Fernandina Beach City Commissioner Darron Ayscue said in an email that clear cutting 36-acres of pristine riverfront airport property for a solar farm could be a "worthy pursuit."
The City Commission Tuesday night will discuss a joint venture by the Amelia River Golf Club and Florida Public Utilities to use the 39 acres -- part of a 130 acre of heavily wooded parcel just west of the airport runways - for a solar field. The project would generate revenue for Amelia River Golf Club, FPU and the city.
"The solar farm project is intriguing to me. While I do not have a lot of details, finding green energy and sustainable energy for Fernandina Beach is a worthy pursuit," Ayscue said in his email. "The benefits for the City of Fernandina Beach could be significant. I am looking forward to the discussion and possible presentation on the issue. I believe that we should listen to all sides of an issue and make an informed decision. Easily dismissing any project without being well informed would not be wise as a commission."
Ayscue's comments were a response to an email sent by Jim Halle, who opposed the project.
Hello City Commissioners,
"I am writing regarding the proposed 36-acre solar farm to be built oin riverfront land. I am vehemently opposed to the proposal and hope you will reject amending the current lease to allow construction of a solar farm. My reasons will not be new to you, but they have the force of logic and sound stewardship of the pristine, natural landscape. Such land is dwindling rapidly in the city limits of Fernandina Beach and on Amelia Island. The precise reason that my wife and I moved here (and I'm guessing a big reason that many of you either came here or remain here) was due to the beauty of the maritime forests, including the unique Live Oaks with their coating of Spanish Moss. Fernandina Beach and Amelia Island won't remain the attractive tourist mecca if we lose too many of these old growth forests.
"In addition to the beauty of the maritime forests, the trees and vegetation are prolific consumers of carbon dioxide and emitters of oxygen that humans require to live and breathe. If a solar farm is built, not only do we lose this important source of CO2 consumption, but we also lose the soil (erosion) that is so critical to water absorption during storms and flooding. So, there are sound environmental rationale as well as aesthetic reasons to maintain this 36-acre parcel in its current and natural state."
"Finally, I realize that there are pressures from development and business interests that drive parts of the agenda for future planning, but I hope that we can take a stand when and where the law permits us to do so. The Riverstone development that has been so much in our local news of late is an example where the county government may not have control over the land and, therefore, may have an uphill battle to save the maritime forest. However, if I understand the current ownership, lease, and interests, it would seem that YOU, the city commissioners, have the right and the law on your side to reject this proposal. I hope you will do so!" Halle said in his email.
The property in question is part of a lease held by Amelia River Holdings, which runs the golf course.
Also in play is a potential compromise by Amelia River Holdings that if allowed to proceed with the 36-acre solar plan, the o
ther 94 acres of the parcel would be placed in conservation.
Ayscue in a different email, addressed that possibility.
"This parcel of airport land is approximately 130 acres of which 36 of it is in question for a solar farm. There is a limited use for this land and certainly more destructive projects that could be considered by the entities putting forth this plan. There is an opportunity to preserve this land by working with the lessee," Ayscue wrote. "Working together and listening to all sides of an issue is how we will achieve the best outcome. Locking horns in lengthy court battles has traditionally shown to be a losing proposition for the local government. Balancing anticipated growth while keeping our natural resources intact will only happen with open and honest dialogue."
When asked about his position on the solar field, Ayscue did not respond to the Fernandina Observer email.
Public backlash over the proposal led to the City Commission to cancel a vote on amending the Amelia River Golf Club lease to allow for the construction of the solar field. The City Commission will hold a discussion on the proposed solar field project in place of voting on a lease amendment. FPU will be presenting a slide show with details of the solar project.
Remember that the land is part of the airport property and all revenue from leases goes to the Airport Entrrprise Fund and not to the City’s General Fund. The current lease is very prescriptive as to how the property can be used (golf course and related amenities) and there is absolutely no demand the lease owners can make to change that. I still say the best path is for the city to take back that portion of the leased property in exchange for a reduction in the rent,
Ascue best have the idea cleared by the FAA - for many reasons.