NEFBA’s Government Affairs Committee: The next Government Affairs meeting is 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 25 at the NEFBA offices (103 Century 21 Drive, Suite 100).
Mobility Plan Working Group: The City of Jacksonville has reconvened the Mobility Fee Working Group to consider possible changes to the mobility plan and fee. By law, the city is required to review and update its plan every five years. The revised plan will reprioritize the existing list of identified roadway and transit projects and identify bicycle and pedestrian projects in the mobility zones. The revised plan will also update the mobility fee. Meetings are scheduled for the first and third Wednesdays of the month throughout the summer and are open to the public.
Directional Signs: Because of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Jacksonville’s temporary directional sign ordinance has been declared unconstitutional for violating the First Amendment. The decision, which says a municipality cannot regulate roadside signs differently based on the content of the sign, would require the city to either allow any type of sign on the weekends, or ban all signs, including Realtor and builder directional signs. The ruling also ends the city’s permitted directional sign program.
Duval County issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Gas Tax Increase: The Clay County Commission approved a proposal to add a five-cent-per gallon increase to the gas tax. Supporters of the increase say it will be used to fill funding deficits to repair roads in the county. The tax, which was supported by NEFBA at the meeting, passed the commission 4-1. It will take effect Jan. 1, 2018.
Builders Council: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Commercial Signs: The Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to remove the portion of the proposed amendments to Article VII allowing digital billboards along Interstate 95 within St. Johns County. Revisions to Article VII “Signs” will be held at a regularly scheduled public hearing May 2.
Builders Council: Leona Brown, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Density Increase: The Fernandina Beach City Commission is considering a proposal to increase density in the Central Business District. Opponents of the increase believe that an increase in density will bring more traffic and increased parking demands. Proponents of the increase hope to see more urban residential units and more diverse housing options downtown. Increased density would also help bring in resident-supported businesses, like grocery and home goods stores.
Builders Council: Palmer Kuder, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Baker County issues: Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Sales & Marketing Council Director/Nassau Builders Council/E-Council
Palmer Kuder, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Events Coordinator/Remodelers Council/Education
Corey Hacker, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Member Services Director
Hans Krieg, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355
Governmental Affairs Director/Clay Builders Council/Young Professionals
Jessie Spradley, [email protected] and (904) 725-4355