Columbarium: Committee decides to start over with Bosque Bello tour as the first step

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) Tuesday agreed that starting from scratch on the Bosque Bello columbarium project is the best way forward. The consensus came as members acknowledged the need to learn from the previous attempt — which ended in 2021 when the city commission rejected the project over design flaws and construction costs.

“Four years has gone by and that’s quite a long time,” said PRAC member John Pelican. “You almost have to take a fresh start at it. It’s not like you can jump right into it again.”

Last week, the city commission gave the green light for PRAC to revive the effort, following years of silence on the issue. The proposal for a columbarium — a structure that holds cremated remains — is seen as increasingly urgent as space runs out at the historic Bosque Bello Cemetery.

Members suggested a site visit to Bosque Bello to re-familiarize themselves with the space and reconsider previous missteps. The original design failed to gain traction amid concerns over aesthetics and cost, ultimately sinking the project.

This time, with new eyes and a clean slate, the board hopes to bring forward a plan that can win city approval and community support.

PRAC Chairman Tom Camera emphasized the importance of getting everyone aligned before moving forward. “I firmly believe it takes time for all of us to get on the same page,” he said. “I relish the idea of having the ability to have a workshop so everyone can see a visual.”

The committee also agreed that the original proposal to use brick as the primary columbarium material was not a good idea.

In 2021, the firm of Marquis Latimer + Halback proposed an 1,800 niche Columbarium design made of historic brick, matching the look and feel of historic downtown Fernandina Beach. But PRAC members at the time voted 7-0 not to endorse the design, favoring granite over brick.

There were also added concerns over the cost of maintaining the brick over an extended period of time. The design plans cost the city $16,900 to fund.

"I looked at the design plans and I didn't think it matched the aesthetics of Bosque Bello," said member Elise Pearlstine. "I also don't know why we would go back to that firm if that's our decision (to make)."

Parks and Recreation Director Scott Mikelson addressed the maintenance goals of the new effort.

"From day one, we need to make sure that maintenance is low on items. That's our priority and we talk about it all the time. That's something where we have to have the discussion," Mikelson said.

He told the committee the points of contention of the columbarium was how large it should be, what materials will be used and what it will look like.

"Those are the concerns," Mikelson said.

Pelican agreed with Mikelson's assessment.

Pelican called for a square one approach

"I wouldn't recommend going with that the firm again that didn't meet your needs in the first place. I think I'm going to learn from the first experience and try to go with a different experience to hopefully get to what the board and city wants out of it," he said.

Mikelson said he would coordinate the effort to tour the cemetery in order for committee members to understand what locations in Bosque Bello would be appropriate for the columbarium without impacting graves or having to remove trees.

The PRAC cemetery tour will be posted on the city's website, and the public will be able to attend, Mikelson said.

No timeline for a recommendation to the city commission has been established, but PRAC members said public input and transparent planning will be key to garnering support for the project.