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Environmental group
targets waterfront plans
KEYSNEWS.COM
KEY WEST -- A local
environmental group says acquisition of Truman Waterfront property from
the U.S. Navy last year was the most important city land acquisition in
years, and much of it needs to be preserved as park and recreational
space.
That group, Key
West-based Last Stand, will focus on the future of the former Navy
property during a public forum Thursday at the Nancy Foster
Environmental Center at the Truman Annex.
The forum, a deviation
from the group's customary debate-style discussions of controversial
issues, will instead be an informational panel that will allow residents
to learn more about upcoming projects. The forum panel included city and
Navy officials, and residents will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Plans for use of the
property are "crucial" to the future of the island, said Rosi Ware, Last
Stand board member and event coordinator. Land Stand and many residents
fear commercial development on the property.
The Navy gave the city
the property during the Base Realignment and Closure process. The Outer
Mole Pier initially was included in the deal, but Sept. 11 terrorist
attacks sparked security changes and the Navy decided to keep the pier
and lease 800 feet of it to the city for cruise ships.
The property is slated
to undergo a series of long-term, multimillion dollar improvements that
could drastically change the face of the area. Some want to make sure a
majority of the property remains open space and available to the public.
"People want to know
what is happening out there. There is a lot of talk. We want to dispel
the rumors," Ware said.
Concerns came to a
head last month at the city commission meeting, when the commission
approved a project to build security offices for cruise ship port
officials at the Outer Mole Pier. The security station will house
immigration and custom officials, marine patrol officers, city
redevelopment agency workers and possibly naval officers.
The Navy plans to
spend $12 million during the next several months remodeling the Outer
Mole Pier. Navy officials also hope to begin a $36 million dredging
project at the Outer Mole Marina before the end of the year, allowing
them to bring in larger ships.
IF YOU GO:
What:
Truman Waterfront property meeting
Where:
Nancy Foster Environmental Center on Truman Annex
When:
6:30 to 8 p.m., Thursday |
