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Candidates clash over Tringale property, density and local planning
Summary
Fernandina Beach candidates debated the Tringale property, municipal land‑development rules and the effect of a state 'Live Local' provision that can increase allowable density if affordable units are included.
Development in Fernandina Beach, and a dispute over the Tringale property, drew sharp questions at a Democratic Club forum as candidates sought to reassure voters that the city will protect local character.
Several candidates cited the Tringale matter as an example of where earlier negotiations produced a 12‑unit replat that would have limited density, sidewalks and drainage improvements, but litigation later allowed the developer to seek higher density. "Then this lawsuit stopped the 12, and now we're dealing with 30," said Bradley Bean, who noted the commission had sought a replat deal that would have limited units.
Joyce Hooten warned that recent commission decisions conflicted with land‑development code section 1.03.05 and urged the city to strengthen protections, preserve wetlands calculations in density math, and adopt a robust tree management plan. "We have to actually strengthen and protect our laws," she said.
Candidates also discussed tools to influence development: negotiating conditions (sidewalks, drainage), using fee waivers or incentives for context‑sensitive projects, and ensuring adequate staffing in the planning department to review proposals. Several candidates called for clearer code language and full planning staffing to prevent avoidable legal outcomes.
No formal city action was taken at the forum; candidates urged voters to ask about planning staffing and code enforcement at future town halls and workshops.
