FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. – The Fernandina Beach City Commission has approved a plan to select a vendor for a proposed paid parking program in the city’s downtown area, despite strong opposition from many residents.
The paid parking plan, introduced earlier this year, would charge for premier parking spots on select downtown streets. City officials estimate the program could generate about $2 million in revenue.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Some Fernandina Beach residents want proposal for paid parking to be put to voters |Fernandina Beach community pushes back against proposal for paid parking in historic downtown that could ‘ruin the vibe’ | Fernandina Beach community protests proposal for paid parking in historic downtown district
However, the proposal has faced significant pushback from the community. At Monday night’s commission meeting, Vice Mayor Darron Ayscue voiced his opposition, emphasizing the public’s frustration.
“Every argument that you can possibly bring up here, I’m going to answer with ‘The people don’t want this.’ And at some point in time, you’re elected to do the will of the people,” Ayscue said.
Mayor James Antun responded to the criticism, noting that while many have asked city leaders to “find another way,” no alternative solutions have been offered.
“It’s very frustrating to sit in this seat right now and have people say ‘Just find another way.’ No one has provided any other solution for that. No one has suggested even one potential idea. And unfortunately, as it’s been said here before, this is the only clear way forward at this moment,” Antun said.
City officials will now begin negotiating a contract with the selected vendor. Once the contract is finalized and approved by the commission, a paid parking ordinance will be brought before the commission for a vote.
