Fernandina Beach neighbors express concerns over new townhome development

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Four Fernandina Beach homes dating back to the early and mid-1900s are set to be demolished soon.

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This is after the board of Fernandina Beach City Commissioners voted to approve a 12-lot townhome community on Tuesday night.

Neighbors said this new development will change the nature of the town.

Merry Coalson has lived in Fernandina Beach for nearly 9 years.

“We’re sitting on this beautiful porch, siting across the street from other homes that are like this,” Coalson said.

She is one of about 100 neighbors pushing to save what they consider the historic feel of the neighborhood.

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“I think people are concerned it’s going to change the character of the town, and it will,” Len Kreger, Fernandina Beach resident said.

The townhomes would be located on Beech Street between South Third Street and South Fourth Street.

The Tringali family owns the four single-family homes on that property, and city documents indicate they opted to sell that property.

During Tuesday’s board meeting, the City Mayor expressed his support for this development.

“What they’re asking for is a replat and this replat will prompt them to equal out the size of the lots and make something that I think will fit the character more,” City Mayor Bradley Bean said.

Neighbors said they are going to continue to fight those homes being demolished.

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“We don’t want to see that happen,” Coalson said. “We are just against what we feel is improper development by our city.”