Correction: not "Miracle Mile"
"Marina Mile"
Marina Mile designation reflects the "Working Waterfront" prevalent along the Ortega River northerly shoreline.Marinas and "Boat Yard" service centers key to the use and enjoyment of boats in the River City.
And a dandy example of yet another dashed "Jacksonville Potential".
Former Ortega Boat Yard became Ortega Landing. The related land use and zone change was met by opposition by marine interests. A local marina interest expressed interest in purchasing Ortega Boat Yard as an alternative to the proposed re- development however the purchase price was higher than a marine service facility could serve.
So Ye Ole' Ortega Boat Yard,in need of renovation,went to Plaid with Condo proposal. Plans were submitted that depicted retaining a vessel "Haul Out" facility,this to answer potential Appeal based on DCA Rule 9-J5; the loss of a key economic component,of which there is little likelihood of replacing. It was not just a case whereby marine service workers would simply find work elsewhere....Haul Out facilities are limited with little prospect of relocation.
At any rate,the Ortega Landing Marina swimming pool is located where the the haul out facility was 'envisioned'.
New docks were installed.In a last gasp before the property went to foreclosure/T.A.R.P.,a condo building was constructed,thereby haunting the property's high and good use as a dedicated marine facility rather than housing.
The demand for marina facility is evident.
With the general economic downturn and Marina Package and Condo buyers largely absent,the then new 180 slip marina was basically empty. Previous plans to sell docks to individual boat owners flopped.At the suggestion of this writer,efforts were made to rent the docks to the general boating public. Ortega Landing Marina docks are at peak capacity,boaters both local and from around the country berth there either full time or as cruising transients.
One wonders how Marina parking needs will be met with this latest proposal.Marina parking is currently accommodated on dirt reserved for future building.Is a parking garage in the plans? During the Ortega Boat Yard re-zone the City Planning Department suggested vehicles would simply 'overflow' to the adjacent neighborhood.
