Not through with carriage issues yet

In less than 30 days since Historic City News local reporters watched the St. Augustine City Commission approve a highly controversial new carriage ordinance, we have learned that when the commission reconvenes Monday night, they will begin considering amendments to it.

Adjustments already proposed to the animal-drawn carriage ordinance include a request to extend the franchise period, allow franchise transfers, and delete a “no-tour” period from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays.

City Manager John Regan will also present for discussion a proposed alternate route for horse carriages; reversing the current route.

Commissioners were not unanimous in supporting the proposed carriage ordinance in April, but agreed with Mayor Joe Boles to pass the ordinance and then review parts rather than go through the entire proposal again.

The mayor, Vice Mayor Leanna Freeman, and Commissioner Errol Jones supported passage of the carriage ordinance, while Commissioners Bill Leary and Nancy Sikes-Kline opposed.

Concerns, outlined by Leary, included deleting a 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. carriage curfew, allowing a franchise extension, and allowing franchises to be assigned, or transferred, to other businesses.

Supporting his arguments, Leary said of the proposed curfew, “It’s not bad then; it’s bad when the bridge goes up.” He added that franchises are “like a long-term lease, something you can count on, and these businesses require substantial investment that should be protected for a longer term.”

A proposed alternate route would reverse the current direction — it is one of four to be presented to commissioners Monday for discussion.

The others include proposals by Pete Weiland and former Commissioner Don Crichlow.

The reverse alternative creates two sections divided at Cathedral Place and King Street: the northern section includes a course along the west side of Avenida Menendez to Cathedral Place; the southern route travels along Aviles and Marine streets rather than Avenida Menendez.

If you are planning to attend — the regular St. Augustine City Commission meeting will begin at 5:00 p.m. Monday and will be held in the Alcazar Room; on the first floor of City Hall, located at 75 King Street in St. Augustine. It will be broadcast live on Comcast Government TV (Cable Channel 3) and is streamed over the Internet.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News staff photographer