This is a quick review of selected local news stories covered in Historic City News during the past 12 months.
January
Mayor Joe Boles seeks a 99-year lease on 34 state-owned historic properties here, after ten years of city management with no state funding support. The longer lease can encourage public and private investment in needed repairs, Boles argues.
Restoration begins on three fountains installed by Henry Flagler a century ago. Of Flagler’s original seven fountains, two others are functioning and two lost over time. The work is being done “pro bono.”
The city celebrates Barack Obama’s inauguration as 44th, and first African-American, president with a rally in the Plaza de la Constitución.
February
Recreation of the turn of the 20th century “Bishop’s Building” at St. George Street and Cathedral Place is proposed, launching debate on architectural style in the historic district.
The University of Florida, delegated by the legislature to take over management of its historic properties here, seeks $37 million for an orientation center and historic property restoration.
Businesses are tapped to support a ten-year plan to end homelessness.
March
Historic Tours of America National Museum Director Dana Ste. Claire is named interim director for the 450th Commemoration.
City Commission approves plans for Heritage Signage Program featuring the city coat of arms as part of a highway and pedestrian plan.
Proposals are outlined for exhibit centers for the city, the Castillo, and the Mission of Nombre de Dios. Only the Mission project is currently destined to be developed.
April
Hamilton Upchurch Neighborhood Park opens at Anastasia Boulevard and Red Cox Drive.
Fort Mose joins the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom.
The Black Raven pirate ship replica makes its home port here.
May
Federal judge lifts the ban on four categories of artists in the Plaza, initiating revision of vending ordinances in the city.
Ponce Mall’s Regal Cinema closes with the opening of Epic Theaters on SR 207. The struggling mall retains Belk’s and JC Penney anchor stores, and will get further support with plans to relocate Sears from its US 1/SR 207 location.
The North City Waterworks Building is described as a “true treasure,” worth the $1.2 to $1.8 million to restore.
June
City Commission turns down Bishop’s Building plan, favoring colonial style architecture in the historic district. City Commissioner Don Crichlow, architect for the project, warns that “fake colonial” recreations in a living, evolving city doesn’t make sense.
State Department of Environmental Protection OKs mooring field permitting in the bay and Salt Run, but final approval awaits US Army Corps of Engineers and Fish and Wildlife Commission permits.
A Steering Committee of community leaders holds its first meeting for the 450th Commemoration, following a community meeting.
Plan to establish Amtrak passenger rail service along the east coast is announced, including a train depot at US 1 and West King Street.
City Commission debates a settlement plan for a Fish Island dock, the plan reducing the size of the original 1,200-foot walkway and 100 slips.
Citizen group develops plans for “Romanza,” a music/arts festival styled after Charleston’s Spoleto.
July
Fish Island dock settlement is approved.
Interim 450th Commemoration Director Dana Ste. Claire is named City Heritage Tourism director on the retirement of Bill Adams.
State Senator Tony Hill promotes city’s Caribbean connection with Haitian Society delegation visit.
The Mission of Nombre de Dios announces funding is complete for a museum on the Mission grounds, anticipating its opening in early 2010.
August
City Commission approves a lottery system for twelve vendor spaces in the Plaza market building. Few sign up in first round.
A redesign for Aviles Street is outlined by City Chief Operations Officer John Regan, who describes it an ideal public/private project with Aviles Street businesses and property owners.
Noise barrier and more enforcement are recommended at the skateboard area of Hamilton Upchurch Park after complaints from neighboring Flamingo Drive residents.
County Commission debates Tourist Development Council organization and bed tax distribution.
September
Contract signed for a monument in the Plaza to the Foot Soldiers of the 1964 Civil Rights movement here.
Groundbreaking is held for a Hospice Center at Flagler Hospital.
A 12-foot noise attenuation wall is planned for the skateboard area of Hamilton Upchurch Park.
Plans are outlined for Riberia Street improvements and for the Bridge of Lions reopening in 2010.
October
Historic Echo House is deemed unsafe. The Code Enforcement Board will give property trustees a checklist and time to seal up the vacant building.
Air conditioning system leaks close the Visitor Center restrooms.
North City becomes a National Register District.
City Heritage and 450 Commemoration Director Ste. Claire outlines goals for the Heritage Tourism Department and commemoration.
November
Heritage highway signage installation begins, featuring city’s coat of arms.
Initial 450th Commemoration Commission Discover First America program fills Flagler College Auditorium.
Nights of Lights ceremonies recognize Lynette Pemberton and former Mayor John Bailey.
Groundbreaking is held for a Boys and Girls Club at Chase Field.
December
Annual Christmas Parade, PAL Day, and British Night Watch open the holiday season.
City Commission approves Harbor Management Plan and mooring fields.
Ordinance introduced to allow sidewalk dining on Aviles Street.
City Commission debates vendors, considers creating a farmers market.
University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction and Planning studies Davis Shores heritage.
Utility lease concept offers new hope for West Augustine utility development.
City Commission approves more than $300,000 in budgets for Heritage Department improvements and 450th Commemoration.
North Florida Transportation Planning Organization approves plan to study traffic patterns in Lighthouse area.
Fencing proposed to protect Constitución Monument in the Plaza.
Parking changes go into effect, designed to “Rediscover Downtown,” with increased on-street parking limit and ParkNow card giveaway.
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