by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
For the better part of a year, Bert Watson has been pushing the idea of creating a Naval exhibit on the Southbank near the Acosta Bridge with the decommissioned U.S.S. Charles F. Adams serving as the anchor. Watson’s plan certainly contains hurdles, the least of which is $6 million to build a suitable pier for docking the 437-foot vessel.
Thursday, Watson went before the Jacksonville Waterways Commission with a new venue in mind, one he says will prove easier and far cheaper.
“Now, we are looking at the Shipyards,” said Watson, who heads up an organization called the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association.
After nearly an hour of explanation, a few questions and some debate, the Waterways Commission voted to support a resolution backing Watson’s plan.
“I think it probably has some merit,” said Waterways Commission member Ed Grey.
The Shipyards is still technically owned by LandMar, which intended to develop the property into a mixed-use area complete with condominiums, restaurants and public space. However, when LandMar failed to pay the 2008 ad valorem taxes on the property the City started foreclosure proceedings. The City could take back ownership of the 40.66-acre riverfront property, that would include three piers. It’s two of these piers Watson is eyeing for the ship that will be donated by the Navy as long as Watson can prove a viable 10-year plan is in place. The acquisition of the land may be delayed by recent Chapter 11 Bankruptcy filing by Crescent Resources LLC., the parent company of LandMar, in U.S. Bankrucpty Court in the Western District of Texas.
“We could get underway in 18 months and using the Shipyards would reduce our fundraising goal by two-thirds or more,” said Watson. “If the City participates, we can get underway quickly.”
Waterways Commission members were hesitant at first to approve a resolution in support of the project. Some members are worried that placing the Adams at the Shipyards could be an impediment to both river traffic and future development of the property.
Watson said the ship shouldn’t affect river traffic and can be moved within three hours, if necessary. Waterways member and former City Dockmaster Steve Nichols said docking the boat at the Shipyards won’t be an issue to river traffic or pleasure boaters who also want to use the piers, if such an opportunity becomes available.
“I have more than a passing knowledge of that area due to a previous job. Putting a ship between the piers does not impede private traffic,” he said. “I concur with your (Watson) thought that it can go in there with very little (work) needed. Physically, it works well. It’s feasible. It’s an interesting concept.”
Watson said for roughly $60,000 he can obtain and prepare the ship for the public. The plan is to create more than just a museum. Watson said the Adams will include interactive displays and tours, a cafe and room for a 300-person dinner and 500-person reception.
“I think it is a very interesting idea,” said City Council member and Waterways Chair Bill Bishop, who suggested the creation of a subcommittee — which Council and Waterways member Ray Holt will chair — to look into the idea further and serve as a liaison between Watson and the proper City agencies that must approve the project, such as the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission. “I am very supporting of doing this. From an engineering perspective, I am not smart enough to know which location is best. From a planning perspective, I support both. Hopefully, we can get this from not ‘if’ but to when and where?”
356-2466