Bernstein Park, Hickory House discussed; animal control approved
The redevelopment of Bernstein Park on Stock Island was given careful consideration before being advanced by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) at their April 16 meeting at the Harvey Government Center in Key West. Kevin G. Wilson, director of Public Works & Engineering, discussed the architect’s plans for Bernstein Park including a 5,000 square foot, two story building. Commissioners agreed that they needed to play catch up on past oversights on Stock Island.
The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board recommended that the plans go forward including the multipurpose building. Mayor Sylvia Murphy expressed concern that at the present time there are lots of different ideas about what should be on the second floor of the building. She recommended that the second floor be added in a couple years to keep costs down and also to wait until there is a clearer determination for its use.
Commissioner David Rice is concerned that the county not build another infrequently and underused building. He said he also wanted to have it include a small café, Internet and perhaps a dog park. Rice also wants the project to examine possible public-private partnerships. Commissioner Heather Carruthers wondered if DTC funds could somehow be available at some point.
Dan Dombrowski, speaking for the Boys and Girls Club, indicated the club met over 230 days last year so that heavy use of the building would be guaranteed. It was also pointed out that at least three organizations have expressed interest in operating the park.
The Commission approved a resolution for the park project to move forward to the next stage and to make use of the commissioners’ suggestions prior to reporting back at the next meeting. Mayor Murphy was the only dissenting vote.
Commissioner Dan Kolhage introduced a motion to have staff examine the possibility of having a boat ramp at the bulkhead of the Hickory House property. If this is possible, those people submitting RFPs on purchase of the property could expand their thoughts for its use. Also evaluation of the returned RFPs could take this into consideration. The resolution was passed.
The Commission also approved a long-term agreement to provide animal control and enforcement services in Key West and the Lower Keys in exchange for contractor [FKSPCA] building a new animal shelter on College Road, Stock Island, to be used exclusively for animal care and control services.
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