Published by the Department of Public Affairs, City of St. Augustine. Florida September 27 2011 |
Smithsonian as 450th partner
Premier institution's support 'changes everything'
"Having our nation's premier museum institution, the Smithsonian, as a partner and perhaps curator of our St. Augustine exhibition changes everything," City Commissioner Bill Leary told fellow commissioners and a roomful of citizens Monday at a 450 workshop.
Leary reported on a recent trip to Washington which included discussions with officials of the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian's National Museums, and the ambassador of Spain.
Among the Library of Congress collections, an Early Americas exhibition on loan from Jay Kislak, who is also chair of the federal St. Augustine 450th Commission.
From Spanish Ambassador Jorge Dezcallar came assurance Spain's royal family will visit during the commemoration, and the possibility of a Pan American international conference here. Also under consideration by Florida's Seminole Tribe is a healing ceremony for tribes imprisoned at the Castillo (then Fort Marion) from 1886 to 1913.
After weeks of commission workshops before regular meetings without public input, commissioners agreed Monday that the next workshop, October 10, will be devoted to public comment. | |
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10 to 1: New parking fees
New rates go into effect October 1 at the Visitor Center parking facility, giving motorists a choice of $10 or $1 to park all day.
The $1 deal is through paying with the city's ParkNow card; otherwise it's $10. Parking by the hour will no longer be available.
The city is gambling visitors won't mind the $10 fee, while residents, more likely to have the card, will get a break.
That gamble could pay out $1,050,000 in new revenue for city projects shelved by a tight city budget. Details at 904.484.5160 or 825.1034. |
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New bidding for
M&M property | |
The city will re-advertise for proposals for the former M&M Market property after city commissioners Monday questioned the process that brought three bidders and learned that others may be interested.
"We've got time," Commissioner Errol Jones said. "Let's do it right."
A South Carolina architect, the non-profit Lift Up Lincolnville Revitalization Corp., and Fred Canevari had made proposals, but commissioners called for a review of the request form at their next meeting and then re-advertising.
The city hopes to find a private sector use beneficial to the neighborhood and to recover the $305,000 it paid for the property when it was closed and its former owners were arrested on a variety of charges.
In other action Monday, commissioners approved for advancement to public hearing ordinances adjusting zoning to commercial medium intensity for a potential buyer of the Winn Dixie North Towne Plaza, allowing alcohol sales and consumption in an area south of the Visitor Center and in other public ways subject to city manager approval, and eliminating panhandling along San Carlos Avenue by the main library and Davenport Park.
Janet Ponton Lewis was appointed and David Toner reappointed to the Planning and Zoning Board, Lewis replacing Deltra Long, retired by term limits.
A resolution was approved moving forward mediation with the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind on interlocal agreements sought by the city, and another to refinance some $22 million in city bonds to save an estimated $300,000-$500,000 with more favorable debt service rates.
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$40,000 to keep Galimore open |
Saying, "We absolutely, positively can't lock the door at the Galimore Center," City Manager John Regan Monday outlined a plan with General Services Director Jim Piggott to operate the Galimore Center for the next year for $40,000.
Under consideration for long-term operation is a proposal by the non-profit 40th ACCORD, Inc., presented by ACCORD President Gwen Duncan, a 47-year resident of Lincolnville now living in Palm Coast, and Sharyn Coley, who managed Galimore Center for 25 years.
"Our objective is to keep Galimore Center open," Duncan said. "For years it was a vibrant, active center, for youths and for adults."
The City Commission approved $40,000 after Piggott explained a manager can be transferred from the Colonial Spanish Quarter, which is being closed, to provide enough hours to cover current programs at the center.
City Manager Regan added that computers donated to the city for a proposed Civil Rights Museum are being readied for use at Galimore Center, and Piggott is in discussion with Flagler College for potential use of the Eddie Vickers Fields for its intramural program.
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Spotlighting a treasure
Shelli Clark of This Write Life sent word to Lightner Museum Director Bob Harper "that I have featured your wonderful museum on my weekly blog, Museum Monday.
"Your museum was a suggestion by one of my readers, and I was thrilled to take a virtual tour of your unique and charming collection," she emailed.
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A harvest of gardens and markets |
Opening of a farmers market in Vickers Park near Lincolnville's Galimore Center has been delayed until October 23, while community garden efforts developing in St. Augustine Beach and St. Augustine's north city could help stock future markets.
The farmers market is planned for each Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and after the initial opening October 23, the October 30 market is developing into a full-blown Fall Harvest and Halloween Festival.
"All booths will be free to anyone who wants to try us out on that day," Market Manager Hannah Murray says. To apply for a free booth, contact Hannah 904-501-9119, by October 13. Planned: a costume parade for kids, face painting, food-tasting, a nutritionist booth, and more.
New gardens sprouting
Meanwhile, groups in St. Augustine Beach and north city are discussing community gardens.
At the Beach, the proposed St Augustine Beach Community Garden site is between A Street and 1st Avenue, behind Jack's Barbecue. The first public hearing on the garden will be Monday, October 3 at 7 pm at City Hall. Contact Nana Royer 461-3541.
And initial discussions in north city are under way. Cash McVay of Lincolnville Community Garden - in its second year - can refer interested folks to the north city group.
Photo: Citysprout
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History's highlight
History of 102 Bridge Street | |
3 years, 11 months, 13 days to St. Augustine's 450th anniversary
Long before it was scarred by alleged criminal activity as the M&M Market, long before its purchase by the city to erase that stigma with today's efforts to develop a positive contribution to historic Lincolnville, the 2 1/2 story frame vernacular building at 102 Bridge Street was variously a restaurant, gas station, grocery store, and residence of the founder of the Maria Jefferson Chapter of the D.A.R. in St. Augustine.
The Florida Master Site File estimates the building "was constructed between 1865 and 1885 and is one of the oldest houses built in this neighborhood.
"There are few, if any, Victorian elements visible on this old house today," according to the file for this property, prepared by local historian David Nolan, historic sites specialist for the former Historic St. Augustine Preservation Board in the late 1970s. "The original two-story porch on the front has been removed as was the first floor section of the bay.
"The building was remodeled by Clyatt Powell, a former mayor of St. Augustine, for a restaurant, at which time the Victorian trim was removed. The house later served as a gas station and a grocery store."
Its most notable owners were Dr. William Shine, president of the County Board of Health in 1892, and his wife, Maria, great-granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson and founder of the D.A.R. Chapter.
A Tatler article of 1900:
"The Maria Jefferson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution was originally organized by the late Mrs. William F. Shine of this city, a great granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson ... The chapter has twelve charter members and has done considerable effective patriotic work, sending supplies to the soldiers during the war with Spain and securing the observation of Washington's birthday anniversary by the public schools of this city.
"The chapter has now taken up the work of preserving the City Gates, and has forwarded to the secretary of war, through Captain Charles McKinstry, a request to have it repaired and to take steps to prevent further demolition.
"There can be no question of the necessity for this work, but the recommendation for the trees growing on top of the abutments has provoked a great deal of discussion. The question apparently is: Shall the trees be sacrificed or the remains of the gates?
"There can only be one answer to this. No one would be willing to see the ancient relic destroyed; consequently the trees will probably be sacrificed. No one can hesitate about it, but should sustain the Daughters in their efforts to preserve one of St. Augustine's prized possessions."
Florida Master File Photo: 102 Bridge Street in gas station era |
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The St. Augustine Report is published by the Department of Public Affairs of the City of St. Augustine each Tuesday and on Fridays previewing City Commission meetings. The Report is written and distributed by George Gardner, former St. Augustine Mayor (2002-2006) and Commissioner (2006-2008) and a longtime newspaper reporter and editor. Contact The Report at gardner@aug.com |
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