Port Authority candidates get a chance to have their say on some specific issues

Let’s talk about the Historic District and the upcoming primary election. As you might know, the Ocean, Highway and Port Authority race is on, and there are three seats being filled this year, a majority of the five-member board that oversees the Port of Fernandina.

Personally, I think this race is more important to the Historic District’s future than the county commissioner races. Why? The port has far more presence here than any other government entity. Their ability to hurt/help the district is immense.

So, with all this on the line, I have asked each candidate in the Aug. 26 primary — Jennifer Kelly-Sheffield and Danny Fullwood, candidates for the District 2 seat, and Margie Gandy and Shirley Lear, candidates for the District 3 seat — to respond to three questions that can tell us where they stand on helping us preserve our beloved Historic District. The third seat will be voted on in November.

Port truck traffic backs up into the residential neighborhoods at the port gates. If there were an affordable way, would you consider moving the gates westward to relieve most of the traffic?

Kelly-Sheffield: Truck traffic backing up into the residential area downtown is not acceptable. If an affordable way of alleviating this from happening is by moving the gates entering into the port westward, of course I would be in favor! This discussion has taken place within the past few years, and at that time it was not affordable to move the gates westward, as proposed within your question. Alleviating the truck traffic needs to be looked at from all objectives, with moving the gates into the Port westward not being the only one.

Fullwood: If an “affordable way” that was logistically sound that all parties could agree upon, then certainly I would support it. However, one of my goals would be to work with other commissioners to develop a transfer station off island and have as much cargo or containers as possible to be to the port by rail. This would reduce the number of trucks that would drive directly to the port.

Gandy: Dade Street is designated as a commercial road, not only for port traffic, but others as well. Dade Street goes through the gate and to move it would impede the flow of traffic to the port and also to a great expense. Don’t you feel this a good system? It seems to be working OK. I think the port has worked real hard to minimize the impact the traffic brings.

Lear: Yes, it is a consideration, provided it gives trucks adequate maneuverability and falls within the legal criteria.

OHPA purchased residential properties in the Historic District in 2004, to create a parking lot. Attempts in 2006 to gain the proper zoning failed, and these lots are restricted to residential use only. Would you now consider selling these lots, so they could be used as residential property again?

Kelly-Sheffield: In the right economy, I would not be opposed to selling the property to which you are referring. I would think that the historic district would appreciate that the property is zoned residential, the port owns it and cannot develop it, but as such using it instead eliminating some of the noises created by the port.

FULLWOOD: If the zoning restricts the use of the property to residential use only and there is no value to the port in keeping the property and the benefit to the historic district outweighs the benefit to the port, I would consider it. However, the other side of that issue is that those who desire that to happen would be asked to join in finding suitable land for a land swap that could be zoned for parking. This would allow for a win/win scenario.

Gandy: Truthfully, I cannot say at this time. The parking lot was created with the OK with the zoning board and that still stands today. As of now, the residential properties serve as a good buffer zone between the port and the Historic District. Example: The way the property is maintained — just look at the port office. Looks great, huh?

Lear: No, I feel the port should maintain that investment property as a buffer zone. If homes are built on that property, it would further congest that area. Some residents appear to think that the existing close proximity is currently incompatible.

Please explain what you would do as the OHPA commissioner to serve the Historic District and Fernandina where the major OHPA facilities are?

Kelly-Sheffield: The Port of Fernandina facilities are based within the Historic District of Fernandina. The Ocean Highway & Port Authority is the entity that covers all of Nassau County – Hilliard, Callahan, Bryceville as well as Fernandina Beach and the Historic District. As a serving commissioner, I would continue to do what I have done the past three years as a member of the board; be available to the people of Nassau County, the people living within the Historic District and the people who do not. The Port of Fernandina wants to be a good neighbor to the people living within the Historic District and has stated such within its Comprehensive Plan. We want to work with the Historic District, not because we have to or are required to, but because we want people to be able to enjoy the historic area while the port may continue to be a driving force into our county’s economy. The port, as well as Smurfit-Stone and Rayonier, brings a lot of money into our local economy which is so important when many people today are losing their jobs and homes. No situation is ever a perfect situation. We all need to work together and continue allowing all of Nassau County to be a great place to live.

Fullwood: As a native and lifelong resident of Fernandina, I have always had a sense of pride for this city and the Historic District. I think it is of great benefit to our community and is one of our greatest assets. The quality of life and the continued development of our Historic District are important to me and as a port commissioner, I will do everything I can to help maintain its integrity and protect the quality of life of the citizens that live near the Port of Fernandina.

Gandy: The port has always had a good rapport with the Historic District. We need to work together since we serve all of Nassau County, including the Historic District. We bring a lot to the economy of the county, which we need. I will still respect the importance of the Historic District and the people’s love of it.

Lear: I would address this perceived problem and learn the city restrictions in this case. I would consider any solution to the dilemma, if found affordable and practical. One solution that should be explored would be to have a transfer station off the island where cargo could be loaded onto trains and transported to the port. This would eliminate some of the truck traffic in that area. This was studied some time back and was considered not economically feasible. However, now that gasoline prices have soared, it could be an option. Explore ways for the Port to be a good neighbor, which will require study from the port and the Historic District perspectives.