a site for 16 competition bocce courts; Fred Pugh, the club's vice president, asked that a line item be added to build replacement courts after the marina courts are removed. Staff said the city intends to reuse timbers from existing courts and that building replacement courts would be an in-house project.

Commissioners discussed ongoing maintenance estimates and oversight. George said initial warranty and maintenance will be included in construction bid documents and that annual maintenance was estimated around $25,000 once warranties lapse. The commission noted the city's impact-fee account contains roughly $4,000,000 for parks and recreation, the source identified for the project.

After discussion and a request to ensure events and displaced user groups are accommodated, the commission called the roll; the measure passed 5-0.

Next steps include issuing bid documents, negotiating construction contracts and returning to commissioners with final award recommendations and any refinements to maintenance commitments.