KOTS relocation discussed

 

The commissioner then turned to the thorny issue of the relocation of the Keys Overnight Temporary Shelter, aka “KOTS” from its current location on College Road, Stock Island, to an on-island Key West location.

Specifically, a site in the former Easter Seals building on North Roosevelt is being considered..

The 1-acre site includes a small masonry building, which would be converted into an intake office, locker room for working residents, and a laundry facility. It would also include a “time-out” area for clients who arrive at the site “inebriated.”

 

Upon hearing about the estimated $1.2 million cost of the proposal, Commissioner Rossi again expressed sticker shock.

 

“Who’s going to pay for this?” he asked. “I’m a taxpayer, too.”

 

Rossi, also wanted to know there the kitchen for the proposed dining room would be located.

He was told that one hadn’t been planned.

 

Rossi’s District 4 colleague also chafed at the price tag.

 

“Is this $1.2 million fully funded?” Tony Yaniz asked the presenter. “Say ‘no’,” he added.

 

Upon hearing that the answer to his question was indeed “no,” Yaniz replied “Thank you.”

 

District 5’s Johnston then stepped in to remind the other commissioners that the county government had already agreed to assist financially with moving the facility, which would accommodate up to 120 overnight residents.

 

City Manager Scholl agreed that the city could count on the county paying half the cost.

 

The KOTS staff have yet to see the plan.

 

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