New push to replace Amelia Island Golf Club with hotel, test track

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — 6/20/19 UPDATE: Steve Leggett, the President of Signature Land, Inc. who is proposing this new project released the following statement: "Our vision is to provide a unique space for residents and visitors to enjoy a range of family-friendly entertainment options, fantastic amenities and specialized driving experiences. The City Commission Workshop was our first opportunity to share the full vision with the community and our team is committed to continuing to work with the commission and other residents as this project moves forward."

City leaders in Fernandina Beach will review a new proposal to replace Amelia Island Golf Club with a new hotel and test track.

The 300-plus-acre parcel is owned by the city. It is currently zoned as industrial, which would allow for a new hotel. However, the company would need the city’s permission for a new test track on the property.

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Amelia River Resort Development, LLC has proposed the plan to city leaders.

It’s sponsored by Signature Land Inc. with designs and concept from The Interluxe Group.

According to public documents, Signature Land will make a presentation to city leaders Tuesday during the 5 p.m. workshop meeting.

According to their plan, this development would.

“Service as a center for automotive education, research and excellence with a focus on community facilities to include a luxury hotel offering.”

The hotel is described as a waterfront property with a public restaurant.

It would replace the current golf club. The test track would include auto mechanical, research and development, and event opportunities.

Members would have the option of new garages with cabanas. Other features could include a bowling alley, amphitheater and boutiques.

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Action News Jax reached out to the company to learn more and have not heard back yet.

“Economically this no doubt is a good deal for the airport but there are going to be overriding factors,” Vice Mayor Len Kreger said. “As an elected official, I have to listen to the people.”

Neighbors argued this development would drive down the quality of living in their Amelia Island neighbor.

Richard Vonk, who lives near the property, plans on attending the workshop meeting, even though it is not open to the public. He said his entire neighborhood is against this development.

“It’s a nice quiet island, and to think we’re going to have a race track right behind the trees behind me, the noise that will be associated with it, the extra traffic, everything else, will disturb the peace that the island is all about,” Vonk said.

City leaders will vote to make the final decision.

Cox Media Group