by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
A development group thinks a Naval museum anchored by the retired USS Charles Adams could serve as the perfect catalyst for increased pedestrian and tourist traffic on the Southbank.
At Thursday’s Jacksonville Waterways Commission meeting, Bert Watson, government relations coordinator for the USS Adams, laid out a plan to bring the vessel to Jacksonville and dock it at River City Brewing Company where he and his partners believe the ship will become a destination for both locals and out-of-towners.
“We want visibility without imposing an impact on the Southshore development,” said Watson of the proposed marina the owners of the Aetna Building plan to develop.
Watson told the Commission he wasn’t looking for approval, but was after the Commission’s blessing to continue researching the topic. In order to proceed beyond the conceptualization stage, Watson said he must submit a 750-page application to the Navy before March 30.
The Commission expressed concern over two major issues: parking and a business plan. River City Brewing is a popular launch spot for boaters and parking is already an issue on busy days. Watson said he has visited the site several times and believes there’s enough parking to handle the museum, boaters and anyone else patronizing the area. He also said the application is very demanding and will include a thorough business plan, one that reaches 10 years into the project.
“We are looking for a conditional endorsement,” said Watson. “We believe this is something that will enhance Jacksonville. We have a long way to go, but we can’t do anything until we have a place to study.
“We are looking for another magnetic moment for the Southbank.”
Waterways Commission member Penny Thompson said she went on last month’s Leadership Trip to Charleston sponsored by the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce. While there, Thompson said she visited the USS York and saw how much it helps Charleston’s downtown.
“I endorse the concept. I have seen the impact of the presence of the York there,” said Thompson. “It has enhanced their downtown.”
Commission member John Lowe said it would be great for Jacksonville to land the USS Adams.
“This will take a lot of massaging, though,” said Lowe.
The Commission also heard from David Kaufman, senior director of planning and properties for the Jacksonville Port Authority. Kaufman gave the Commission an update on the hotly debated proposed cruise ship terminal in Mayport Village.
“We had looked at Mayport previously and ruled it out for several reasons,” said Kaufman, explaining the Port’s original plan was to berth two cruise ships and build a new terminal in Mayport. “When we overlaid those plans, it essentially wiped out Mayport village.”
The Port has now decided that one cruise ship berthed east of the Dames Point Bridge is better than none. Kaufman stressed the Port has not acquired any property for the terminal and doesn’t intend to unless the Mayport community buys into the project. Kaufman said the current plan — if approved by the Port’s board and the community, and provided the needed property can be purchased — calls for about 1,000 feet of waterfront property, a terminal and a parking structure. Kaufman said the former Roland Seafood property is for sale, Vestcor owns an empty lot and the Port — through the taking over of the ferry operations — owns the third parcel.
“No other properties will be directly impacted,” said Kaufman. “This will not just be plopped down and we believe it will be a catalyst for redevelopment.”
Kaufman also said Mayport’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean is attractive to cruise lines.
“One-and-a-half to two hours off each end of a cruise doesn’t sound like a lot, but to the cruise industry it is,” said Kaufman. “If we do it, we are going to do it right. The appeal of the community is what has drawn us to Mayport.”