FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Developers in Fernandina Beach are looking to replace a golf course with a two-mile car track and hotel conference center.
The estimated $150 million project has drawn concern from residents who say it will bring traffic and noise. Some even call it a “playground for the wealthy.”
“I’ve seen it go from four cars at a red light to 40 or 50 cars at a red light,” Scott Stewart said.
Stewart has lived on the island more than 20 years and owns Amelia Island Charters.
He has his concerns but tells the On Your Side team he will keep an open mind as developers share the plan with the public June 18.
Hundreds showed up to the workshop. An overflow crowd poured outside the building with many people bringing chairs and signs to protest the development.
“I’m pretty much at the point where I want to see smart growth, not just growth,” Stewart said.
Renderings show a two-mile car track, car hangers, and a 200-room hotel with a conference center. A marina with a restaurant with public access is planned as well.
“A lot of these are popping up many on golf courses,” Signature Land President Steve Leggett said.
The location is currently the Amelia River Golf Club, which leases the property from the City of Fernandina Beach. Leggett said buying out the lease of the golf club, developing the site, and attracting people to the facilities would bring the city additional resources.
The property would not allow racing and would be equipped with a noise monitoring device, Leggett said.
He explained the track and car display site would feature new model or electric cars for testing the vehicles and training drivers.
Leggett said a $750,000 investment would also be made to construct a roundabout east of the property to handle additional traffic.
Another complaint he has heard from residents: loss of green space.
“One-hundred-fifteen acres of conservation basically taking it out of development. There will be some walking trails added and a scout facility, ” Leggett said.
He added that while a hotel may rise from the fairway, more trees will be planted than exist currently.
Stewart said his eye is on the impact of this long term decision.
“Hopefully doing it a smart way. And so in ten years from now, we’ll all be able to look at it and go 'okay, it’s developed, it’s what we kind of want,” Stewart said.
Fernandina Beach City Commission could bring the plan to a vote in July.