R esidents of Mayport who want their homes to remain what they have been for decades - a historic fishing village - had better gear up for yet another fight.
A move by JaxPort to plop a cruise ship terminal along Mayport's riverfront just won't go away.
You know the battle is about to begin anew when you start hearing suggestions like this: Let's at least have a conversation.
It's not much of a conversation when those wanting to have it think the only answer is to put the terminal at Mayport.
Another idea being bandied about by terminal proponents is this: Let's do what's right for the entire city, not just one part.
Of course, those pushing that argument don't live in Mayport, and they would likely have a heebie-jeebie fit if doing what's right for the entire city meant destroying the neighborhoods where they live.
But you want a conversation? Let's start with this:
The cost of building the terminal at Mayport is $60 million. Does it make business sense to invest that much money when cruise lines won't commit to a long-term contract?
The driving force behind moving the terminal is that cruise lines are going to use bigger ships that won't be able to fit under the Dames Point bridge.
But you have to wonder if that's the case, why did Carnival just spend $34 million refurbishing the Fascination, which uses the city's current terminal and can fit under the bridge?
If the smaller ships continue using our port, it would open up other possibilities for relocating the terminal when the current site is converted to handle cargo.
JaxPort officials say they are looking for other possible locations. Let's see some proof that those efforts are serious.
But if the conversation is to only be about Mayport, let's put other issues on the table.
Proponents say the cruise terminal would bring tourists and retail shops that will revitalize Mayport.
What it would bring for certain, under the current design, are ships that are twice as long as the Modus Building is tall, a giant parking garage on the riverfront, traffic congestion and pollution.
And just where are these tourists supposed to come from that will benefit Mayport's residents and economy since most cruise ship passengers board as soon as they arrive and leave as soon as they return?
Let's expand the conversation to include:
Can the terminal be redesigned so it's not so intrusive?
And there must be more than a terminal if Mayport residents are to benefit.
A home for the fishing fleet must be found, and other attractions such as museums and a hotel must be included so cruise passengers might spend time and money in Mayport instead of just turning the village into a cattle chute for loading and unloading.
The most insulting part of the conversation to date is Mayport is not worth saving.
Mayport may not be Ponte Vedra, but it's a working class village that's home to residents who are proud of their heritage and their town.
It takes more than a drive along Mayport's streets to understand that.
ron.littlepage@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4284