by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
The Jacksonville Port Authority’s proposed cruise ship terminal in Mayport Village has, in some capacity, been on the table for well over a year now. Only in the past several months has the project taken shape through the Port’s acquisition of riverfront property in the area and open discussions and community meetings.
Thursday, Tony Orsini, senior director of cruise operations and business development for the Port, went in front of the Jacksonville Waterways Commission to pitch the project and answer questions.
While the Commission is just one governing body that has a say in the matter, it may be the most educated on the potential issues and problems surrounding the possible berthing of two 1,000-foot cruise ships.
More than an hour after he began, Orsini seemed relieved. Based on the Commissioners’ reactions and seeming lack of opposition, the multi-million dollar terminal that proponents say will revitalize a decaying Mayport Village could be closer to reality.
“My schedule is to have the first cruise leave Mayport in October of 2010,” said Orsini. “If I get the approval of my board in January, I can do that. My board is the key because they make the decisions.”
Orsini said board approval by January is paramount because he already has a new cruise line — one he declined to name — interested in sailing out of Mayport in October, 2010. Orsini said anything later than January will make it impossible for the cruise line to guarantee trips.
According to Orsini, the cruise terminal will consist of a 7-plus acre site with 1,400 feet of riverfront property, a cruise terminal and a five-story parking garage capable of holding 1,400 vehicles.
“We will have a single berth with a single ship at first, but this will allow us the opportunity to have four ships. Frankly, that’s where we see the limits of the Jacksonville market,” said Orsini. “My personal vision is two-and-a-half ships, with the half being a seasonal ship. Two full-time ships will make our business model and give us the maximum number of passengers.”
The proposed terminal and current terminal at Dames Point are both in City Council and Waterways Commission member Ray Holt’s district. He understands the impact of the current terminal but has issues with the proposed project, primarily the continued operation of the Mayport Ferry, which is now owned by the Port Authority, and the impact on traffic in the area.
“There are lots of moving parts and lots of issues,” said Holt. “Six to eight months ago I was at a meeting about this and I am kind of disappointed more (Mayport) community folks didn’t come today to talk about this. My biggest issue is the traffic it would create. A big goal of mine is to keep the ferry moving and at least break even.”
Orsini said both issues have been addressed and will ultimately benefit the area. He said if the terminal is approved and becomes operational, the ferry can expect to carry an additional 40,000 to 45,000 vehicles per year.
“Maybe that won’t put us in the black, but it will put us at break even. It will go a long way toward keeping the ferry operation,” said Orsini, who also explained the plan is to widen Ocean Street in Mayport Village to three lanes, with the middle lane dedicated solely to queuing cruise traffic. He said cruise ship schedules also dictate that much of the traffic is entering the area in the morning, a direction that’s opposite to area residents who are leaving for work.
The Port will need to have the area rezoned and has hired attorney Brenna Malouf Durden of Lewis Longman & Walker to mediate with the City on its behalf. Durden told the Commission one of the changes the Port will seek is to have the project deemed WDWR — Water Driven Water Related. She will also seek to have the area rezoned as a Planned Use Development and is working with City planners on both.
Ed Lukacovic, a senior environmental planner for the City’s Planning and Development Department, said water for the area will be supplied by JEA while sewer will be provided by the City of Atlantic Beach. He said the Planning Department’s full report on the project and its recommendation will be done and available to the public Nov. 7.
Holt was also concerned with other marine traffic and whether or not a cruise ship could actually make a 180-degree turn in that portion of the St. Johns River.
“They will have no problem turning ships in that area,” said Orsini. “Cruise ships turn very easily because of their power.”
Orsini also explained that cruise ships create minimal pollution and the cruise lines are extremely cognizant of the environment.
“There is no discharge in the water when the ship is in port. Carnival is very eco-friendly in getting their waste off the boat,” explained Orsini, adding much of the solid waste is wrapped in plastic and recycled. “Most of the hazardous waste is photographic material because cruise lines take a lot of pictures and that waste is handled by someone who’s licensed.
“Sewage is primarily and secondarily treated and then dumped into the sea at least 12 miles offshore and a rate of six knots so that it’s dispersed. Gray water, which is produced from laundry, is handled the same way. By law, Carnival could dump it three miles out, but they abide by the 12-mile rule.”
Holt admitted the project has given him concern over the past year, especially due to the outspoken opposition coming from the Mayport Waterfront Association. However, over the past few months the Port Authority has convinced him the project will fit aesthetically and serve as an economic development engine for the area by providing jobs on the ships and the potential accompanying hotels.
“Throughout this project I have withheld judgment,” said Holt. “There are problems, but it is worth considering. Good things can come from this. Mayport has its blighted areas and this can improve that. It’s no secret that shrimping has died out and the shrimpers have fallen on hard times. This can improve that if handled properly.”
Bishop, too, seems to be in favor of the terminal.
“It’s an interesting project that’s a win-win for everybody,” he said. “But, it’s different than any other cruise terminal I’ve ever seen. This would completely change the character of Mayport. That’s not meant to be negative, but it would.”
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