Amelia Riverfront Park

The City Commission is seeking public input for its waterfront development effort. At the September 15 City Commission meeting, Mr. Jeremy Marquis of Marquis Latimer + Halback introduced conceptual renderings of the waterfront. The renderings were based upon previous comments received from the City Commission and several other boards and commissions as well as reviewing 20+ years of previous design efforts and feedback.

Mr. Marquis indicated to the City Commission that the concept is based upon overwhelming support for a waterfront greenspace and sunset vistas and incorporates many elements often used to define Fernandina Beach, most notably the wood of the waterfront, the brick of downtown, and the trees of the island.    

In general, the concept includes an expanded waterfront boardwalk, an event lawn, a bandshell, and expanded open space. The plan also illustrates a reconfigured Front Street to accommodate on-street parking (no reduction of currently available parking) and the relocation of the waterfront Veterans Monument (slightly elevated and closer to the river). The intersections of Ash Street and Centre Street will be modified to include safety improvements funded, in part, by the Florida Department of Transportation. The re-opening of the Alachua Street crossing at Front Street is also incorporated into the design.    

Marquis Latimer + Halback has designed a Community Hub to solicit community feedback. The Community Hub can be reached at this link: https://fernandina.mlhhub.com/. The concept plans for the waterfront can be viewed and downloaded and comments can be offered on a variety of the waterfront components. The Community Hub will remain accessible for public comments until October 18. A summary of the comments will be presented to the City Commission.
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The waterfront plans can also be accessed on the City’s website and Facebook page. Additionally, plans developed by Passero Associates to address waterfront resiliency (tidal flooding, storm surge, and sea level rise) can be reviewed on the website and Facebook page.

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Rendering 1

Rendering 2

Rendering 3