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Item I1
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: Janu4,ry-1 9. 2011 Bulk Item: Yes No A Division: Administration Department: Proi-ect Mans ement Staff Contact Person/Phone #: Jerry Barnett X 4416 AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of the Higgs Beach Park Master Plan, including any changes as directed by the BOCC, and approval to proceed to Phase II of the Plan. A presentation will be held by Williarn P. Horn Architect, P.A., Architect of Record for the Master Plan Redevelopment of Higgs Beach Park. ITEM BACKGROUND: With BOCC approval of the design of the Master plan, Phase I will be completed. Phase II requires the Architect to provide all information, drawings, and applications necessary to receive a Development Order from the City of Key West. The Architect will also attend all meetings at which the Development Order will be considered. PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: On December 16, 2009 the BOCC approved a Continuing Contract with William P. Horn Architects, P.A. for Architectural/Engineerm'jz Services. On March 17, 2010 swl the BOCC approved a contract with Will P. Horn to develop a Master Plan for the Higgs Beach Park, and on July 21, 2010 William Horn conducted the first 10 minute presentation on the status and design of the Higgs Beach Park Master Plan during the BOCC meeting. CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES: Continue to Phase 11 of the Higgs Beach Park Master Plan. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Approval as stated above. TOTAL COST: $76,500 Phase 11 INDIRECT COST: BUDGETED.* Yes X No DIFFERENTIAL OF LOCAL PREFERENCE: N/A COST TO COUNTY: $76,500.00 SOURCE OF FUNDS: REVENUE PRODUCING: Yes No APPROVED BY: County Atty DOCUMENTATION. Included TDC x AMOUNT PER MONTH Year OMB/Purchasing Risk Management x Not Required DISPOSITION: AGENDA ITEM # Revised 7/09 Ilk 'r IGG B ACH PA K ti Ito a �' . �.1 MASTER PLAN E P O N I j MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA 1 r w h too A JANUARY 19TH,2011 Eli aw, Xz - f HIGGS BEPARK ��"" MASTER PLAN REPORT LANDWISE �/J, 100 Prepared for: Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida 1100 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040 January 1 9th 2011 Prepared by: WILLIAM P. HORN ARCHITECT, RAN 915 ENI'ON STREET, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 In Association with: Mitchell Planning & Design HIGGS BEACH PARK -- MASTER PLAN 40v! PEREZ ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, INC AA TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements Introduction Executive Summary , � Section 1. Project Resea rGh and Data Gathering l la. Background Pik 1 b. S1akeho|dor 8urvey 1o. Community Organizations Survey 1d.Government Coond|net|on "v. le. Archaeological Investigation 1f. Public Involvement (workshops) Section 2: Higgs Beach Master Plan 2a. Master Plan 2b. Plan Components -Road Modifications • Atlantic Boulevard • Atlantic Boulevard &VVhito Street Intersection • Atlantic Boulevard & Reynolds Street Intersection 2o. Plan Components -Interior Modifications • Visitor Nature Center • Astro City ° PAR Fitness Course • African Memorial and Graveyard • Other Improvements Section 3, Plan Implementation 3a.Planning Process 3b. Permitting Process 3o. Potential Phasing 3d. Coat Emiirnaieo 3e.Potential Funding Sources Section 4: Appendices 4e.Higgs BeoohYe|lovvBook 4b.Archaeological Survey 4o.Public Meeting Documents 4d.County/City Comprehensive Plan -applicable sections HxGGSBEACHPARK—MASTER PLAN iii-iv 1-5 13-14 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The consulting team of William P. Horn Architect, PA and our associate consultants would like to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, especially the honorable Heather Carruthers, County Commissioner and Carol Schreck, Aide to Commissioner Carruthers. Additionally,'organized community efforts are also acknowledged including the Friends of Higgs Beach Committee, the Higgs Beach Preservation Association, the Key West African Cemetery, the Key West Garden Club, and the numerous citizens who gave of their time to attend multiple workshops and provide their constructive input and voice support for the Master Planning effo rt . HIGGs BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN 14 h Sin� the early days of Key West, the site we know as Clarence S Higgs Memorial Beach Park (aka Higgs Beach) has a past rich with historically rpl� significant events. Within the boundaries of the park, there are numerous �cultural and recreational activities used -^ �both residents and tourists. The J� sandy shoreline has withstood all that human nature and Mother Nature can de|iver—honm hurricanes tothe notorious wreckers. Prior tothe Civil War the beach was one of the early cemeteries on the island, not only for residents but also for African refugees naoouad in the 1880'a from slave ships bound for Cuban sugar plantations. Although storms removed many of the early ' �gnaveoites, the location of the African refugee graves have been located as discussed later inthis report. This section ofcoastline has protected the island community during wars that threatened not only Key West but also the entire Country. From the West Martello Fort, constructed in 1863 as the War Between the States loomed, to the barracks, gun turrets and radio tower built in the 1900's in response to the threat of World VVany. Henry F|ag|er'o Railroad terminated near here and it is reported the rails from that infamous train track were used (nthe construction ofthe Reynolds Street pier inthe 1Q4O'o. The original beach was much amo|ksr and centered around the end of Reynolds Street. At the close of World War U.the military barracks were no longer needed and negotiations began with Monroe County to surplus this land. |ni948 Monroe County accepted the beach and began toenhance the park. Early improvements included construction of bathrooms, expansion of the sand beach and maintenance onthe Reynolds Street pier. The citizens ofMonroe County and Key West have maintained o keen interest in this beach. It has acquired the moniker ofthe "|000|a beach". Time and again the residents of Key West and Monroe County have provided input, anergy, time and money to improve the beach park. It is this heritage the Design Team has endeavored to protect and enhance during this Master Planning process. Over the past eight months, the Team has mat with many interested persons including residants, adjacent neighbors, business ovvnome, as well as City and County staff. We have guided an information sharing process with as many stakeholders as possible in order to learn and listen totheir desires and concerns. Information and work that was done prior to this contract was reviewed and acknowledged. The Team recognizes this special beach park is e unique respite for the residents and visitors of Key West. The improvements contemplated by the Master Plan are aresponse ioall that was expressed and seeks toenhance the experience for all park users. HIGGSBEACHPARK—MASTERPLAN SUMMARY AS ' In March 2010.^a contract was awarded to VViUienn P. Horn Architect PA for the y development ofa Master Plan for The Clarence @ Higgs Beach Memorial Park. Mr. Horn assembled e Design Team of professionals with extensive local experience and knowledge to 000iot him in preparing the Master Plan. In the ensuing months, the Design Teern. led by Mr. Horn, hosted and/or attended over thirty meetings throughout the Key West community. This information gathering process provided o wealth of data. The Team used this data to understand the ) ,relevant issues, assess the needs and incorporate the desires of the community oothe Master Plan was developed. ' °*-* iftw*- ~=^�-W . Five Master Plan Options were developed during the course of this phase of the contract. The first two, Options Aand 8,were presented for discussion at the first Public Workshop held in June. This workshop began with a discussion of the existing conditions at the park as shown on the existing survey. Option A proposed maintaining Atlantic Blvd in the same l000tion, relocating the parking facilities and proposed conceptual spaces for recreational activities. Option B shifted the road to the north' significantly increasing the beach area as well as reorganizing the parking facilities. As in Option A, similar conceptual spaces for perk activities were shown. Upon conclusion of the design oharretba, the workshop participants identified favorable concepts from A & B and directed the Design Team develop acombined scheme. �~ During the following month, the Design Team developed Option Cand presented ~ this plan, as well as Options & B. as part of a progress update to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners on July 21, 2010. Option C further defined the design concepts and ideas enumerated during the first public workshop. A central core for the pork began to emerge. This core included on Art Park, Nature Center, parking and loading zones. Atraffic circle was proposed for the intersection of White Street and Atlantic Blvd. The entrance to the pork at Reynolds Street was studied and changes to oa\nn traffic were included. The BOCC was informed of the activities to date and directed the Design Team to continue development ofthe plans and concepts. The second public workshop was held onAugust 12.2O1O.At this meeting Option Cand CAlternate were presented to the group. The concepts were similar but different parking schemes were indicated on the plans. Again, with each plan, concepts and ideas began to solidify and mature. The consensus of the participants was to continue with Option C. In the early faU, funding was made available fora Ground Penetrating Radar Survey of the middle and eastern sections ofHiggs Beach. The City of Key West required the survey be conducted as part of the development approval process due to the anticipated location of archeological resources associated with the African Mernohoi The mun/oy was conducted in mid November and did locate additional human remains. Given the historical data available, these remains are HKGGSBEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN more than likely those of the African refugees rescued from slave trading ships in the 1860. This discovery impacted the Master Plan as development was proposed in the area of the discovered graves and resulted in the development of Option D. Option D modified the location of Atlantic Blvd in order to leave the graves undisturbed, shifted the White Street traffic circle to the north, relocated the small dog park and required modifications to the parking program. This plan was presented at the third and final public workshop on December 2, 2010. During the final workshop, the majority of the participants understood the reason for the changes to the Master Plan. However, several adjacent property owners disagreed with many of the proposed concepts. Unfortunately a number of these participants were attending for the first time. In the following weeks, the Design Team was directed to meet with these neighbors in an attempt to reach a compromise. Proposed Site Plan - Option E was developed and is presented in this report as the compromised plan. The major changes include removal of the traffic circle on White Street, addition of a landscape median on White Street, relocation of the small Dog Park from the northeastern corner of the park to a site adjacent to the Large Dog Park and relocation of a proposed parking lot from White Street to the interior of the park. In addition, the size of the proposed Nature Center has been reduced and the Pickleball Courts have been relocated to the west end of the tennis courts. HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN iv r It ,At,, SECTION 1: PROJECT RESEARCH AND DATA GATHERING 1 A. BACkGROUND ' In 1948, Monroe county accepted Higgs Beach. over the years, the County has implemented improvements to the park. currently, in addition to the sandy i beach, the park contains tennis courts, West Martello Tower which is home to f the Key West Garden club, salute Restaurant, Astro city, one bathroom building, concrete benches and cabanas, large and small dog parks, the . t Whistling Duck Pond, volleyball and handball courts, Reynolds street Pier, the African Memorial and of course the swimmingand snorkeling area adjacent to g J ` the beach. Within the boundaries of the park a fenced area with FAA tower and small concrete equipment building are located. The passage of time and the subtropical environment have taken their toll on most of the current park amenities. Since 1999, a joint effort with the County, concerned residents and the Friends of Higgs Beach initiated discussions on the need for park improvements. I w Issues recognized included addressing security items, the impact of the homeless population, signage, parking, safe ingress and egress, trash and human waste impacts, increased vehicular traffic and site lighting. A Master ' Plan was commissioned and prepared in 2001. The overall plan was not t funded for design and development although some of the recommendations were implemented. •r In 2009, Commissioner Heather Carruthers's office facilitated the gathering of public input for Higgs Beach. Numerous public meetings were held and an Advisory Committee was established where both short and long term goals were identified. The minutes of these meetings are included in the Appendices attached to this report. Review of these minutes indicate that many of the issues such as safety, traffic flow, impact of the homeless population, etc were still of concern. In addition, a 'Wish List" of improvements was developed and ranked. The Advisory Committee recommended that although some short-term improvements could be addressed, it would behoove the county to develop a new Master Plan that considered the most recent public input as well as current conditions. A two-phase contract was awarded to William P Horn, Architect PA to develop this Master Plan in March 2010. For the first phase, development of the Master Plan, Mr. Horn assembled a team of professionals including Barbara Mitchell, Mitchell Planning and Design Inc., Ladd Roberts RLA, Landwise Design Inc and Allen Perez PE of Perez Engineering and Development Inc. This team has prepared the plan and this report for your review. H I GGs BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN STAKEHOLDER SURVEY The first action taken by the Design Team was to meet with the Friends of Higgs Beach Board. This meeting was held on April 7, 2010. Mr. Horn was in W. attendance for the team. Minutes from this and subsequent meetings are included in the Appendices in chronological order. The following list had been prepared as a result of the work completed by the Advisory Committee during the previous year. It was provided to the Design Team as a starting point for the public input process. .4 This list prioritized the improvements and amenities currently desired PRCLIN11 ARY WISH LIST FOR HIGGS BEAC:II 1 OMAU FILTERS WATER.- QUAL17Y3 ST-DRM WA f Eli DFiAlH,IwG E WATER 33 4 . BIKE RACK ? 30 5 IMPROVED SIDEALKS &I ATH TROJ R I C. 29 6 RLPL CE LIGHTING ECO NEIGHBOR FRIERDLY L,1WT1NG 29 7 DRINKIK FOUNTAINS THROLKNDUr PARK 38 8 FAMILY BATHROOM NOM SIDE OF PAR{ 27 9 OPEN SPACE 7 10 EMD SWU PIER 27 11 I RX&M. T1 I HM FIX PAINT. ADD UMMLLA TABLES 12 SttiiLRKEUNG 25 13 FIRST AID STATIONS 25 14 LAWS MONTHLY CONCERTS 'SOUND 5YSTME1~I 25 W Ct7MMUWATION SIGNS FLYERS BROCHU IFS WEBS T 24 16 IMIPRUVED N1AME PARK INC. NET ARMNO SWIMMIIO AREA 24 17 ERNESS TRAIL RUNNING TR,4CK 24 18 '91 CONCCSSM PLAYGROUND ATHLEICJREC SKIP (T IIS3.- REPLACE 23 20 KST OMIROL 22 21 LOCKERS 22 22 KAYAKM 22 23 S�!AER ROOMS 22 24 eus S'OP 22 25 PTY1dNC T MARK 0XDW1y R F OAF 1 2,61 AFRICAN CEMENT RY I,IFMORIX FOM -3 Mgff P 27 TERMS COURTS RRENTLY ZO ,,� m COU 1 9 DOG PARK IPMEW 19 30 YOGANEDIT.W aN 1 31 KID CUNC1vRTS 19 32 Ci]IAMU TY WDE N VEGETABLE AND FLOWER 1$ 33 I ASK TBAI.I COURT 18 4 KITE ROARDINC 17 35 ooYERED TIKI HLIT YOGA MEDITATION 16 GROUP USE 1& UkSMDE F TENNISW 1 37 SHU"ILOGARD ONE CURRIENTLY AND W W SMPE 15 38 HOR5ESWES ONE CURRENTLY AND IN W SHAPE 15 39 HANMAI L 2 CURRENTLY 1 # CFO UL71},iATE FRWEE GOLF 1 ARTWORK ADDED DURING OTHER 5ES"5I' NS IMPROVED FENCING ADDED NJRIMG OTHER SESSION'S SFAWALL _ RUIACEMENT VgW_WffN OTHER- SEES ors-- NOTE.- SECURITY WAS NOT ON LIST 'IC. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS SURVEY Prior to the first public meeting, Mr. Horn conducted several meetings with individual stakeholders and community organizations. The minutes of these meetings are included in the Appendices. The surrounding residential community is very involved and interested in the plans for Higgs Beach. On April 14, 2010 a neighborhood meeting was held to inform the Design Team of the concerns of the neighborhood. During this meeting the public input process and schedule were outlined. The possible removal of the FAA tower was discussed. People in attendance introduced themselves and discussed their thoughts for the park. The following day, Mr. Horn met with Mr. Richard Hatch, who currently leases and operates the Salute Restaurant from Monroe County. The restaurant is an important feature in the park. It is located adjacent to the beach, at grade, and is HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN 2 a non -conforming use and structure according to the Key West Land Development Regulations. Mr. Hatch outlined his concerns, discussed the existing conditions of the building and suggested numerous improvements. The Casa Marina is located adjacent to the park and on May 12, 2010 Mr. Horn met with Mr. Kevin Speidel, the General Manager of the resort. Primary concerns for the Casa Marina included parking on Reynolds Street, the overall appearance of the park and the resort supported improvements to the road. 0 1,'Fisher Maritime Museum and Mr. Gene Tinnie an artist instrumental in developing the African Memorial located adjacent to the West Martello Garden. The importance of this archeological site was discussed. |n��m�r2O1Q'���|����������t�H'[�� �7- -_o Preservation Association. This group formed inresponse tothe third and final public meeting held on December2. 2010. The group, composed primarily of a��� neighbors e��� concernconcern a��s��| componentscomponents �� Master ._ Plan presented atthe December 2.2O1Opublic meeting. i D. GOVERNMENT COORDINATON The Design Team recognizes that, although this is a County Park, the City of Key West will play an important role in the ultimate development and permitting of the park renovations. The initial meeting with City staff occurred onApril 28.2O1O. During this meeting the City expressed concerns with the safety of parking and traffic flow - ~`~ particularly as it ne\otoa to the intersection of White Street with Atlantic Blvd. A traffic oino|e was suggested as a possible solution for this intersection. Other areas of concern included the location of the African Onavao, the alignment of Atlantic Blvd as it relates to the West Merta||o Gardon, entry areas ofthe park. landscaping and buffers along the property line, and the upgrade/location of the current playground. City Staff requested the Design Team attend on informal meeting with the Development Review Committee (DRC) early in the process to keep them informed. Coordination has been ongoing with Mayor Carruthers office, the majority of the meetings held have been attended byeither Mayor Carruthers and/or her staff assistant Carol 8chneck.The Design Team has coordinated with the Overseas Heritage Trail and Scenic Highway group. Formal meeting were not held but input was gathered by review of the Overseas Heritage Trail Master Plan as well aodiscussions with the County, City and State bicycle planners. Higgs Beach one of the termination points of the Overseas Heritage Trail Bicycle Path. HIGGSBEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN 3 On July 21 2010 an update was provided to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The Power Point presented is included in the Appendices.TIN ` OnAugust 26.2O1Othe Design Teampresented the Conceptual Plans prepared to date at the Key West ORC. Official minutes from the City are not available. Generally the project was well received, several City Departments commented on the permit process and information that would be required; such as, an ^ Environmental Resource PGmnk (ERP) for storm water system modifications, the HARC planner discussed the need for ground penetrating radar to locate the `"African grave sites, Bicycle Planner commented On White Bto3Gt pedestrian a000ao and a|gnege requinenmon1o, and the Utility Companies provided information on existing service, City Planning discussed the possibility of City and County shared maintenance and recycling activities, legal non -conformity status of the restaurant, variance for landscape buffer requirements (in light of safety ioeuee),and potential road relocation issues. OnOctober 13.201O.a meeting was held with the Tourist Development Council, ''- OAC 1. to present the Master Plan, Option C. and to inform the group of the progress to date. -` 1 E. ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION Several years ago, a ground0 op ^^ penetrating radar survey was conducted and identified nine 00 greveoitam located to the east of - the West yWarto||o Fort. At that - time it was recognized that additional graves more than likely existed; hovvever, funding was not available to continue the survey. From Novomber1i - 14. 2010. []r. Laurence Conyers, University of Denver, with the assistance of Corey Malcom, Director of Archaeology PWe| Fisher Maritime Heritage Society conducted a ground penetrating radar aun/ay of the park area's most likely "hot spots".Gnaveoiteo were identified as shown in the adjacent sketch with the red dots. It is likely that additional graves exist beneath the Atlantic Blvd although the radar technique used cannot penetrate paving surfaces. The Conceptual Master Plan developed to date was revised in order to accommodate an undisturbed area for the graves. The location of these graves is a significant archaeological discovery, one of the only _ BIGGSBEACH PARK —MASTER PLAN 4 known cemeteries of African refugees in the United States and presents an opportunity for preservation of this historic discovery. IF. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT (WORKSHOPS) As specified by the Master Plan contract, three public workshops were held to obtain public input for the Master Plan. The workshops were held at the Harvey Government Center in Key West and were advertised in accordance with public notice procedures. The Power Point presentations presented at the meetings were cumulative. In an effort to reduce redundancy, the first and last Power Point presentations and all sign in sheets are included in the Appendices. 11, 1., or ipsU''i! The first meeting was held on June 22, 2010. There were 40 people in attendance. Based upon the information accumulated to date, the Design Team had developed Option A & B for discussion. The attendees were divided into four groups to brainstorm and modify the proposed plans. Comments from each group were then discussed. The consensus of the workshop was to direct the Design Team to develop an Option C including components of A & B. On August 12, 2010, over 60 people attended the second public meeting. At this meeting in addition to reviewing the two previous plans, Option C and C Alternate were presented. The plans were discussed and the direction expressed to the Design Team was to continue further development of Option C. The third and final public workshop was held on December 2, 2010. The meeting was well attended with over 45 participants. During this meeting, the findings of the ground penetrating radar survey and the impact of the location of additional African gravesites on the developing Master Plan was discussed. Option D was presented, and reflected changes implemented due to the radar survey. Many of the participants at the meeting had been in attendance throughout the entire process understood and agreed with the modifications as presented. A small group of adjacent property owners attended, some of whom attended for the first time, vocally opposed the plan. The discussion of the project was extensive. In response to requests by the adjacent property owners three meetings were held to address their concerns. On December 14, 2010 a meeting was held at Mayor Carruthers office to explain the rationale for the Option D. On December 16, 2010 a meeting was held with Mayor Carruthers and Key West Mayor Cates to discuss the neighbors concerns expressed during the December workshop. Furthermore, at the request of Mayor Carruthers an additional meeting was held on December 22, 2010 and the final Master Plan, Option E reflects changes made to accommodate and respond to the neighbor's concerns as much as possible. Minutes of these meetings are included in the Appendices. HIGGS BEACH PARK -- MASTER PLAN 5 41 SECTION 2: HIGGS BEACH MASTER PLAN 2A. MASTER PLAID The Master Plan, Option E, presented in this Master Plan Report is the culmination of public, private and government input garnered through multiple workshops and data collection conducted by the Design Team during the past eight months. In this section of the report, Option E is presented and specific components of the plan are discussed. (Option E illustrated below) K OL zl"� During the master planning process, it became evident to the Design Team that maintaining or enlarging open space; addressing safety concerns; improving pedestrian and vehicular circulation, access and parking; responding to various user group needs for improved facilities; accommodating the Overseas Heritage Trail; preserving the existing historical resources; and preserving and enhancing the existing tree canopy were the primary goals expressed by the constituents participating in this process. The following discusses how these goals are addressed. HIGGs BEACH PARK -- MASTER PLAN 6 2B. PLAN COMPONENTS — ROAD MODIFICATIONS ATLANTIC BOULEVARD Atlantic Boulevard is the lifeblood of the park and provides the primary access for many residents and visitors. During the design process, the safety concerns expressed included the proximity of the road to the West Martello Gardens, .,pedestrian and bicycle conflicts, loading zones for the restaurant and Gardens, the relationship of the current parking areas to the travel lanes of the road, intersections of the road with Reynolds Street and White Street. The proposed (,design, keeps the road alignment in the same location adjacent to the tennis courts. However, beyond the tennis courts, the road has been shifted to north and agentle curve to facilitate traffic calming has been designed. Relocating the road has provided the additional area needed to enlarge the beach, provide room for the new playground and to preserve the recently discovered additional graves of African refugees. The parking areas have been redesigned to include crosswalks and reduce conflict points with pedestrians. The proposed design of the road has also been widened toaccommodate bicycle lanes onboth sides. EXISTING RAUGNMENT OAD BIGGSBEACH PARK—MASTEnPLAN 7 ATLANTIC BLVD &WHITE STREET INTERSECTION Jhe intersection with White Street has been changed as a result of the northern shift of Atlantic Blvd. Early in the design process, preliminary research indicated there was a need to review this location. There is no doubt that White Street and Atlantic Blvd is a very busy intersection. The potential for accidents exists due to the sheer number of automobiles, scooters, trolleys, pedestrians and bicyclists that traverse this area onodaily basis. Initial designs exp|orediheoonoeptofa traffic circle or "round -a -bout. The current plan provides the ambiance of e � ' �\tnaffic circle; but retains the �V am��� existing tn��ootbanm. Itwillv� pattern. create o sense of place for the end of White Street as well as an entrance to the T�~ perk. Furthermore, it enlarges ' and provides an opportunity to enhance the entrance to - DO~ PARK White Street Pier and the WMESTREET AIDS Memorial. The median on White 8tnaot has been proposed to indicate entrance into the [)amo K4ehno residential neighborhood The proposed design will require the modification of theKWAIC existing parking at Indigenous 4W~~~~A' Pork. (]ffioie|o for the City of Key West have been briefed on this design proposal and its potential impact and improvement tothe area. ATLANTIC BLVD & REYNOLDS STREET INTERSECTION The Reynolds Street entrance to the park has been modified to improve circulation and enhance this access point tothe park. The parking adjacent tothe tennis courts has been rernoved, and two PicNebaU Courts are proposed. Parking for these activities has been relocated to the east end of the tennis courts. The widened roadway allows for the radius of the curve to be increased, a landscape median added, room for the bicycle lanes and acanoe/kayak drop off area H(GGSBEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN 8 ' 2C. PLAN COMPONENTS - INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS .,,,,.The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail and the Florida Keys Scenic Highway Master Plan are two concurrent and complementary planning processes sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Transportation respectively. Among the missions for these projects is to provide a conduit for sustainable tourism journeys into the non- traditional world of heritage and ecotourism. Both of these plans recognize Higgs Beach as an important asset and suggest a rest area or other structures to .,accommodate users of these trails. The Design Team studied the plans and proposes a Visitor Nature Center and other amenities in order to resonate with the spirit and mission of these significant opportunities. VISITOR NATURE CENTER The core feature of the park is the proposed Nature Center. This central feature acts asenaxis for park activities. The Center will help to create a synergy with Salute Restaurant and the _ relocated Aotno City. The building will include e nsotnoorn for users on the north okjo of the park. It provides a central location for parking and loading of pedestrians. An Art Park is suggested and retail kiosks are proposed near Salute Restaurant. To the east of the building is open green space intended for passive and active recreational activities. The dotted line indicates the existing FAA Tower boundaries. The fitness course and Whistling Pond nature area are located tothe north. Landscaping will buffer these passive activities from the adjacent residential neighborhood. Although the ultimate program for the building has not been finalized, one proposed use is to provide ecological and environmental information for residents and visitors alike. _ H|GGSBEACHPARm—MASTERF`LAN 9 ASTRO CITY During the public workshops, the Design Team listened to many participants di�������t���i��i��n�ph�mu�. '�ph���n�mv� '~ for the safety of the ohi|dren, the relationship of the ' road and parking ^to the playground, the lack of shade / �\\ `\ within the play PAVILION area, the absence of reotroorno, and the lack of access WL7 PLAY to the beech. Alternate locations AREA with respect to the road were presented for discussion. It was ~ r� generally agreed thot locating the playground on the south side ofthe road was preferable. The pavilion located within the playground will include rootroomns and shade opportunities for users. This will separate the ohildren'o restnoorn from naotroomno used by the general public. Many workshop participants voiced the separation of reotroonna being of significant importance. A Wet Play Area comprised of ground fountains (water emitters) are shown on the proposed plan. The area will be secured with ornamental fencing for the safety and security ofthe children. PAR FITNESS COURSE PAh nrwc� COURSE Located on the northern boundary of the park iaoPar Fitness Course. The course iocomprised ofsolitary stations located ot intervals along o oath. The core concepts of par fitness courses are for the equipment to blend into the outdoor environment and to keep it simple. Par oourae exercise equipment includes strength training, p|yornetr|o and stretchin g stations. The course has been located intentionally away from the beach area in order to encourage use by all shapes and sizes ofpeople. H|GG5 BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN 10 \ -- — --' ---------' NN MEMORLAL I AND GRAVEYARD As discussed earlier in this report, a ground penetrating radar survey was Is vs. conducted in November 2010. This survey revealed o significant number of gnaveo located as shown in Section 1 of this document. The boundaries of the sun/ey conducted extended beyond the location of the found graves. Upon completion of the survey, the Master Plan was revised to relocate the Small and Large Dog Perks, shift the road and relocate proposed parking in order to remove U development fthe It is expected that additional WP lie lf if Ap AIRFA Isu. ENsnmG MAC MEMIREAL graves are located beneath the existing road (shown by the dashed lines in the above picture).Once the road has been removed, these too shall bepreserved. The history of the African refugees and the West Marte|loFort are linked together. The opportunity to preserve and enhance these two parts of island history adds another gem tothe features of Higgs Beach Park. An additional benefit is the further protection of the West Martello Fort due to the relocation of the road away from the Fort. During the public workshops, members ofthe Key West Garden Club provided insight into their use of the Fort and their impact during special events held atthe Fort. Primarily, their concern was for adequate parking and the ability for loading and unloading supplies needed for special events such as the annual Garden show and catered events that occur at the Fort. Although the discovery ofthe graveyard precluded the location of parking adjacent to the Fod, the pathways planned one of a sufficient width to accommodate delivery vehicles when needed for special occasions. HIGGsBEACHPARK—MASTERPLAN 11 IMPROVEMENT.A. kk The Master Plan developed proposes to significantly expand the sandy beach area on both sides of the Fort. This will provide room for expansion of the current Volleyball Courts. The Salute Restaurant has remained the same, as required by the City of Key West Land Development Regulations, but access and parking for the restaurant have been expanded and a loading zone and recycle area have been proposed. Overall, the parking quantity provided by the new design is consistent with the current parking count. The proposed parking has r been designed and is compliant with. Key west City Code. The band stands (aka gun turrets and the existing restrooms remain intact. The existing Australian g � g Pines are shown on the plan and, at this time are scheduled to remain. By shifting the road to the north, the safety of pedestrian circulation has been increased. There is less of an opportunity for conflict between people and vehicles. While some of the current beach sidewalks will remain the same; others are proposed for widening to accommodate all users groups. Additional upland improvements include investigation of the Whistling Duck Pond to improve its viability as a fresh water pond, possibly integrate it with the overall Storm Water Plan and reduce the mosquito infestation. The Master Plan anticipates the removal of the FAA Tower. The area occupied by the Tower is intended for green space and open playing fields. The major improvements proposed for the park are not located within the Tower area and therefore, an extended timeframe for removal of the Tower should not impact the implementation of other park elements. H I GGS BEACH PARK - MASTER PLAN 12 SECTION 3: PLAN IIWPLEMENTATION 3A. PLANNING PROCESS The first step in implementation of the Master Plan for Higgs Beach will be to acquire development approval through the City of Key West Planning Department and City Commission. Applications for conditional Use Approval will be required. These applications will include conceptual Site, Building (Floor and Elevations), storm Water, and Landscape Plans. A traffic study will more than likely be needed to review the impact of the proposed changes to white street. It is anticipated that due to funding constraints the time needed for development will exceed that authorized by a City Development order. Therefore, a Development Agreement between Monroe county and the city of Key West will be required. The city staff, the Development Review Committee, the Tree Commission and the Planning Board, will review the conditional Use application. Any variances will require approval by the Board of Adjustment. The Development Agreement will be reviewed in the same fashion, with final approval by the City commission. 313. PERMITTING PROCESS Upon receipt of development approval outlined above, the permitting process begins. Development of construction drawings will be required. An Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) granted by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will be needed. 3c. POTENTIAL PHASING The potential phasing plan cannot be determined as this time. The Monroe county Board of commissioners will need to prioritize the improvements suggested by the Master Plan. It is expected that FDOT funds for improvements/relocation of the road will be funded in the FY 2014/15 budget. 3D. CosT ESTIMATE Please see the following spreadsheet. H I GGS BEACH PARK MASTER PLAN 13 LN MONROE COUNTY HIGGS BEACH PARK CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COST Estimates based on t ak e-offs derived from Site PI a n 'E' -Revised 1 /1912011 January 19th, 2011 ELEMENTS OF DEVELOPMENT U NITS CITY UNIT TOTAL PHASE I PHASE 11 Components of Construction COST COST COST COST ML 4- N/A NIA GENERAL COSTJ 1 Mobilization LS 1 25.000 $ 25,000 2 Clearing and Grubbing LS 1 25,000 $ 25,000 3 Maintenance of Traffic LS 1 5,000 $ 5,000 DEMOLITION & SITE PREPARATION 4 Asphaltic Area (existing road, parking, etc..including sub -base) SY 11,232 5 $ 56,160 5 Asphaltic Area (existing bike paths) SY 847 4 $ 3,388 6 Concrete Area (existing sidwalks, courts, etc...assuming 4" thickness) SY 1,166 4 $ 4,664 7 Misc. Drainage Structures, Signs, Pipes, Etc... LS 1 18,000 $ 18,000 8 Concrete Structures (assumed rod reinform en t i.e.-existing picnic structures) LS 1 10,000 $ 10,000 9 F.A.A. Antenna/Associated Structures (verify with appropriate agencies} n/a $ - 10 Dog Park Equipement Removal/Storage LS 1 5,000 $ 5,000 11 Astro Park Demolition LS 1 5,000 $ 5,000 12 Sediment Barriers/ Silt Fence LS 1 2,500 $ 2,500 HORIZONTAL ELEMENTS 13 Roadway SY 6,683 85 $ 568,055 14 Parking Area SY 6,115 80 $ 489,200 15 Sidewalk SF 62,785 8 $ 502,280 16 New Beach Area - Sand SY 3,053 30 $ 91,590 17 Whistling Duck Pond Improvements LS 1 100,000 $ 100,000 18 Site Drainage System (actual estimate pending final drainage design) LS 1 350,000 $ 350,000 19 Site Utilities (actual estimate pending final utility design) LS 1 250,000 $ 250,000 VERTICAL ELEMENTS 20 Nature Center Bldg LS 1 1,500,000 $ 1,500,000 21 Maintenance Bldg LS 1 300,000 $ 300,000 22 Playground Restroom / Shade Structure LS 1 200,000 231Park Pavilions LS 2 15,000 $ 30,000 AMENITIES 24 PAR Fitness Course LS 1 50,000 $ 50,000 25 New Playground (dry equipment and installation) LS 1 100,000 $ 100,000 26 Playground Base and Surface Material w/Filter Fabric SF 15,000 3.00 $ 45,000 27 New Playground -Wet Play Area LS 1 70,000 $ 70,000 28 Volley Ball Court LS 2 8,000 $ 16,000 29 Pickle Ball Courts LS 2 9,000 $ 18,000 30 Way -Finding / Informative Kiosks LS 1 1,600 $ 1,600 31 Open Green Space (see landscape seed/sod) SY 160,000 0.65 $ 104,000 32 Dog Park Construction (Potentially done by volunteers at no cost) LS 1 20,000 $ 20,000 33 Decorative Fencing (4') (dog park and playground) LF 1,564 60 $ 93,840 34 Decorative Fencing (6') (along white street only) LF 325 80 $ 26,000 35 Interpretive Signage LS 1 10,000 $ 10,000 36 KWAC Memorial Improvements (potentially done by KWAC) n/a $ - 37 Site Furnishings 38 Picnic Tables EA 12 1,200 $ 14,400 39 Bike Racks EA 6 600 $ 3,600 40 Benches EA 12 750 $ 9,000 41 Trash Receptacles EA 16 750 $ 12,000 42 Entry Monuments EA 2 15,000 $ 30,000 LANDSCAPING 43 Tree Protection Barriers LF 1 15,000 $ 15,000 44 Landscaping (materials and installation) SF 1 297,500 $ 297,500 45 Temporary/ Fixed Irrigation LS 1 60,000 $ 60,000 46 1 Seed/Sod (open green space) LS 210,000 0.65 $ 136,500 Sub -total $ 5,673,277 CONTINGENCY Estimating Contingency @15% $ 850,992 TOTAL PROJECT COST $ 6,524,269 ESTIMATE NOTES: 'Project phasing is contingent upon funding sources yet to be determined and by staff/county priorities; no phasing suggestions are presented at this time. 'Unit pricing values are based on current/relevant contractor pricing. ***Lump sum values are target allowances contingent upon design development and final construction specifications and are subject to change. 'All demolition and removal assumes proper and legal disposal of materials demolished. ***AJI estimates of cost are based on a conceptual master plan and should be regarded as conceptual in accuracy, contingency applied may be plus/minus. ***FAA Antenna Demolition, KWAC Memorial, Permitting Fees and Design Service Fees not included in estimate of cost. William P. Hom Architect, P.A. HIGGs BEACH PARK -- MASTER PLAN 14 Lj a- J�l 7 IL Z UJ w tu ui < C 0 to V, (D 0LL W Z 0 LU CL uj 0 Z �le 0 o > Z 0 w 't w x a. LL < U) :c V) cf) 0- 0 IL 0 LL LL (.9 U) 0 ED 0 F- Z ui 2 W z M C) 4U) LL ww u)F-�—<Le)Z 0 UJ w W ir ir > U Lu z 00 < 0 rU It < n. w w 2 MD<o >Fo2cr <Q wozwoo F- Z -i w x i? 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H g i �i U07 t5 eid IC.0 UJ 0 z .-J LU V) 82fiEpiR fn Moo 9-oKL 0 a 30<wo W�- Las-, 0 LLJ Lj- Er) 0 t: rz COD o LLJ LU � Q LU owl w i'::: 3: � C2 LL. z U) !Z M LU C3 La fn c 45 U. ui LU C4 4.1 LU 0 CL Lu i— uj cc w M LU L6 LQ 66 ACO CL w IL La P- JE 2 47 �4 w LL le- t= 0 LLI 4- Ac w zp LL. ga: 2 U, 2 Ir 0. Or tz- CLLO, z U- LLI LU w aC LU L) RL , ui LOL�j < P LLJ LLI• LU Go x � 0 CL 5; 63 O C) 90 0.1 rA I 9 13 cim 2�: Bit 4. LO U- W 0 Ifn- z- 0 7 z g o o � o 0 i w W TE LLJ lz- WD w w Z u�s 2 R i �,l j� < P m CL <,V) 0 U, C) U) CL tj2w w LU > ou Ix In Ia_ > LU N "k 49 LU 4 w flee Se ®r a- �lt El .-K w REVENUES Ad Valorem TDC (3rd Penny) Other (Special Higgs Beach Fund) TOTAL REVENUE EXPENDITURES Ad Valorem TDC (3rd Penny) Other (Special Higgs Beach Fund) TOTAL EXPENDITURES OTHER INCOME Restaurant Sailboats/Chairs/Umbrellas TOTAL OTHER INCOME PROFIT (LOSS) to General Fund (less property tax contribution) *estimated actual (unaudited) **adopted budget HIGGS BEACH Revenues and Expenditures FY2007 to FY2011 Actual 2007 2008 2009 321370 32,251 641080 324,096 320,664 378,408 0 0 14,465 356,466 352,916 456,953 32,370 321251 64,080 324,096 320,664 378,408 0 0 14,465 356,466 352,916 456,953 78,378 811424 82,930 7,270 7,320 11,770 85,648 88,744 94,700 53,278 56,493 30,620 Page 1 Est. Actual Budgeted 2010* 2011** 1861098 1591831 361,657 538,949 471158 80,750 594,914 779,530 186,098 159,831 361,657 538,949 471158 80,750 594,914 7791,530 83,237 851169 18,000 18,000 101,237 103,169 -84,861-56,662 Ad Valorem Expenses Salaries Overtime FICA Retirement Group Ins. Worker's Comp. Unemployment Professional Services Contractual Phone & Postage Utilities*** Risk Management Repairs & Maintenance Advertising Capital Outlay TOTAL TDC Expenses (3rd Penny) Salary Overtime FICA Retirement Group Ins. Worker's Comp. Beach Cleaning Sand/R&M Utilities Operating Supplies African Cemetery Phase II African Cem. Completion Phase West Martello Lighting West Martello Fence Project West Martello Restoration TOTAL Special Beach Fund**** GRAND TOTAL EXPENSES HIGGS BEACH EXPENDITURE DETAIL FY2007 to FY2011 Actual 2007 18,441.02 2.71.98 1,396.78 11843.20 9,480 468.24 469 32,37a 62,357.50 14,673.31 5,858.03 71523.64 18,960 91,347.72 9,653.30 90,O00 2, 7D2.45 21,019.77 324,096 0 356,466 2008 19,086.69 78.61 1,434.10 11886.82 71900 74.48 488.58 552 750 32,251 67,282.71 1, 666.83 5,241.55 6,725.74 15,800 3,357.13 93,280.28 2,293.91 90,000 10, 017.15 25f000 320,664 0 352,916 2099 41745.69 31,860 917.13 24,654.07 503 1,400 64,080 70,001.15 337.87 5, 347.98 6,860.05 17, 760 2,755.35 96,999.96 23,241.55 90,000 468.40 64,635.73 378,408 14,465 456,953 *estimated actual (unaudited) **adopted budget ***paid by Fac. Maint. 20501 ****amount authorized for PWD in FY11 for seawall repairs and Higgs Beach Master Plan Page 2 Est. Actual 2010* 504.83 109,490 23,802 47,199 114 4,200 788 186,098 66,592 780 5,119 6,821 17,1760 3,656 97,097 71707 90,000 11 41,205 7,910 17,000 361,657 47,158 594,914 Bud eted 2011** 80,000 2500 850 48,000 2,981 5,500 29,90+0 159,831 67,963 2,500 6,649 7,720 18,960 2,484 99,719 26,000 90,000 51000 13,864 78,000 37,g90 83,+000 538,949 80,75O 779,530 UNINCORPORATED PARKS & BEACHES Revenues and Expenditures FY2007 - FY2011 Actual Est. Actual Budgeted REVENUES 2007 2008 2009 2010* 2011** Fund 147 Ad Valorem Taxes 970,685 971,513 11147,722 11535,269 11581,843 Del. Ad Valorem Taxes 3,348 2,982 61865 5,025 21000 Payment in Lieu of Taxes 1,945 1,895 11691 21145 1,500 St. Shared -Lac. Govt. 1/2 Tax 416,370 515,713 - - - Services -Tax Collector 13,659 - - - - Park Fees 49,890 46,585 40,240 34,090 45,000 Property Usage 180 874 725 11432 Interest 106,066 60,548 42,494 171537 80000 Rents 24,039 22,104 20,916 26, 262 20,000 Surplus Property 7,931 - - - - Miscellaneous 24 730 _ Less 5% FL Statutes - - - (82,917 ) Fund Ba l Fwd - - - - 887, 464 TOTAL 1,594,137 1,622,214 1,261,384 1,6211,760 2,462,890 TDC 3rd Penny 198,625 216,955 235,003 240,345 266,212 TOTAL REVENUE 11792,761 1,839,169 1,496,387 1,862,066 2,729,102 EXPENDITURES Fund 147 Unincorporated Parks & Beaches 1,329,646 11117,638 11107,574 1,185,969 11#535,724 FY10 Rollovers (shade structures) - - - - 43 000 Isla morada Parks & Beaches 80,000 - - - - School Board Interlocal 17,305 23,944 331541 27,313 32,000 Jacobs Aquatic Center 225,000 225,000 180,000 180,000 180,000 KL Park slide ($9234-8000 donation) - - - 11234 - Wastewater upgrades - - - 0 112,750 Cost Allocation 93,045 93,045 202,769 183,953 183,953 Cash Balance - - - 355 463 Contingency - - - - 20,000 TOTAL 1,744,996 1,459,627 1,523,884 11578,468 2,462,890 TDC Expenditures 198,625 216,955 235,003 240,305 266,212 TOTAL ALL EXPENDITURES 1,9431620 11676,582 11758,887 1,818,774 2,729J02 +/-* * * -150,859 162,588 -262 500 43,292 *estimated actual (unaudited) **adopted budget ***shortages/overages come from/go to fund balance Page 3 UNINCORPORATED PARKS &BEACHES EXPENDITURE DETAIL FY2007-FY2011 Actual Est. Actual Budgeted 2007 2008 2009 2010* 2011** Unin. Parks & Beaches Salaries 469,879 443,658 341,137 360,605 393,611 Overtime 361118 11,111 29,209 33,254 30,000 FICA 38,176 34,485 28,098 290,757 38,909 Retirement 49,303 43,915 38,015 39,842 40,942 Group Ins. 138,850 99,224 93,033 97,843 115,273 Worker's Comp. - 19,999 11,944 16,704 13,487 Unempl0yment - 41094 - - - Contractual 66,492 102,056 133,690 132,063 1801263 Travel - - 199 469 500 Vehicle Maintenance 109,178 92,014 81,712 77,177 90,296 Phone & Postage 61898 71829 91686 11,674 10,000 Utilities 134,036 105,753 154,027 161,809 170,000 Rentals 10,600 - - - - Risk Management 23,877 30,985 37,875 371322 39,206 Repairs & Maintenance 96,781 49,652 79,315 65,408 125,000 Printing 11357 674 70 393 250 Miscellaneous 368 561 795 38,385 177,000 Advertising 1,871 - - 257 250 Office Supplies 361 93 121 0 100 Operating Supplies 33,277 331246 42,561 55,713 48,000 Gasoline 2,991 2,083 2,516 31147 500 Diesel Fuel 73 115 130 0 200 Internal Fuel Charges 27,579 30,649 18,647 20,517 21,000 Books, Subs., Pubs., Education 20 289 - 90 - Capital Outlay - Bldgs. - - 41800 0 - Capital Outlay - Infra. 11,620 - - 0 43,000 Capital Outlay - Equipment 11749 5,153 - 3540 16.000 Capital Outlay - Vehicles 68,192 - - - 24,337 TOTAL 1,329,646 1,117,638 1J071574 1,1850969 10,578,724 *estimated actual (unaudited) **adopted budget Page 4 LU Z3 .Y c-^� Ln 0 w Ln rl_ f m '�i' O� d' �` � a 2 00 r4 06 LD 0 tp 0 n rr �o 'RIO Cri v 0) m � 0 .`" 00 m 00 r-1 Lna r• = m r-i Lii � 3 r� CAaV as ni4 Ln 4 00 c� q* C) cv N = , p ry QD � m LM a m 00 - to rry rr Q� 9 n N a m nKzri cri ao ri Rt N �.rf Oo m 00 ti- N ` (v � Na L� C) a m L,n � 00 00 t-1 cL ors L (i N 00 U" kD tv n 00 ud m r-i N n �' L r--I a a) C] Ln n Lf! n nr L n N C) a0 rt r4 C) 0 U) ui 00 Ln -4� oC)rt) Lnv 1 m V) n U ri �Ln - ai 2 U to v°°o nt n - : y U% Cn V/ rh R ► W + V) iV iV to � C� N d� [� a ' � �' �' 04 o ai Ln o lqr 0 00 LL.W CL 00 L" �Oo r-i � N 04 Ln ul N � Lri a m Ln N f�l ri � C) i y�Y�j! w � 4 0 ��J]� � ," Wrrr ❑ 1 , -+ F'" a C . © ('ti1 LI) Ln .. � � m Cn Ct � � [7] � �` k Ln c-I CY) d` ` A a1 c�^� Ln N V.i ` Ln V~ w � 0 r1 t-•i � wLL 4G �... 0 U w DQ L1" 1 0 a LD t 0 � to 00 C) 0 a �. 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Thereafter, all Master Plan specific expenses will be split 45% TDC / 55% PW HIGGS BEACH PARK MASTER PLAN REPORT LANDWISE r! `0 18 24 4 4 •Y � T � 4 c��Nrr IZA T� Prepared for: Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida 1100 Simonton Street Key West, FL 33040 January 191", 2011 Prepared by: WILLIAM P. HORN ARCHITECT, P.A. 915 EATON STREET, KEY WEST, FLORIDA 33040 In Association with: Mitchell Planning & Design HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN 400!� PEREZ ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT, INC TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements Introduction Executive Summary iii-iv Section 1: Project Research and Data Gathering 1-5 la. Background 1 b. Stakeholder Survey 1 c. Community Organizations Survey 1 d. Government Coordination le. Archaeological Investigation 1f. Public Involvement (workshops) Section 2: Higgs Beach Master Plan 2a. Master Plan 6 2b. Plan Components -Road Modifications 7-8 ■ Atlantic Boulevard ■ Atlantic Boulevard & White Street Intersection ■ Atlantic Boulevard & Reynolds Street Intersection 2c. Plan Components -Interior Modifications 9-12 ■ Visitor Nature Center ■ Astro City ■ PAR Fitness Course ■ African Memorial and Graveyard ■ Other Improvements Section 3: Plan Implementation 13-14 3a. Planning Process 3b. Permitting Process 3c. Potential Phasing 3d. Cost Estimates Section 4: Appendices 4a. Photo Inventory 4b. Meeting Minutes 4c. Archaeological Survey 4d. Public Workshop Documents and Notes 4e. Site Plan Iterations ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The consulting team of William P. Horn Architect, PA and our associate consultants would like to acknowledge the dedicated efforts of the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, especially the honorable Heather Carruthers, County Commissioner and Carol Schreck, Aide to Commissioner Carruthers. Additionally, organized community efforts are also acknowledged including the Friends of Higgs Beach Committee, the Higgs Beach Preservation Association, the Key West African Cemetery, the Key West Garden Club, and the numerous citizens who gave of their time to attend multiple workshops and provide their constructive input and voice support for the Master Planning effort. INTRODUCTION Since the early days of Key West, the site we know as Clarence S Higgs Memorial Beach Park (aka Higgs Beach) has a past rich with historically significant events. Within the boundaries of the park, there are numerous cultural and recreational activities used by both residents and tourists. The sandy shoreline has withstood all that human nature and Mother Nature can deliver — from hurricanes to the notorious wreckers. Prior to the Civil War the beach was one of the early cemeteries on the island, not only for residents but also for African refugees rescued in the 1860's from slave ships bound for Cuban sugar plantations. Although storms removed many of the early gravesites, the location of the African refugee graves have been located as discussed later in this report. This section of coastline has protected the island community during wars that threatened not only Key West but also the entire Country. From the West Martello Fort, constructed in 1863 as the War Between the States loomed, to the barracks, gun turrets and radio tower built in the 1900's in response to the threat of World Wars. Henry Flagler's Railroad terminated near here and it is reported the rails from that infamous train track were used in the construction of the Reynolds Street pier in the 1940's. The original beach was much smaller and centered around the end of Reynolds Street. At the close of World War II, the military barracks were no longer needed and negotiations began with Monroe County to surplus this land. In 1948 Monroe County accepted the beach and began to enhance the park. Early improvements included construction of bathrooms, expansion of the sand beach and maintenance on the Reynolds Street pier. The citizens of Monroe County and Key West have maintained a keen interest in this beach. It has acquired the moniker of the "locals beach". Time and again the residents of Key West and Monroe County have provided input, energy, time and money to improve the beach park. It is this heritage the Design Team has endeavored to protect and enhance during this Master Planning process. Over the past eight months, the Team has met with many interested persons including residents, adjacent neighbors, business owners, as well as City and County staff. We have guided an information sharing process with as many stakeholders as possible in order to learn and listen to their desires and concerns. Information and work that was done prior to this contract was reviewed and acknowledged. The Team recognizes this special beach park is a unique respite for the residents and visitors of Key West. The improvements contemplated by the Master Plan are a response to all that was expressed and seeks to enhance the experience for all park users. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In March 2010, a contract was awarded to William P. Horn Architect PA for the development of a Master Plan for The Clarence S Higgs Beach Memorial Park. Mr. Horn assembled a Design Team of professionals with extensive local experience and knowledge to assist him in preparing the Master Plan. In the ensuing months, the Design Team, led by Mr. Horn, hosted and/or attended over thirty meetings throughout the Key West community. This information gathering process provided a wealth of data. The Team used this data to understand the relevant issues, assess the needs and incorporate the desires of the community as the Master Plan was developed. Six Master Plan Options were developed during the course of this phase of the contract. The first two, Options A and B, were presented for discussion at the first Public Workshop held in June. This workshop began with a discussion of the existing conditions at the park as shown on the current survey. Option A proposed maintaining Atlantic Blvd in the same location, relocating the parking facilities and proposed conceptual spaces for recreational activities. Option B shifted the road to the north, significantly increasing the beach area as well as reorganizing the parking facilities. As in Option A, similar conceptual spaces for park activities were shown. Upon conclusion of the design charrette, the workshop participants identified favorable concepts from A & B and directed the Design Team develop a combined scheme. During the following month, the Design Team developed Option C and presented this plan, as well as Options A & B, as part of a progress update to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners on July 21, 2010. Option C further defined the design concepts and ideas enumerated during the first public workshop. A central core for the park began to emerge. This core included an Art Park, Nature Center, parking and loading zones. A traffic circle was proposed for the intersection of White Street and Atlantic Blvd. The entrance to the park at Reynolds Street was studied and changes to calm traffic were included. The BOCC was informed of the activities to date and directed the Design Team to continue development of the plans and concepts. The second public workshop was held on August 12, 2010. At this meeting Option C and C Alternate were presented to the group. The concepts were similar but different parking schemes were indicated on the plans. Again, with each plan, concepts and ideas began to solidify and mature. The consensus of the participants was to continue with Option C. In the early fall, funding was made available for a Ground Penetrating Radar Survey of the middle and eastern sections of Higgs Beach. The City of Key West required the survey be conducted as part of the development approval process due to the anticipated location of archeological resources associated with the HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN African Memorial. The survey was conducted in mid November and did locate additional human remains. Given the historical data available, these remains are more than likely those of the African refugees rescued from slave trading ships in 1860. This discovery impacted the Master Plan as development was proposed in the area of the discovered graves and resulted in the development of Option D. Option D modified the location of Atlantic Blvd in order to leave the graves undisturbed, shifted the White Street traffic circle to the north, relocated the small dog park and required modifications to the parking program. This plan was presented at the third and final public workshop on December 2, 2010. During the final workshop, the majority of the participants understood the reason for the changes to the Master Plan. However, several adjacent property owners disagreed with many of the proposed concepts. Unfortunately a number of these participants were attending for the first time. In the following weeks, the Design Team was directed to meet with these neighbors in an attempt to reach a compromise. Proposed Site Plan - Option E was developed. The major changes include removal of the traffic circle on White Street, addition of a landscape median on White Street, relocation of the small Dog Park from the northeastern corner of the park to a site adjacent to the Large Dog Park and relocation of a proposed parking lot from White Street to the interior of the park. In addition, the size of the proposed Nature Center has been reduced and the Pickleball Courts have been relocated to the west end of the tennis courts. Option E was discussed with the adjacent neighbors in late December and early January. The constituents requested further modification to the Master Plan. The resulting Site Plan — Option F is presented in this report as the compromised plan. The changes from Option E to Option F include a reduced footprint for the Visitor Nature Center from 1500 square feet to 1080 square feet. Additionally, the shade structure and bathroom proposed for the children's playground have been deleted. A compact disc is included with this report that provides drawings of all Site Plan Options developed as part of this Master Planning process. SECTION 1: PROJECT RESEARCH AND DATA GATHERING `I A. BACKGROUND In 1948, Monroe County accepted Higgs Beach. Over the years, the County has implemented improvements to the park. Currently, in addition to the sandy beach, the park contains tennis courts, West Martello Tower which is home to the Key West Garden Club, Salute Restaurant, Astro City, one bathroom building, concrete benches and cabanas, large and small dog parks, the Whistling Duck Pond, volleyball and handball courts, Reynolds Street Pier, the African Memorial and of course the swimming and snorkeling area adjacent to the beach. Within the boundaries of the park a fenced area with FAA tower and small concrete equipment building are located. The passage of time and the subtropical environment have taken their toll on most of the current park amenities. Since 1999, a joint effort with the County, concerned residents and the Friends of Higgs Beach initiated discussions on the need for park improvements. Issues recognized included addressing security items, the impact of the homeless population, signage, parking, safe ingress and egress, trash and human waste impacts, increased vehicular traffic and site lighting. A Master Plan was commissioned and prepared in 2001. The overall plan was not funded for design and development although some of the recommendations were implemented. In 2009, Commissioner Heather Carruthers's office facilitated the gathering of public input for Higgs Beach. Numerous public meetings were held and an Advisory Committee was established where both short and long term goals were identified. The minutes of these meetings are included in the Appendices attached to this report. Review of these minutes indicate that many of the issues such as safety, traffic flow, impact of the homeless population, etc were still of concern. In addition, a "Wish List" of improvements was developed and ranked. The Advisory Committee recommended that although some short-term improvements could be addressed, it would behoove the County to develop a new Master Plan that considered the most recent public input as well as current conditions. A two-phase contract was awarded to William P Horn, Architect PA to develop this Master Plan in March 2010. For the first phase, development of the Master Plan, Mr. Horn assembled a team of professionals including Barbara Mitchell, Mitchell Planning and Design Inc., Ladd Roberts RLA, Landwise Design Inc and Allen Perez PE of Perez Engineering and Development Inc. This team has prepared the plan and this report for your review. HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN 1 B. STAKEHOLDER SURVEY The first action taken by the Design Team was to meet with the Friends of Higgs Beach Board. This meeting was held on April 7, 2010. Mr. Horn was in attendance for the team. Minutes from this and subsequent meetings are included in the Appendices in chronological order. The following list had been prepared as a result of the work completed by the Advisory Committee during the previous year. It was provided to the Design Team as a starting point for the public input process. This list prioritized the improvements and amenities currently desired. PRELIMINARY WISH LIST FOR HIGGS BEACH HIGGS A WISH DESCRIPTION IMTT 1 OUTFALL FILTERS WATER QUALITY 33 2 STORM WATER DRAINAGE WATER QUALITY 33 3 RECYCLING & TRASH 30 4 BIKE RACKS 7 30 5 IMPROVED SIDEWALKS ADA ATHLETIC TRAIL ROLLER BLARING ETC. 29 6 REPLACE LIGHTING ECO NEIGHBOR FRIENDLY LIGHTING 29 7 DRINKING FOUNTAINS THROUGHOUT PARK 28 8 FAMILY BATHROOM NORTH SIDE OF PARK 27 9 OPEN SPACE 27 10 EXTEND SWIM PIER 27 11 PAVILIONS TIKI HUTS FIX PAINT ADD UMBRELLA TABLES 26 12 SNORKELING 26 13 FIRST AID STATIONS 25 141 EVENTS MONTHLY CONCERTS SOUND SYSTMEN ENTS 25 15 COMMUNICATION SIGNS FLYERS BROCHURES WEBSITE 24 16 IMPROVED MARINE PARK INC. NET AROUND SWIMMING AREA 24 17 FITNESS TRAIL RUNNING TRACK 24 18 CONCESSIONS ATHLETIC REC SHOP TENNIS HOTDOGS BIKES 23 19 PLAYGROLND REPLACE 23 20 PEST CONTROL 22 21 LOCKERS 22 22 KAYAKING 22 23 SHOWER ROOMS 22 24 OLLEY STOPi BLS 22 1251 SWIMMING TRACK MARKERS ITWO SHALLOW INSIDE OF BARRICADE PIER 21 26 AFRICAN CEMENTERY MEMORIAL FINISH 2-3 MORE PHASES? 20 27 TENNIS COURTS 5 CURRENTLY 20 28 VOLLEYBALL COURTS ADDITIONAL COURTS S LIGHTING 19 29 DOG PARK EQUIPMENT 19 30 YOGA MEDITATION 19 31 KID CONCERTS 19 321 COMMUNITY GARDEN VEGETABLE AND FLOWER 18 331 BASKETBALL COURT 18 341 KITE BOARDING 17 351 COVERED TTKI HUT YOGA MEDITATION 16 361 PICKLE BALL GROUP USE THE EASTSIDE OF TENNIS W APE 16 37 SHUFFLEBOARD ONE CURRENTLY AND IN BAD SHAPE 15 38 HORSESHOES ONE CURRENTLY AND IN BAD SHAPE 15 39 HANDBALL 2 CURRENTLY 14 40 ULTIMATE FRISBEE GOLF 14 ARTWORK ADDED DURING OTHER SESSIONS IMPROVED FENCING ADDED DURING OTHER SESSIONS SEAWALL REPLACEMENT ADDED DURING OTHER SESSIONS NOTE: SECURITY WAS NOT ON LIST 1 C. COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS SURVEY Prior to the first public meeting, Mr. Horn conducted several meetings with individual stakeholders and community organizations. The minutes of these meetings are included in the Appendices. The surrounding residential community is very involved and interested in the plans for Higgs Beach. On April 14, 2010 a neighborhood meeting was held to inform the Design Team of the concerns of the neighborhood. During this meeting the public input process and schedule were outlined. The possible removal of the FAA tower was discussed. People in attendance introduced themselves and discussed their thoughts for the park. The following day, Mr. Horn met with Mr. Richard Hatch, who currently leases and operates the Salute Restaurant from Monroe County. The restaurant is an important feature in the park. It is located adjacent to the beach, at grade, and is HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN a non -conforming use and structure according to the Key West Land Development Regulations. Mr. Hatch outlined his concerns, discussed the existing conditions of the building and suggested numerous improvements. The Casa Marina is located adjacent to the park and on May 12, 2010 Mr. Horn met with Mr. Kevin Speidel, the General Manager of the resort. Primary concerns for the Casa Marina included parking on Reynolds Street, the overall appearance of the park and the resort supported improvements to the road. On May 21, 2010, Mr. Horn met with Mr. Cory Malcom, archaeologist for the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum and Mr. Gene Tinnie an artist instrumental in developing the African Memorial located adjacent to the West Martello Garden. The importance of this archeological site was discussed. In December 2010, several meetings were held with the Higgs Beach Preservation Association. This group formed in response to the third and final public meeting held on December 2, 2010. The group, composed primarily of adjacent neighbors expressed concern about several components of the Master Plan presented at the December 2, 2010 public meeting. 1 D. GOVERNMENT COORDINATION The Design Team recognizes that, although this is a County Park, the City of Key West will play an important role in the ultimate development and permitting of the park renovations. The initial meeting with City staff occurred on April 28, 2010. During this meeting the City expressed concerns with the safety of parking and traffic flow - particularly as it relates to the intersection of White Street with Atlantic Blvd. A traffic circle was suggested as a possible solution for this intersection. Other areas of concern included the location of the African graves, the alignment of Atlantic Blvd as it relates to the West Martello Garden, entry areas of the park, landscaping and buffers along the property line, and the upgrade/location of the current playground. City Staff requested the Design Team attend an informal meeting with the Development Review Committee (DRC) early in the process to keep them informed. Coordination has been ongoing with Mayor Carruthers office, the majority of the meetings held have been attended by either Mayor Carruthers and/or her staff assistant Carol Schreck. The Design Team has coordinated with the Overseas Heritage Trail and Scenic Highway group. Formal meeting were not held but input was gathered by review of the Overseas Heritage Trail Master Plan as well as discussions with the County, City and State bicycle planners. Higgs Beach is one of the termination points of the Overseas Heritage Trail Bicycle Path. HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN On July 21, 2010 an update was provided to the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). The Power Point presented is included in the Appendices. On August 26, 2010 the Design Team presented the Conceptual Plans prepared to date at the Key West DRC. Official minutes from the City are not available. Generally the project was well received, several City Departments commented on the permit process and information that would be required; such as, an Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) for storm water system modifications, the HARC planner discussed the need for ground penetrating radar to locate the African grave sites, Bicycle Planner commented on White Street pedestrian access and signage requirements, and the Utility Companies provided information on existing service, City Planning discussed the possibility of City and County shared maintenance and recycling activities, legal non -conformity status of the restaurant, variance for landscape buffer requirements (in light of safety issues), and potential road relocation issues. On October 13, 2010, a meeting was held with the Tourist Development Council, DAC 1, to present the Master Plan, Option C, and to inform the group of the progress to date. 'I E. ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION Several years ago, a ground penetrating radar survey was conducted and identified nine gravesites located to the east of the West Martello Fort. At that time it was recognized that additional graves more than likely "��-=--•-- existed; however, funding was not available to continue the survey. From November 11 - 14, 2010, Dr. Laurence Conyers, University of Denver, with the assistance of Corey Malcom, Director of Archaeology Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society conducted a ground penetrating -o radar survey of the park area's most likely "hot spots". Gravesites were identified as shown in the adjacent sketch with the red dots. It is likely that additional graves exist beneath the Atlantic Blvd although the radar technique used cannot penetrate paving surfaces. The Conceptual Master Plan developed to date was revised in order to accommodate an undisturbed area for the graves. The location of these graves is a significant archaeological discovery, one of the only HIGGS BEACH PARK - MASTER PLAN known cemeteries of African refugees in the United States and presents an opportunity for preservation of this historic discovery. 'I F. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT (WORKSHOPS) As specified by the Master Plan contract, three public workshops were held to obtain public input for the Master Plan. The workshops were held at the Harvey Government Center in Key West and were advertised in accordance with public notice procedures. The Power Point presentations presented at the meetings were cumulative. In an effort to reduce redundancy, the first and last Power Point presentations and all sign in sheets are included in the Appendices. The first meeting was held on June 22, 2010. There were 40 people in attendance. Based upon the information accumulated to date, the Design Team had developed Option A & B for discussion. The attendees were divided into four groups to brainstorm and modify the proposed plans. Comments from each group were then discussed. The consensus of the workshop was to direct the Design Team to develop an Option C including components of A & B. On August 12, 2010, over 60 people attended the second public meeting. At this meeting in addition to reviewing the two previous plans, Option C and C Alternate were presented. The plans were discussed and the direction expressed to the Design Team was to continue further development of Option C. The third and final public workshop was held on December 2, 2010. The meeting was well attended with over 45 participants. During this meeting, the findings of the ground penetrating radar survey and the impact of the location of additional African gravesites on the developing Master Plan was discussed. Option D was presented, and reflected changes implemented due to the radar survey. Many of the participants at the meeting had been in attendance throughout the entire process understood and agreed with the modifications as presented. A small group of adjacent property owners attended, some of whom attended for the first time, vocally opposed the plan. The discussion of the project was extensive. In response to requests by the adjacent property owners three meetings were held to address their concerns. On December 14, 2010 a meeting was held at Mayor Carruthers office to explain the rationale for the Option D. On December 16, 2010 a meeting was held with Mayor Carruthers and Key West Mayor Cates to discuss the neighbors concerns expressed during the December workshop. Furthermore, at the request of Mayor Carruthers an additional meeting was held on December 22, 2010 to discuss Option E. Further changes were requested and the final Master Plan, Option F reflects changes made to accommodate and respond to the neighbor's concerns as much as possible. Minutes of these meetings are included in the Appendices. HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN SECTION 22: HIGGS BEACH MASTER PLAN 2A. MASTER PLAN The Master Plan, Option F, presented in this Master Plan Report is the culmination of public, private and government input garnered through multiple workshops and data collection conducted by the Design Team during the past eight months. In this section of the report, Option F is presented and specific components of the plan are discussed. (Option F illustrated below) 0 I TENTI OPEN GREEN `\/}\ VISITOR NATURE C\ CENTER \ DOG PARK \l _ OPEN E \ •er �p\ • _ I. J.' _• \ _ SPACE — \ � I EST MART OWER K U GAR EN C UB) During the master planning process, it became evident to the Design Team that maintaining or enlarging open space; addressing safety concerns; improving pedestrian and vehicular circulation, access and parking; responding to various user group needs for improved facilities; accommodating the Overseas Heritage Trail; preserving the existing historical resources; and preserving and enhancing the existing tree canopy were the primary goals expressed by the constituents participating in this process. The following discusses how these goals are addressed. HIGGS BEACH PARK - MASTER PLAN 2B. PLAN COMPONENTS -- ROAD MODIFICATIONS ATLANTIC BOULEVARD Atlantic Boulevard is the lifeblood of the park and provides the primary access for many residents and visitors. During the design process, the safety concerns expressed included the proximity of the road to the West Martello Gardens, pedestrian and bicycle conflicts, loading zones for the restaurant and Gardens, the relationship of the current parking areas to the travel lanes of the road, intersections of the road with Reynolds Street and White Street. The proposed design, keeps the road alignment in the same location adjacent to the tennis courts. However, beyond the tennis courts, the road has been shifted to north and a gentle curve to facilitate traffic calming has been designed. Relocating the road has provided the additional area needed to enlarge the beach, provide room for the new playground and to preserve the recently discovered additional graves of African refugees. The parking areas have been redesigned to include crosswalks and reduce conflict points with pedestrians. The proposed design of the road has also been widened to accommodate bicycle lanes on both sides. TENTI / G ( ONO OPEN j GREEN i - '&�� "/� \ - VISITOR NATURE SPACE \\ \�f / CENTER O i I dC A 0 �wEsrMARTELE -rowER y J _ (NGAR EN C B� EXISTING ROAD \ ALIGNMENT HIGGS BEACH PARK - MASTER PLAN 7 ATLANTIC BLVD & WHITE STREET INTERSECTION The intersection with White Street has been changed as a result of the northern shift of Atlantic Blvd. Early in the design process, preliminary research indicated there was a need to review this location. There is no doubt that White Street and Atlantic Blvd is a very busy intersection. The potential for accidents exists due to the sheer number of automobiles, scooters, trolleys, pedestrians and bicyclists that traverse this area on a daily basis. Initial designs explored the concept of a traffic circle or "round -a -bout". The current plan provides the ambiance of a traffic circle; but retains the existing traffic pattern. It will create a sense of place for the end of White Street as well as an entrance to the park. Furthermore, it enlarges and provides an opportunity to enhance the entrance to White Street Pier and the AIDS Memorial. The median on White Street has been proposed to indicate entrance into the Casa Marina residential neighborhood. The proposed design will require the modification of the existing parking at Indigenous Park. Officials for the City of Key West have been briefed on this design proposal and its potential impact and improvement to the area. ATLANTIC BLVD & REYNOLDS STREET INTERSECTION NP 0� CO CP \ PS BALL COURT S COURTS IMPROVED a VEHICULAR CIRCULATION HIGGS BEACH PARK - MASTER PLAN The Reynolds Street entrance to the park has been modified to improve circulation and enhance this access point to the park. The parking adjacent to the tennis courts has been removed, and two Pickleball Courts are proposed. Parking for these activities has been relocated to the east end of the tennis courts. The widened roadway allows for the radius of the curve to be increased, a landscape median added, room for the bicycle lanes and a canoe/kayak drop off area. 2C. PLAN COMPONENTS -- INTERIOR MODIFICATIONS 3� The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail and the Florida Keys Scenic Highway Master Plan are two concurrent and complementary planning processes sponsored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Department of Transportation respectively. Among the missions for these projects is to provide a conduit for sustainable tourism journeys into the non- traditional world of heritage and ecotourism. Both of these plans recognize Higgs Beach as an important asset and suggest a rest area or other structures to accommodate users of these trails. The Design Team studied the plans and proposes a Visitor Nature Center and other amenities in order to resonate with the spirit and mission of these significant opportunities. VISITOR NATURE CENTER The core feature of the park is the proposed Nature Center. This central feature acts as an axis for park activities. The Center will help to create a synergy with Salute Restaurant and the relocated Astro City. The building will include a restroom for users on the north side of the park. It MAINTENANCE provides a central location for I `° TENTI / e OND 5� parking and loading of pedestrians. An Art Park is ' suggested adjacent to the central parking area. To the east of the e building is open green space VISITOR NATURE PAR intended for passive and active 1TNESS '.� CENTER 15DO TO 1800 S.F', recreational activities. The dotted INTERIOR SPACE line indicates the existing FAA IN �— Tower boundaries. The fitness course and Whistling Duck Pond nature area are located to the — _ north. Landscaping will buffer these passive activities from the ART PARK a � adjacent residential neighborhood. Although the ultimate program for ' I the building has not been finalized, one proposed use is to provide - ecological and environmental (I PLAQ °-o — information for residents and visitors alike. / / °_- TER - FEATURE m HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN ASTRO CITY During the public workshops, the Design Team listened to many participants discuss the status of the existing children's playground. The primary concern was for the safety of the children, the relationship of the road and parking to the playground, the lack of shade within the play area, the absence of restrooms, and the lack of a o PLARf3L1�1F7_ access to the o 13 o 00 beach. Alternate TER locations with FEATURE respect to the road were presented for discussion. It 4_ was generally agreed that locating the playground on the south side of the road was preferable. Option E included a pavilion located within the playground to provide restrooms and shade opportunities for users. This would have separated the children's restroom from restrooms used by the general public. Many workshop participants voiced the separation of restrooms being of significant importance. However, Option F, shown above, deleted this pavilion in response to concerns by the adjacent property owners. A Wet Play Area comprised of ground fountains (water emitters) are shown on the proposed plan. The area will be secured with ornamental fencing for the safety and security of the children. PAR FITNESS COURSE Located on the northern boundary of the park is a � Par Fitness Course. The course is comprised of solitary stations located at intervals along a path. \ ` ; The core concepts of par fitness courses are for the � equipment to blend into the outdoor environment p� and to keep it simple. Par course exercise equipment includes strength training, plyometric FITNESS and stretching stations. The course has been COURSE located intentionally away from the beach area in order to encourage use by all shapes and sizes of LIL people. HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN AFRICAN MEMORIAL AND GRAVEYARD As discussed earlier in this report, a ground penetrating radar survey was conducted in November 2010. This survey revealed a significant number of graves located as shown in Section 1 of this document. The boundaries of the survey conducted extended beyond the location of the found graves. Upon completion of the survey, the Master Plan was revised to relocate the Small and Large Dog Parks, shift the road and relocate proposed parking in order to remove all development from the grave area. It is expected that additional graves are located beneath the existing road (shown by the dashed lines in the above picture). Once the road has been removed, these too shall be preserved. The history of the African refugees and the West Martello Fort are linked together. The opportunity to preserve and enhance these two parts of island history adds another gem to the features of Higgs Beach Park. An additional benefit is the further protection of the West Martello Fort due to the relocation of the road away from the Fort. During the public workshops, members of the Key West Garden Club provided insight into their use of the Fort and their impact during special events held at the Fort. Primarily, their concern was for adequate parking and the ability for loading and unloading supplies needed for special events such as the annual Garden show and catered events that occur at the Fort. Although the discovery of the graveyard precluded the location of parking adjacent to the Fort, the pathways planned are of a sufficient width to accommodate delivery vehicles when needed for special occasions. HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN OTHER IMPROVEMENTS The Master Plan developed proposes to significantly expand the sandy beach area on both sides of the Fort. This will provide room for expansion of the current Volleyball Courts. The Salute Restaurant has remained the same, as required by the City of Key West Land Development Regulations, but access and parking for the restaurant have been expanded and a loading zone and recycle area have been proposed. Overall, the parking quantity provided by the new design is consistent with the current parking count. The proposed parking has been designed and is compliant with Key West City Code. The band stands (aka gun turrets) and the existing restrooms remain intact. The existing Australian Pines are shown on the plan and, at this time are scheduled to remain. By shifting the road to the north, the safety of pedestrian circulation has been increased. There is less of an opportunity for conflict between people and vehicles. While some of the current beach sidewalks will remain the same; others are proposed for widening to accommodate all users groups. Additional upland improvements include investigation of the Whistling Duck Pond to improve its viability as a fresh water pond, possibly integrate it with the overall Storm Water Plan and reduce the mosquito infestation. The Master Plan anticipates the removal of the FAA Tower. The area occupied by the Tower is intended for green space and open recreation fields. The major improvements proposed for the park are not located within the Tower area and therefore, an extended timeframe for removal of the Tower should not impact the implementation of other park elements. HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN SECTION 3: PLAN IMPLEMENTATION 3A. PLANNING PROCESS The first step in implementation of the Master Plan for Higgs Beach will be to acquire development approval through the City of Key West Planning Department and City Commission. Applications for Conditional Use Approval will be required. These applications will include conceptual Site, Building (Floor and Elevations), Storm Water, and Landscape Plans. A traffic study will more than likely be needed to review the impact of the proposed changes to White Street. It is anticipated that due to funding constraints the time needed for development will exceed that authorized by a City Development Order. Therefore, a Development Agreement or Inter -local Agreement between Monroe County and the City of Key West will be required. The City staff, the Development Review Committee, the Tree Commission and the Planning Board, will review the Conditional Use application. Any variances will require approval by the Board of Adjustment. The Development Agreement will be reviewed in the same fashion, with final approval by the City Commission. 3B. PERMITTING PROCESS Upon receipt of development approval outlined above, the permitting process begins. Development of construction drawings will be required. An Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) granted by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) will be needed. 3C. POTENTIAL PHASING The potential phasing plan cannot be determined as this time. The Monroe County Board of Commissioners will need to prioritize the improvements suggested by the Master Plan. It is expected that FDOT funds for improvements/relocation of the road will be funded in the FY 2014/15 budget. 3D. COST ESTIMATE Please see the following spreadsheet. HIGGS BEACH PARK — MASTER PLAN MONROE COUNTY HIGGS BEACH PARK CONCEPTUAL MASTER PLAN PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COST Estimates based on take -offs derived from Site Plan'E' -Revised 1/19/2011 January 19th 2011 ELEMENTS OF DEVELOPMENT UNITS OTY UNIT TOTAL PHASE I PHASE II Components of Construction COST I COST COST COST N/A N/A GENERAL COST 1 Mobilization LS 1 25,000 $ 25,000 2 Clearing and Grubbing LS 1 25,000 $ 25,000 3 Maintenance of Traffic LS 1 5,000 $ 5,000 DEMOLITION & SITE PREPARATION 4 Asphaltic Area (existing road, parking, etc..including sub -base) BY 11,232 5 $ 56,160 5 Asphaltic Area (existing bike paths) SY 847 4 $ 3,388 6 Concrete Area (existing sidwalks, courts, etc... assuming 4" thickness) SY 1,166 4 $ 4,664 7 Misc. Drainage Structures, Signs, Pipes, Etc... LS 1 18,000 $ 18,000 8 Concrete Structures (assumed rod reinforment i.e.-existing picnic structures) LS 1 10,000 $ 10,000 9 F.A.A. Antenna/Associated Structures (verify with appropriate agencies) n/a $ - 10 Dog Park Equipement Removal/Storage LS 1 5,000 $ 5,000 11 Astro Park Demolition LS 1 5,000 $ 5,000 12 Sediment Barriers / Silt Fence LS 1 2,500 $ 2,500 HORIZONTAL ELEMENTS 13 Roadway SY 6,683 85 $ 568,055 14 Parking Area SY 6,115 80 $ 489,200 15 Sidewalk SF 62,785 8 $ 502,280 16 New Beach Area - Sand SY 3,053 30 $ 91,590 17 Whistling Duck Pond Improvements LS 1 100,000 $ 100,000 18 Site Drainage System (actual estimate pending final drainage design) LS 1 350,000 $ 350,000 19 Site Utilities (actual estimate pending final utility design) LS 1 250,000 $ 250,000 VERTICAL ELEMENTS 20 Nature Center Bldg LS 1 1,200,000 $ 1,200,000 21 Maintenance Bldg LS 1 300,000 $ 300,000 22 Playground Restroom / Shade Structure LS 1 0 $ - 23 Park Pavilions LS 2 15,000 $ 30,000 AMENITIES 24 PAR Fitness Course LS 1 50,000 $ 50,000 25 New Playground (dry equipment and installation) LS 1 100,000 $ 100,000 26 Playground Base and Surface Material w/Filter Fabric SF 15,000 3.00 $ 45,000 27 New Playground - Wet Play Area LS 1 70,000 $ 70,000 28 Volley Ball Court LS 2 8,000 $ 16,000 29 Pickle Ball Courts LS 2 9,000 $ 18,000 30 Way -Finding / Informative Kiosks LS 1 1,600 $ 1,600 31 Open Green Space (see landscape seed/sod) SY 160,000 0.65 $ 104,000 32 Dog Park Construction (Potentially done by volunteers at no cost) LS 1 20,000 $ 20,000 33 Decorative Fencing (4') (dog park and playground) LF 1,564 60 $ 93,840 34 Decorative Fencing (6) (along white street only) LF 325 80 $ 26,000 35 Interpretive Signage LS 1 10,000 $ 10,000 36 KWAC Memorial Improvements (potentially done by KWAC) n/a $ - 37 Site Furnishings 38 Picnic Tables EA 12 1,200 $ 14,400 39 Bike Racks EA 6 600 $ 3,600 40 Benches EA 12 750 $ 9,000 41 Trash Receptacles EA 16 750 $ 12,000 42 Entry Monuments EA 2 15,000 $ 30,000 LANDSCAPING 43 Tree Protection Barriers LF 1 15,000 $ 15,000 44 Landscaping (materials and installation) SF 1 297,500 $ 297,500 45 Temporary/ Fixed Irrigation LS 1 60,000 $ 60,000 46 Seed/Sod (open green space) LS 210,000 0.65 $ 136,500 Sub -total $ 5,173,277 CONTINGENCY Estimating Contingency @15% $ 775,992 TOTAL PROJECT COST $ 5,949,269 ESTIMATE NOTES: ***Project phasing is contingent upon funding sources yet to be determined and by staff/county priorities, no phasing suggestions are presented at this time. ***Unit pricing values are based on current/relevant contractor pricing. ***Lump sum values are target allowances contingent upon design development and final construction specifications and are subject to change. ***All demolition and removal assumes proper and legal disposal of materials demolished. ***All estimates of cost are based on a conceptual master plan and should be regarded as conceptual in accuracy, contingency applied may be plus/minus. ***FAA Antenna Demolition, KWAC Memorial, Permitting Fees and Design Service Fees not included in estimate of cost. William P. Horn Architect' P.A. HIGGS BEACH PARK - MASTER PLAN 14 HIGGS BEACH PARK -- PHOTO INVENTORY AERIAL IMAGE OF PARK GENERAL PICTURES OF THE PARK HIGGS BEACH PARK - MASTER PLAN GENERAL PICTURES OF THE PARK (CONTINUED) HIGGS BEACH PARK - MASTER PLAN r %4 Tropcal .r �../atersporTs �•� ate"! :,�. r '` �A� "d � i � i M JiL t P 1r yyJJ55 - w Y• F: it �:. r All _ - - "Ld P T�� HIGGS BEACH PARK - MASTER PLAN Ground -penetrating radar mapping in the search for graves Higgs Beach area, Key West, Florida Lawrence B. Conyers, PhD Geophysical Investigations Inc. 2595 S. Saint Paul St. Denver, CO 80210 Prepared for: Carol A. Shreck Aide to Mayor Pro Tem Heather Carruthers Monroe County Commission, District III 530 Whitehead St. Key West, FL 33040 William P. Horn, Architect, PA 915 Eaton Street Key West, F133040 Corey Malcom, Director of Archaeology Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society 200 Greene St. Key West, FL 33040 Introduction Ten grids of ground -penetrating radar (GPR) data were collected in various areas to the north and on Higgs Beach along the south coast of Key West, Florida in November, 2010. The purpose of this study was to search for graves of various ages (Malcolm 2010) that might still exist in this area, in preparation for a re -development of the general area and possible relocation of Atlantic Blvd. The area studied were agreed on jointly by William Horn, Corey Malcolm, Johnny King and myself prior to beginning the surveys, and modified somewhat during the data acquisition as preliminary results were available and we were able to assess what areas needed to be tested further. Corey Malcolm and C. Michael Nalepa were involved in all data collection. A GSSI SIR-3000 GPR system was used for all collection with 400 MHz antennas and a survey wheel for distance calibration. All reflection profiles were collected with a 40 nanosecond time window (equal to about 2 meters depth or 6 feet in the ground). Reflection traces were collected with 30 per meter along transects. Recorded amplitudes were gained automatically at each location were data were collected depending on the materials in the ground. Profiles were spaced 1 meter apart except for Grids 3 and 9 which had 50 cm profile spacing for greater subsurface resolution. ON Figure 1: GPR system used in collection was the GSSI SIR-3000 system, 400 MHz antenna (orange box) and an attached survey wheel for distance calibration. All data were saved to disk and then processed into profiles and horizontal amplitude slice -maps. In Table 1 are the profiles collected within each grid. Table 1: Grid locations and profiles in each Grid Location Reflection profile files 1 Higgs Beach between fort and bandstand 1-51 2 Small grid E. of Higgs Beach north of bike trail 52-84 3 High resolution grid within Grid 2 85-97 4 North of Atlantic Blvd. south of small dog park 98-108 5 Small dog park 109-131 6 Picnic area west of dog parks 132-183 7 Southern edge of big dog park 184-194 8 Western edge of small area in big dog park 195-205 9 Re -do of small dog park in high resolution 206-256 10 North of hand ball courts 257-269 3 The GPR Method Ground -penetrating radar data are acquired by transmitting pulses of radar energy into the ground from a surface antenna, reflecting the energy off buried objects, features, or bedding contacts and then detecting the reflected waves back at the ground surface with a receiving antenna where it is recorded as digital wave forms on a computer in the main system (Conyers 2004). As radar energy moves through various materials, the velocity of the waves changes depending on the physical and chemical properties of the material through which they are traveling (Conyers 2004). When travel times of energy pulses are measured, and their velocity through the ground is known, distance (or depth in the ground) can also be accurately measured (Conyers and Lucius 1996), making GPR a powerful method for many historic and archaeological applications. The greater the contrast in electrical (and to some extent magnetic) properties between two materials at a buried interface, the stronger the reflected signal, and therefore the greater the amplitude of reflected waves (Conyers 2004). In grave mapping, reflections are usually created from the tops of caskets, void spaces that exist in the burial, burial goods and the discontinuities between the natural strata and soils and the homogeneous fill within the burial trenches. Standard GPR antennas propagate radar energy that varies in frequency from about 10 megahertz (MHz) to 1000 MHz. Low frequency antennas (10-120 MHz) generate long wavelength radar energy that can penetrate up to 50 m in certain conditions, but are capable of resolving only very large buried features. In contrast, the maximum depth of penetration of a 900 MHz antenna is about one meter in typical materials, but its generated reflections can resolve features with a maximum dimension of a few centimeters. A trade-off therefore exists between depth of penetration and subsurface resolution. In this project the 400 MHz antennas were used, which produced data of good resolution at depths up to about 2 meters (6 feet) and resolved features as small as about 20 cm in dimension, which was quite good for resolving burials and many other features in the ground. Reflection data were collected in transects spaced either 1 meter or 50 cm apart depending on the resolution necessary. Reflections obtained from within the ground were collected every 3.3 cm apart in these linear transects, within grids. All reflection data were first analyzed in two -dimensions to determine the nature of subsurface reflections, their wavelength, depth of penetration, amount and nature of background interference, and the velocity of radar energy in the ground. These reflection profiles were looked at first, and often buried features were visible in real-time on the radar computer screen during collection (Figure 1). When reflection data from field profiles were especially noisy, they were filtered later before the final products were produced for this report. Noise usually comes in the form of electromagnetic radio interference from radio, TV and cell phone transmissions. The radar antennas used for this project are within the frequency bands of these other transmissions, and therefore filtering was necessary. In all cases the two-dimensional reflection profiles were not sufficient to show the aerial extent and origin of important reflections in the ground. This was especially true when dealing with many graves in a small area, and with other large buried features. Using a method called amplitude slice -mapping, however, the changes in reflections along and in between profiles were compared, gridded, and mapped spatially to produce images of reflection amplitude changes over an area at various depths in the ground (horizontal levels). When this was done, the layout of complex burials II and other materials in the ground became visible (Conyers 2004). In amplitude slice maps colors of the rainbow are placed on the range of amplitudes with red being strong reflections (high amplitudes) and blue little or no reflection. Slices were produced at various depths, depending on the nature of reflections and the types of features to be visualized in each grid. Approximate depths of each slice are shown on each individual map. The amplitude slice maps are analogous to arbitrary horizontal excavation levels in standards archaeological studies. In reflection profiles two-dimensional slices through the ground from the surface (at the top) to depth were produced, which are analogous to looking at features in the wall of a trench. In these images time was placed on the left axis, measured as the two way travel time that radar waves took to travel from the antenna, into the ground, and back to the antenna (measured in nanoseconds). Velocities were calculated for this area and in general each 5 nanoseconds in two-way travel time are equal to approximately 40 cm depth in the ground. There are some variations in velocity across the area of study, but the changes were minor and therefore this velocity -depth correction was used throughout. In the reflection profiles black and white colors are showing very high amplitude reflections and shades of gray are the low amplitude areas. Grid 1: Higgs Beach between fort and bandstand In this grid many complex bedrock features were visible including what might be an old sea wall, inland from the present wall, and cut and fill features from many erosion events from storms. The bedrock can be seen as high reflections (Figure 2) and the beach sand as more horizontally layered lower amplitude reflections. Walls are visible as distinct hyperbolic reflections. 10 U 25 Ell nth Id sea wall bedrock layered beach sand north. 0 15 20 30 D'Stall L (C- ) Figure 2: Reflection profile across the beach showing bedrock and beach sand reflections. No graves were visible in the beach sand, and it is unlikely any still exist after all the erosion from hurricane flooding and placement of sand back on the beach, which Johnny King noted had occurred often. Many of these erosion channels and bedrock ledges and knobs are visible beneath the sand (Figure 3). 5 bedrock ledges 50 •15 40 Um M 40 I old sea wall 35- 30 30 .. 5 - - 25 lJ 20- 15- 1 10 0 5 10 15 20 25 3.0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 -100 CM near -surface bedrock basin 100-1 0 um Figure 3: Amplitude slice maps of the area of Higgs Beach between the fort and the bandstand showing bedrock features and a possible old sea wall. Grid 2: Small grid E. of Higgs Beach north of bike trail This small grid immediately located a number of graves in its eastern portion, which we noticed on the system computer screen during collection. They appear to be intact coffins with void spaces, which are much different than most of the other graves that we located elsewhere in this study. Other interesting objects are also visible in this area behind the fort, which no doubt complicate things (Figure 4). There is also a large artifact scatter located directly next to the fort, which Corey Malcom excavated in the past when the restroom was being constructed. The realization that the material used to make the bike trails is very attenuating to radar was also first discovered during collection of the data in this grid. This problem was encountered in other areas as well. Johnny King was not able to help us with the chemistry of this material, which must be very electrically conductive and destroys much of the radar energy that attempts to pass through it. A more detailed grid of data was produced in this same area (Grid 3), where the details of the burials are much more apparent. G 50-100 cm 100 150 CM1 area of graves 1iA •5 , W r 1 4 i �• r A. . 4 5 10 15 20 ? 5 10!FP15 ] ill sidewaIk artifact scatter trench cjuk through rubble pile pipe in Ereml7 Figure 4: Amplitude slice maps just north of the fort showing the artifact scatter, an area of graves, and a few pipes. The sidewalk destroys all energy that attempts of penetrate it. Grid 3: High resolution grid within Grid 2 The graves discovered during the acquisition of Grid 2 were re -surveyed with profiles spaced 50 cm apart and oriented north -south. Individual caskets were apparent, some of which still have void spaces in them, which are highly reflective (Figure 5). top of casket 5 C IID 5 10 1 -i Dstance (m Figure 5: Reflection profile showing a casket, which likely contains a void space, producing a very high amplitude reflection. Other graves in this grid are more subtle, which are likely less formal burials, or contain caskets that have collapsed and have no void spaces to reflect energy (Figure 6). One large complex feature is also visible in this grid, whose origin is not known (Figures 6 and 7). subtleg��- in trenchIar unknown feature k shallow pipe 40 PCOL Now." - ' Alm re �I qw log dP r _L U ' p M i 0 �. 10 15 1-2 f r Distance ( m Figure 6: Reflection profile showing a subtle grave in a trench, and a large unknown feature, which may be related to activities that occurred at the fort, or the military barracks that were once located in this area. large unknown feature POW is mow mAd �. Imp The - f OP do Awl 10 25 5 10 .17 Distance (rn Figure 7: The same unknown feature visible in Figure 6, which is highly reflective, and contains objects within or under it. The amplitude maps of this grid show the location of the large object, and many graves in the eastern portion of the grid (Figure 8). The graves appear to be oriented north -south, which is interesting and puzzling. My experience in other cemeteries indicate that most Christian burials are east -west oriented. But the African graves discovered to the east of the fort (Conyers and Malcom 2002) were also oriented north -south, which perhaps indicates that there is something different with burial orientations in Key West. �N • graves ,aket 100_1 25 cm 2 a 1 1 1 1 1 1 5-150 cm large u nknawn buried feature —_ Figure 8: Amplitude slice -maps showing the large unknown obj ect and the graves within this high resolution grid. Grid 4: North of Atlantic Blvd. south of small dog park This small grid showed a number of graves that are similar to those found in Grid 3. They appear to be caskets, some of which have intact void spaces (Figure 9). The ground in this grid is full of other objects as well, which make the reflections somewhat cluttered. I suspects the busy nature of these data is related to the proximity to the barracks that used to exist in this general area and a variety of surface trash or other objects that accumulated. ible grave other shallow reflections of unknown origin r v , / fS IP 110 �. �-.MAN 20 5 30 15 20 25 30 Distance (m) I Figure 9: Reflection profile showing a few graves in Grid 4, but many other reflections of unknown origin, probably related to trash that accumulated in proximity to the fort and the historic barracks. The amplitude slice -maps show the location of the graves in this grid, but also many other small reflections, which are likely trash that accumulated in this area related to the barracks, the fort, or road and bike trail building activities (Figure 10). graves 10 _10 am - 5 10 15 20 25 30 5 10 15 20 25 30 5 7-1 100-1 5 cm 125-150 Cirn ()r - _ 0 5 '0 15 20 25 30 Figure 10: Amplitude slice maps of Grid 4 showing some graves and other debris that produces small reflections in the shallowest slices illustrated. Grid 5: Small dog park This grid in the small dog park immediately located a number of graves and what appears to be a "pit" that is filled with objects (Figure 11). So many graves were visible in this grid during collection that it was decided to collect an additional higher resolution grid (Grid 9) to better identify the burial features (Figure 12). 10 edges of pit? Dr t iri ce (m) Figure 11: Reflection profile showing the edges of a pit within Grids 5 and 9 in the small dog park. .'25 t nc (m) Figure 12: Reflection profile showing all the graves in this area, shown as distinct hyperbolic reflections and identified by arrows. This area has deeper bedrock than other areas mapped in the area, which is likely why there is such a concentration of graves, as the digging was much easier. Where bedrock was closer to the surface, no graves are seen (Figure 13), indicating why graves are found in such a high concentration within the small dog park grids. 11 5 10 F- 20 25 bedrock graves '10 Distance (m) Figure 13: Reflection profile showing that when bedrock is near the surface, there were no graves dug, and areas with bedrock much deeper contain many burials. The amplitude slice maps show a general area of graves, but because profiles were spaced only a meter apart, they are not easily identified (Figure 14). The bedrock areas near the surface can be easily identified by the red areas on the maps. 20 10 40-90 CM 5 cluttered materiafs near surface 6 10 15 20 25 R) 35 40 45 so hed rock 5 10 15 20 25 30 as 40 45 so 80-120 cen 120- 140 Cin 12 Figure 14: Amplitude slice -maps of Grid 5 showing the general area of graves in the small dog park, and the bedrock near the surface. Grid 6: Picnic area west of dog parks No graves were found in this large grid, but some other interesting features that help with an understanding this complex area in general. In general bedrock is close to the surface throughout the grid, which has been cut into to lay pipes (Figure 15). Other interesting features are of unknown origin, and could be related to the barracks that were located in this area. deep lards r)iDe that Drllls road an unusual constructed surface 0 5 '10 1 i '1 E 0 0 35 40 0 i n c e (m) Figure 15: Reflection profile showing a deep pipe and a constructed surface of unknown origin, perhaps related to the historic barracks. In much of the grid bedrock is very close to the surface and produces a very distinct reflection, which is sometimes very flat, and other times undulating (Figure 16). pipe along road on bedrock bedrock Ide I 5 10 20 Distance (m) Figure 16: Reflection profile showing a buried pipe and complex bedrock reflections common in Grid 6. 13 In places horizontal reflections are visible filling in what was an undulating ground surface, likely produced from flooding during hurricanes. The sand fill is visible as low amplitude horizontal reflections (Figure 17). historic ground surface that was filled in with sand and ZZ the ground flattened sand filling 0- -rl T- 5 AL 0V 01 1 OOM 20 26 AOL 4. IL JL .3n 35 4 10 15 DI-Aance (m) Figure 17: Reflection profile showing the sand filling that was used to level the area after channeling from flooding during past storms. In places the bedrock is severely channeled, creating an undulating buried bedrock surface (Figure 18). bedrock near the surface channel in bedrock AA� 44W W 0 a IA 15 Fog" 20 L�A 5 10 15 20 Distance (m) Figure 18: Reflection profile showing channeling in the bedrock. The amplitude slice maps are complex, but potentially interesting. In a shallow slice a square feature is visible, which might be the remains of a foundation from the barracks (Figure 19). Other visible features in this grid are related to bedrock ledges and knobs that are now buried by sand to level the present ground surface. 14 5 0 15 10 15 10 i me restin 9 sq care feat+ire= fo un d a ti on? 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 deeper bedrock high areas 10 15 20 25 30 395 40 45 46 40-0 cry 1 0-1 0 cm a deeper bedrock ledge 0 ORN - 7 . -i 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 Figure 19: Amplitude slice maps of Grid 6 showing many bedrock features and one square feature, which is likely a building foundation in the 40-80 cm slice. Grid 7: Southern edge of big dog park Bedrock is very close to the surface in this area and no graves were found. The lack of graves in this area north of the small dog park is likely related to bedrock being located near the 15 surface (Figure 20). One distinct incision is visible, likely a trench for a pipe, which is no longer in the ground. bedrock highs 48-80 cm 8G-1 0 cm b ed rock 1() L� 0 10 1 8-1 60 cm 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 ncPsi o n in bedrock? 10 15 20 26 30 35 40 46 50 e a 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 pipe in the incised area? Figure 20: Amplitude slice maps of Grid 7 showing bedrock features near the surface. Grid 8: Western edge of big dog park A few graves were found in this grid to the west of the small dog park along the north - south fence separating the large and small dog parks. One very unusual buried object was also found in this grid (Figure 21) of unknown origin. unusual buried feature 40 40 q4 40 fol AA @ A4 14 40 a: ._Al~, - V 25 +.I 15 "2H Distance Figure 21: Reflection profile showing a large unusual obj ect found in Grid 8. I 641 In much of this grid bedrock is very close to the surface and only a few graves are found in the easternmost portion of the grid along the fence separating this area from the small dog park (Figure 22). unusual burned Object 70 5 0 0 70 5 5 15 20 25 bedrock 3 graves Figure 22: Amplitude slice maps of Grid 8 showing a few graves along the fence, and an unusual object (Figure 21) in the middle of the grid. Grid 9: Re -do of small dog park in high resolution A high resolution grid of data was collected over the same area as covered in Grid 5, in the small dog park, where the possible pit and associated graves was found (Figure 14). This grid had profiles spaced 50 cm apart, and profiles were oriented north -south instead of the east - west orientation used in Grid 5. Many burials were again found in this grid, but they could be discerned more accurately. In addition an east -west oriented pipe that crosses the burials (and cuts some of these burials) was visible in the deepest slices (Figure 23). The graves in this grid are found everywhere there is not bedrock near the surface. Bedrock close to the surface was no doubt the limiting factor in digging trenches deep enough to bury the dead. Everywhere in this grid, this is the case. Bedrock limits the burial depth to the 17 north, east and west. The limits of burials to the south are not known, as the southern fence of the dog park, the bike trail and Atlantic Boulevard are found in that area and GPR surveying was impossible. It is likely that graves continue under the road in the direction where the African Cemetery is located, where burials were discovered in 2001 using similar GPR methods (Conyers and Malcom 2002). i r R T-E• u 2 J 4 $ L- .`.,a 12 7� ib I's Z7 +a l.� • d. 7F 4CI-Wa Bo- I'M C , 12 1 B0 rtrn 4►6rrK �rS ttr �yp4r ti � �'` 1F10- G� Figure 23: Amplitude slice maps of Grid 9 showing many graves in the white dashed outlined area in the second slice, the "pit" in slice 3, and the pipe crossing the area in the fourth slice. A different look at "the pit" can be seen in many profiles in this grid (Figure 24). The pit is not a trench but instead a broad pit, which contains a number of reflective objects, whose origin is not known. The objects in the pit are jumbled, but little else can be said about them. north many burials south t nc (m) Figure 24: Reflection profile showing the north edge of the pit and burials located to the south. A composite map, which is somewhat busy, but contains much information, is found in Figure 25. This image contains amplitudes from Grid 8 and 9, with crosses marking the most distinct graves. This image does not contain the slice showing the "pit", but does have the individual graves located in more detail. In Figure 25 sixty-seven graves are marked, which were placed on this image based on amplitude signatures in the slice maps and also reflection 18 hyperbolas visible in each of the two-dimensional profiles (eg. Figures 12, 13 and 24). Two pipes also cross this area, which cut some of the graves and likely exhumed bones and other burial remains when the trenches for them were excavated. In addition it appears that some of the graves were incised into preexisting burials, making this area very complex. If some of the burials were not within coffins or informal burials of other sorts they would also be more difficult to image using GPR. So I suspect there are many more burials in this area than the 67 that are marked in Figure 25. pipe Figure 25: Composite amplitude maps of Grids 8 and 9 with crosses indicating the most distinct burials and the two most prominent pipes crossing the area. 19 Grid 10: North of hand ball courts The area north of the handball courts had a good deal of the material used for paving the bike trails remaining on the surface. This mystery material, which attenuates radar energy at the surface, precluded energy penetration deeper than a few inches in the ground (Figure 26). Even with those technical problems it is apparent that bedrock is located very close to the surface in this area, and therefore would not be an area suitable for burials. No burials that are at all similar to those found elsewhere in the other grids were found in this grid, and only reflections from bedrock near the surface (Figure 27). bedrock reflections area of energy attenuation caused by surface materials &MAW _ OWaD _ 0 ',Ike 0 _ 35 40 1 5 20 Distance ( ) Figure 26: Reflection profile showing attenuation caused by paving materials stored on the surface. areas Of Stle ll4i ation of energy due to su dace material 20. - 20 �r qb f 'fie r 10 10 1C AP 4 � i 0 7 4 6 9 12 6 2 4 .5 12 4 4 6 8 '0 12 40-80 Cal 8f}-120 cm 120-1130 cm he+drock rear the surface Figure 27: Amplitude slice maps of Grid 10 showing areas of attenuation and bedrock located very near the surface through the area surveyed. 20 Conclusions Radar energy penetration and reflection was excellent throughout the area surveyed in the Higgs Beach area. Radar penetration was in excess of 2 meters (6 feet) throughout the area using the 400 MHz antennas. Bedrock reflections were the most common feature found in most grids and when bedrock was close to the surface (shallower than 1 meter: 3 feet) appears to have been the limiting factor in burials. The abundance of burials were found in potions of Grid 3, 4,5,8 and 9, which in all cases were in areas where bedrock was deeper than two meters below the ground (6 feet). An outline of the general areas of graves is found in Figure 28, which covers much of the small dog park and adjoining areas, and a small area in a grassy space adjacent to the bike trail west of the fort. While GPR was excellent at mapping many graves in this area, it is likely that subtle graves exist, which did not produce significant reflections. No method exists to produce images of these kinds of subtle graves short of excavations. In addition graves likely exist under the bike trail and Atlantic Boulevard, which were not surveyed. A major undertaking to remove the asphalt and all other surface materials prior to surveying with GPR would be necessary to locate those areas, and it is probably best to work under the assumption that they are there, and be careful with all excavation operations in the area. Grid 8 0 ri f Y 0 Figure 28: Composite base map of all grids with the areas where graves were identified shown in red. 21 References Cited Conyers, Lawrence B., 2004, Ground -penetrating Radar for Archaeology. Altamira Press, Walnut Creek, California\ Conyers, Lawrence B. and Jeffrey Lucius, 1996, Velocity analysis in archaeological ground -penetrating radar studies. Archaeological Prospection, v. 3, pp. 312-333. Conyers, L. and C. Malcom, 2002, Evidence for the African Cemetery at Higgs Beach, Key West, Florida. Mel Fisher Maritime Society, Key West, FL. Malcom, Corey, 2010, Cemeteries at South Beach, Key West, Florida. Mel Fisher Maritime Society, Key West, FL. CLARENCE HIGGS BEACH MASTER PLAN PUBLIC MEETING #1 NAME ADDRESS JUNE 2Z 20 10 PHONE/LIMAIL 00 1 it! 6aL ��.�rct�/ SO 0bSE{'µF/wOrp-�T SAS J lc�ty Aef w . ceM 11 /ar►unCOvi- IIZ►+n��avV w)'I"O1o"07A) CLARENCE HIGGS BEACH MASTER PLAN PUBLIC MEETING #1 NAME do Phil I�� c�•e Ll tco t -le. Y(Ot 0 L`L� K � �. � k r r re- �--- I %WOO dffdlp� —kill". DUNE 22, 20 10 PHONE/EMAIL �- 5b3 A 4 W 71?h c tS l 40 le Coop :t��`�v ��=L.l�' �� ��iS'J�S`^ C,4 �k ,.-) QC C AA It, OP Imo- Lq rL-lW*AXLk o K&t:� &4..rrs+czk w cat-%." Ir ADDRESS ADllITIONALCOMMENTS--PLAN ALTERNATIVES PUBLIC MEETING #1 JUNE 227 2010 COMMEN'T'S W V, CL , %-.i ( k r%�1a� *-- C-404ji c�fouMc� at L" zid� � f 5�r'ee.'�`� !`10r-Ctti- �;d�e.., < .-f-I L�T Lc- �ife" �`e�u-is LLvt al &,,,o s �e�n t VA w 0*4-v tAJu re. s lv (t`{-imod- -� - G`l �GlC .L.v c� �� vet. G Gn,, ..+- �,,,, Q .... 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Z 0 4. -0 x o Fll rrk C) > ag > ql. 91 1. ou p -1k J'A Fek T C%. ell C) 6n IF Co rw X r * > 0 co x m m C, 0 0 < rn > g: om --j z C) > "o x 9: rn ZT > rn z m > C) o< > 00 rri m ;u ;u < 0 m rn -n (;o > K Z 0;0 mom o m rn 0 Z Z > z o C) :0 , , r M M M- _n M V.� to > m > 7D m M 7 z 0 r7;7 X r on C47 Wlffg� Mi M 0 m 0 F z Cl UD om ov MZ 0 Z 0 c 411 o M 31 IN C46 a > r- * Z m > M C) > o m 1� M < m m Z m m D 0 �D m C) z 0 o > n cn m t rn m co r— rn M M f7 7 tz P rn, M z A Higgs Beach Planning Committee or BOD meetings 2009 & 2010 (thru Feb 28, 2010) Minutes February 6, 2009: 10:00 am —11:30 am x February 13, 2009 12 noon —1:30 pm x February 26, 2009 12:30 pm — 2:00 pm x March 21, 2009: 10:00 am —12 noon x April 3, 2009: 9 :30 am — 11:00 am x April 22, 2009 1:30 — 3:00 pm x April 30, 2009 2 :00 pm — 3 :30 pm x June 4, 2009: 10:00 am —11:30 pm x July 9, 2009 3:00 pm — 5:00 pm x August 3, 2009 1:00 pm — 3:00 pm August 21, 2009 x August 25, 2009 Heritage Trail September 17, 2009 water quality 1:00 pm — 3:00 pm x September 18, 2009 10:00 am —12 noon x September 29, 2009 9:00 am — 10:00 am October 15, 2009 10:00 am —12 noon x November 6, 2009 security mtg 9:30 am — 10 :30 am x November 19, 2009 3:00 pm — 5 :00 pm January 25, 2010 1:00 pm — 3:00 pm February 12, 2010 10:30 am —12 noon February 19, 2009 1:00 pm — 2 :00 pm x Higgs Beach Compilation of Public Input February 2009 — March 2009 Attached is the unabridged report of all public input regarding the use and future of Higgs Beach from February 2009-March 2009. The report includes student input (March 4, 2009), Group Constituent Input from a March 21, 2009 Public Input meeting held at Higgs Beach as well as input expressed by individual residents and visitors. Submitted by: Carol Schreck Aide to County Commissioner Heather Carruthers March 30, 2009 #1 WHAT ARE THE POSITIVE ATTRIBUTES OF THIS PARK FEATURE? STUDENTS (3Z410% Climbing things Swings Sand Benches Old Banyan tree to climb (no longer there) CONCESSIONS & LEGAL / EVENTS (3/21/09) Pavilions / bandstands Beautiful Park DOG PARK (3Z21ZO9) The fact it exists Safe for dogs Good social for humans Opportunity to be off leash / humane AFRICAN CEMETERY MEMORIAL / WEST MARTELLO (3/21/09) African Memorial: Recognition of KW community's intervention / rescue of captured Africans during the transatlantic passage Great place for peaceful, reflective meditation SECURITY (3Z21ZO9) No comments NEIGHBORS (3/21/0% The park is free and accessible The green area by the tennis courts should be kept open and green All inclusive It has history PLAYGROUND / KIDS (3/21/09) One user of the park for 2 generations felt that it was adequate as it is, and wasn't sure if a new plan would be right for the nature of the neighborhood As one of only a few playground areas in Key West, the park is already used often by children, parents, and visiting families It has an ongoing history of being a site for birthday parties, play dates, and a conmmunity- meeting place for local families ATHLETICS (3/21/0% Beach volleyball Tennis Courts #2 WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVES? WHAT DOESN'T WORK ABOUT THE PARK? STUDENTS (3Z410% Cleaner benches Get students involved More activities Water fountains Food venders (hot dogs, ice cream, soda) Gazebo Bathrooms improved (or added to AP side of road) Some permanent overhead coverage for shade Make it bigger More connected play areas (looks like playground equipment was just dropped there) Water quality CONCESSIONS &LEGAL (3/21/09) Safety Underutilized DOG PARK (3121109) Dusty Grass doesn't grow Safe parking Bugs (fleas & tics) AFRICAN CEMETERY / WEST MARTELLO (3/21/09 None SECURITY (3Z21ZO9) Lighting Enjoy the beach at sunset Consistency of enforcement by officers Speeding on the street NEIGHBORS (3/21/09) Don't want it to become a homeless haven Don't want to see changes PLAYGROUND / KIDS (3/21/09) -One participant felt that the entire play area is outdated and depressing, when compared to what many other communities offer -Another suggested that the play area could be so much more inventive, interesting, and inspiring for kids —The lack of shade is of serious concern to parents, and it was voiced that the immediate play area would benefit form more trees and well- designed sun shades -Playground has no on -site family restroom facilities -families using the playground often do not want to take their children to use the restrooms located across the street because they are not always clean, lighting is poor, and there are no baby changing/ family areas inside -One participant remembered a mini -train and tracks that ran in a circuit around the park; would something like that work in a new plan? -There are no on -site snacks or beverages, resulting in shorter play time for families FACILITIES (3/21/0% Paint — color scheme / rust inhibitor Crosswalk — new improved crosswalk, clearly delineated Need new bathroom across street with baby changing stations New parking lot design — parking flow is unsafe and "against current code" as well as no delineation of parking lot with roadway (curbing or plantings?) Inventory and condition / ADA of water fountains Redo sea wall to the pier to prevent erosion Bike racks First aid stations ENVIRONMENT (3Z21/09� Water quality (Reroute storm water outflows) Seaweed is a problem ATHLETICS (3/21/0% Not enough volleyball courts Poor lighting — need for evening play (volley ball) Not enough trees for wind blockage for play (volleyball) Pool lighting — need for evening play (tennis) Difficult to replace nets Need to incorporate kids into athletic activities #3 WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THIS AREA KEEPING IN MIND FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS? STUDENTS (3Z410% Rent chairs all day (10am — 5pm) Mobile venders like at Smathers? Kayak rentals Make green area between Astro Park and tennis courts improved & more welcoming Better system of reserving space, including at Astro Park, for parties, etc Boardwalk: Better bike /rollerblading area Trimmed hedges Better trash & recycling Add benches Need more little picnic tables Basketball court Skate park open when kids are not in school (don't close it at 5pm) More native tall trees Better entrance to Indigenous Park Concerts for kids once a month featuring teen garage bands Better water quality — better circulation of water Net around swimming area Clean jelly fish off beach Improve aesthetics at corner of Reynolds & Atlantic (park entrance) No sleeping on benches in the dog park Rent dog park Additional volleyball courts Roller skating rink in the back behind Astro Park with roller skating every Friday night (not necessarily free) CONCESSIONS &LEGAL (3/21/09) Need more bike racks Trolley /train stop City bus stop DOG PARK (3Z21ZO9) Make users aware of website (M=.ke)=estdogpark.or,---,�) Create more awareness of donating opportunities Create database for dog park updates & volunteer opportunities Move bulletin board inside Replace broken chairs Paint pavilions, clean tables, repair benches Better lighting Safer parking (behind dog park in addition to across the street) AFRICAN CEMETERY MEMORIAL / WEST MARTELLO (3/21/09) Future, continuous flow of visitors from this site into the KW Garden Club Mural for wooden fence done by African schoolchildren and KW kids Gust for Kids) SECURITY (3Z21ZO9) Call boxes Public needs to know laws Signage that states expectations / rules / information Improve lighting (turtle nesting concern?) Continuity of law enforcement NEIGHBORS (3/21/0% To improve is to maintain Money from vendors should go back to the beach fund PLAYGROUND / KIDS (3/21/09) -Consider placing other play areas, such as a separate swing or physical activity course, in other areas of the park -Include a water feature or water -play aspect in any new playground design -Find affordable, innovative solution to provide shade from the afternoon sun -If expected to be used at night, ensure adequate lighting for safety and security -Signage, and way -finding, and telling the story of the park could be improved -Communications and literature (booklet, website, signage) could be provided that outlines how families reserve and use the play areas and pavilions for parties, group gatherings, and activities -Several participants spoke about the possibility of using a mural or playground design to help educate children about Key West's environment, history, and sense of place -The recycling ethic in the playground, and all of the park, could be improved with the help of the site's waste management provider -Consider a small food stall or snack shack in any new playground design -Ensure that any new playground design includes a family restroom with baby changing table and room for parent(s) and children New playground design FACILITIES (3Z2110% Paint — color scheme / rust inhibitor Crosswalk — new improved crosswalk, clearly delineated Need new bathroom across street with baby changing stations New parking lot design — parking flow is unsafe and "against current code" as well as no delineation of parking lot with roadway (curbing or plantings?) Inventory and condition / ADA of water fountains Redo sea wall to the pier to prevent erosion Bike racks First aid stations ENVIRONMENT (3Z21/09� Reroute storm water outflows Seaweed is a problem ATHLETICS (3/21/0% Additional volleyball courts for tournaments (revenue opportunity) Lighting for evening volleyball games (turtle nesting concern?) Planting of trees for improved wind blocking Tennis Pro and Pro shop (revenue opportunity) Lighting and quality equipment Bicycle repair / service / rental station (revenue opportunity) New wind -screens Bike, scooter, electric car rental satellite office (revenue opportunity) Kite boarding Ultimate Frisbee / Frisbee golf 5k running track with 1-2 mini exercise stations Weights, resistance training, yoga, cardio, meditation Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking Shuffleboard / handball courts INDIVIDUALS INPUT (gathered by Commissioners and/or Aide) Install speed bumps to reduce speeding Remove derelict boats Improve parking lot (flow and better designation of spaces) Waste Mgmt — improved placement of dumpster at Salute's Restaurant Lighting for racquet ball courts Clothing Optional Beach Marine Park — status? Public Vegetable Garden (behind dog park / adjacent to FAA tower) #4 PRIORITIZE LIST OF NEEDS FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT FOR YOUR GROUP CONCESSIONS &LEGAL (3/21/09) Form oversight group (Friends of Higgs Beach) Will need board of directors DOG PARK (3Z21ZO9) Better parking signs Better lighting Can posts on Atlantic side be removed for parking so don't have to cross street? Create ADA access Amend rules to not allow un-neutered male dogs AFRICAN CEMETERY MEMORIAL (3/21/09) Support for more TDC funding to complete Phase III shrine and sidewalk Support to qualify site as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Site on TDC website about the site Shrubbery — part of design plan SECURITY (3Z21ZO9) ILeep it friendly NEIGHBORS (3/21/0% Maintain and upkeep Need to have a master plan (what does it want to be) Traffic flow is good — don't change it Try not to expand (children's park as example) PLAYGROUND / KIDS (3/21/09) No priority list was drafted as part of our dialogue) FACILITIES & ENVIRONMENT (3Z21ZO9) Improved water quality Improved crosswalk Bathroom on playground side of street (family bathroom) Parking (unsafe traffic flow) Bike racks Reroute s tormwater outflows ATHLETICS (3/21/09) (specific priorities were not presented) Additional volleyball courts Lighting for evening play Tennis / Athletic Pro shop INDIVIDUALS I) NPUT (Gathered by Commissioners and/or Aide) Flags for beach closure /water quality) #5 WHO WILL VOLUNTEER TO HELP CONCESSIONS &LEGAL (3/21/09) Richard Klitenick (legal) Richard Hatch (legal) DOG PARK (3Z21ZO9) Creating database to coordinate volunteers AFRICAN CEMETERY MEMORIAL /WEST MARTELLO (3/21/09) Dennie Beedee (305-296-8885) Neighbors of Higgs Beach Garden Club SECURITY (3Z21ZO9) None NEIGHBORS (3/21/0% Janice Nicowski Cindi Blum Sue Harrison PLAYGROUND / KIDS (3/21/09) -Eric Holowacz has agreed to serve as group leader for the Friends of Higgs Beach Committee -All of the participants in this discussion have agreed to attend and provide further input into these developments Margie DiMonte (305-304-0460) (m8xl Ophotogcomcast.net) Elaine Alea (305-923-4744) (ealeagb ells outh. net) Cheryl Cates (305-587-6726) (cheal(j�keysrealestate.com) ACTIONS -It was suggested that Friends of Higgs Beach approach Ben & Jerry's, and the support their company has provided to community playground developments in other places (and at Key West's Wesley House as well). -It was suggested that our group look into the exceptional playground in Marathon, which was a project of the Rotary Club and has resulted in a wonderful park for kids and families (just off US Highway 1 at 75th Street) FACILITIES /ENVIRONMENT (3Z21ZO9) John Wilkins (City) Dan McMahon John Jurkowski ATHLETICS (3/21/09) None specifically presented Higgs Beach Exploratory Meeting / Minutes Friday, February 06, 2009 I. Introduction (attendee introduction) II. Current impediments a. SECURITY /SAFETY /CRIME (homeless and/or vagrancy situation) (Rick Ramsey / Undersheriff) History: Full time officer eliminated several years ago by BOCC Current: 23 passes /month by officers with differing degrees of active involvement 4 Options for maximizingsecurity ecurity / minimizingcrime rime 1. full time officer ($80k) 2. part time for key hours /rotating officers 3. allocate overtime budget for Higgs Beach coverage —existing officer 4. CSA —non-certified officer with no car /weapon, etc. —radio only (Chief Donie Lee / KW City) Difficult to enforce laws • Officer must witness ordinance violation • Pottinger Case (must provide area to sleep) • Difficult to keep off streets (court system, etc) (Capt Scott Smith / KW City) • Bigger picture —displacing homeless/vagrants is not full solution • Suggestion: 2 officers under Quality of Life title (beaches and parks) for entire city • Existing ordinances for possible arrest - Disorderly conduct - Pan handling - Blocking sidewalk - Indecent exposure - Open container - Beach closed (Pottinger Case) (Sloan Bashinsky /citizen) • Need security guard /police presence 9 am — 11 pm (Patrice Sanders / SHAL) 1. Homeless need alternative site (roof, portolets) 2. Outreach (Hank Dean /citizen) • Incentive (take convenience and incentive to stay, away from vagrants) • Attractive (make less attractive to vagrants) • Stop public from "Dropping Off' of food, clothing, etc. Higgs Beach Exploratory Meeting (2/6/09) Current impediments (continued) b. WATER QUALITY (David Fernandez / KW) • Bird Sanctuary /McCoy Park (state of art facility just occupied) • Dog Park (adjustments made for improvements) • Fresh water (rain) natural breeding ground for bacteria C. SHADE: Need additional shade at Astro City Playground d. UNOFFICIAL DROP OFF POINT for food, clothing for homeless /vagrants e. QUALITY OF BATHROOMS (homeless sleeping in bathrooms /security /belligerence) f. ROAD CONFIGURATION (dangerous for crossing street from Astro park to restrooms) g. SERVICES and full beach concessions h. LIVE A BOARDS (people living in cars, vans, campers, etc.) i. COST (funding for improvements is difficult) III. Vision (brainstorm) • More Trees /Landscaping • Bandstand painted (scheduled to be completed by public works) • Recycling (in works) • World class playground • Showcase of what KW is all about (art, garden, beach, culture, athletics, children, history) • More shade • Better fence (no chain link fencing) • Mini golf /volleyball /tennis courts /basketball court —lit at night • Community venue (picnics, birthday parties, holiday events, grills) • Fitness Trail • Info center (phone, security, reservations, hospitality, etc.) • "Beach Patrol" • World Volleyball tournaments • Swings on both sides of street • Lighting for events, dog park and night time activities • Water feature • Skate Park IV Working Group (Designated group of constituents /shareholders to work on Higgs Beach issues) A. Mission 1. To clarify vision with community input 2. To establish short-term and long-term goals of the Working Group 3. To identify costs and funding sources Higgs Beach Exploratory Meeting (2/6/09) Working Group Constituencies (continued) B. Constituencies: Individuals and/or organizations representing constituent groups (Associated groups to be contacted for representation where no individual has been identified.) Children: School Superintendent /Student Councils Concessions: Richard Hatch (Salute) /Fran Gonzon (beach concession) Dog Park: Connie Christian /Jane Dawkins (co-founders) Law enforce: Sheriff and City police Neighbors: Janice Nicowski /Michael Behmlce Garden Club: Rosi Ware /Roger McVeigh ADA: City /County ADA Artists: Eric Holowacz (Studios of Key West) Public Works: Dent Pierce (county) /Greg Veliz (city) Athletes: Hank Dean /Joan Langly (TBD) Tourism: Attractions Association KW Chamber: Sam Holland Legal: Richard Klitenick /judge HC/c as The following were additions from the Meet & Greet between Commissioners (Carruthers & Johnston, Sloan Bashinsky, Joe McMurray, Fr. 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Q� S k owsw•l � � o`�' i ,f ►'+�`r .✓> � L Q, rr o t r �1 65- CD 115e S'f►Dh rS��--1e"f i'Or �4�GOJ'C. �?e-6--fe• Higgs Beach Working Group Meeting / Minutes Friday, February 13, 2009 Present: Commissioners Heather Carruthers and Teri Johnston, Christie Martin, Scott Smith, Greg Veliz, Patrice Sanders, Mike Behmke, Fran Gonzon, Hank Dean, Dent Pierce, Eric Holowacz, Jane Dawkins, Sue Sullivan, Debra Petersen, Rosi Ware, Richard Hatch, Sloan Bashinsky, Connie Christian, Fr. Steve Braddock, Maggie Gutierrez, Sean Kinney (Press), Lt Gene Thompson, Janice Nicowski I. Agenda approved with following corrections a. Addition of "judge" under III.b. (Identify missing representatives) II. Minutes approved with following corrections a. Homeless as constituency group (Fr. Steve Braddock /Sloan Bashinslcy and Patrice Sanders as representatives for constituency IL Confirmation of key constituencies for Working Group Children: School Superintendent /Student Councils Homeless: Fr Braddock (FKOC) /Patrice Sanders (SHAL) / Sloan Bashinslcy Concessions: Richard Hatch (Salute) /Fran Gonzon (beach concession) Dog Park: Connie Christian /Jane Dawkins (co-founders) Law enforcement: Gene Thompson (MCSO) /Scott Smith (KWPD Neighbors: Janice Nicowski /Michael Behmke Garden Club: Rosi Ware /Roger McVeigh /Sue Sullivan ADA: County ADA Committee Artists: Eric Holowacz (The Studios of Key West) Public Works: Dent Pierce (county) /Greg Veliz (city) Athletics: Hank Dean Tourism: Attractions Association KW Chamber: Sam Holland Legal: Richard Klitenicic /Maggie Gutierrez, P.D. a. Identify missing constituencies Environmental Reef Relief /Audubon Society Casa Marina Mgmt General Manager /Facilities b. Identify missing representatives • School /Students —represented by Christie Martin /students to be identified • ADA —Commissioner Carruthers to speak with John Wilkins (KW City) • Tourism —Commissioner Carruthers to speak with Attractions Association • Judge — It was determined that the legal constituency would be best served by Committee members Richard Klitenick (attny), Maggie Gutierrez (public defender) and law enforcement as presents conflict of interest if hearing a particular case. • Environmental: Commissioner Carruthers to contact Reef Relief /Audubon Society • Interfaith Ministerial Alliance (suggested by Fr. Steve Braddock) represented by Pastor Joe McMurray of MCC church in order to assist with human well being initiatives • Casa Marina Mgmt: Commissioner Carruthers to contact Casa Marina Mgmt III. Potential short-term solutions to immediate impediments to use a. Security & Safety 0 Commissioner Carruthers to request funds for full time sheriff's deputy at Higgs Beach as short term solution until effectiveness can be evaluated and budgetary concerns are addressed for long-term solution • Effectiveness to be determined after 2 months by the following: Direct observation by beach users and concessionaires Law enforcement incident report evaluations • Scott Smith reiterated the need for a global approach and solution for law -breakers, particularly homeless law -breakers. Without a broader solution, the problem will merely shift from one park / area to another. • Commissioners Carruthers and Johnston and Sloan Bashinsky to speak with the homeless at Higgs Beach to hear their needs and communicate Higgs Beach concerns and initiatives • Richard Hatch / Fran Gonzon suggested concessions could lease the pavilions and bandstands, allowing for public's free use and ability, as leasees, to request law -breakers to be removed from the premises. (check viability) RFPs would be necessary if further action was taken Liability issues would need to be resolved • Maggie Gutierrez commented that the court system does not have resources to assist or detain homeless people who were arrested and have mental illness or substance abuse problems b. Community use • Eric Holowacz: Create community awareness and involvement in "taking back the park"by offering non-profit groups week -ends to have fundraising picnic events • Michael Behmke: Speed bumps to slow traffic (see Action Items below) Kid or family friendly restrooms Call boxes to law enforcement for added security Neighbors and community as "Good Neighbor Ambassadors" • Hank Dean: Improved bathrooms (cut out windows with opaque glass for light, air circulation and safety) Web site for community communication "Friends of Higgs Beach" • Christie Martin: The park, benches, etc. need to be safe AND clean • Dent Pierce: Bathrooms cleaned daily (am). The problem is that they are old and need updating RE: fixtures, lighting, air circulation, etc. Dent will research increased cleaning schedule • Sloan Bashinsky Vouchers for reserving use of pavilions. Pavilions can be reserved by calling the county (Action Item) N. Moving Forward a. Team headers - Hank Dean (web site) - Janice Nicowski /Michael Behmke (neighborhood group) V. Next Meeting a. Long Term Goals b. Revise / Update Past reports / committee work C. Funding Sources and initiatives d. Date and time TBD ACTIONS: Funds for sheriff's deputy —short term (Heather Carruthers/Gene Thompson) Constituencies (school, environ't, tourism, Casa, ADA) (Heather Carruthers) Dialogue with homeless (Heather Carruthers /Teri Johnston / Fr. Braddock /Sloan Bashinsky) Ask Harold about use of funds for call boxes (Heather Carruthers/Gene Thompson) Ask Harold about use of funds for "Reserve Pavilion" signs (Heather Carruthers) Updating bathrooms (what, how, etc.) (Dent Pierce) Web site (Hank Dean) Neighborhood Committee (Janice Nicowslci and Michael Behmke) Water faucet (raised by R. Hatch) (Dent Pierce) Scan former Higgs Beach Group report and distribute to group (CAS) Research Audubon Bird Sanctuary (CAS) Speed Bump alternatives (Dent Pierce) Higgs Beach Working Group Meeting /Minutes 2/26/09 Gato Building (12:30 — 2:00 pm) Present: Commissioners Heather Carruthers and Teri Johnston, Christie Martin, Father Steve Braddock, Fran Gonzon, Hank Dean, Janice Nicowski, Maggie Gutierrez, Michael Behmke, Dent Pierce, Rev. Joe McMurray, Richard Hatch, Sam Holland, Sean Kinney, Sloan Bashinsky, Suanne Kitchar, Sue Sullivan, Norma Jean Sawyer, Emil Imbro, Kevin Speidel, Cherre Marchak, John Wilkins, Rodd Shandaroba (Hatman), Chad Vlassis, Connie Christian, Wendy Coles, Jerry Halterman, Harold Packer, Kevin Tobin, Kathleen Ream, Carol Schreck (Aide to Commissioner Carruthers) I. Agenda approved II. 2/13/09 minutes corrected to include Lt. Gene Thompson and Janice Nicowski as being present III. Introduction and confirmation / update of represented constituencies IV. Short Term solutions — status a. Sheriff's Deputy (suggested, flexible schedule) • Kathy Reams (KW Police): 1501 calls to Higgs Beach 2008 = 488 primary officer hours for Higgs Beach 2008 225 calls so far for 2009 = 105 primary officer hours for Higgs Beach 2009 • 6 month trial period with 8 hrs/day 7 days/week March/April • Reduced to 5 days /week May and June • 8 hours on weekends summer • $40k towards sheriff's deputy and bathroom improvements • Early morning coverage • Mid afternoon to evening coverage • Flexibility for sunset, daylight savings, weekends, and what is learned from trial period. b. Community Patrolling 1. Regulations (Dent Pierce to forward to committee) 2. Call Box -Estimated at $500 each When, where and where does call go to? - TBD 3. Signage 4. Reserving pavilions c. Meet and Greet with Homeless at Higgs Beach — Monday, March 02, 2009 (Commissioners Carruthers and Johnston, Fr. Braddock and Sloan Bashinsky) d. Restroom /Grounds Update (Dent Pierce) • Security windows, new finishes and labor -approximately $3500 / restroom • Pavilions — in process of cleaning and painting (students to help artists) • Recycling —working with Waste Mgmt and should have in place within the week • Cleaning —currently cleaned 1/day. Increase to 2/day is estimated at additional $30k • Bathrooms hours — 6 am — 11 pin (Dent Pierce to reconfirm 11 pm locking of restrooms) V. Discussion a. Website update (Hank Dean) • www.Friendsof-liggsBeach.com for information, maps, photos, committee meetings, etc. • www.Friendsof-liggsBeach.com/form for community input • Correspondence (emails and forum posting) should be on 24 hour edit watch • Correspondence to be monitored by Hank Dean and Carol Schreck (Aide) prior to becoming "live" • Dean and Schreck to work on website content • Webcam (sponsors?) • Once up, to be linked to county and city websites b. Brief review of 1999-2001 plan • This report to be used as a launching point for a yet -to -be established Higgs Beach Planning committee. Please review prior to next meeting c. Planning —Working Groups • Public Workshop /Input meeting - Michael Behmlce —Workshop leader (set date, time, format, etc.) - Public announcement — Schreck /Carruthers Office - Reservation of pavilions for selected date and time (Schreck) • Updating of 1999 / 2001 Plan —small Planning Committee to be established after public input meeting • Fundraising - Not -for -Profit status for Friends of Higgs Beach (Klitenick) VI. New Discussion / Items a. Concern that Beach will become too homogenized —jeopardizing Keys' character b. Increased lighting at pavilions and tennis courts (Dent Pierce) C. "open container" law enforcement d. County policies toward Homeless (contact Coral Gables -CAS) e. EVENT: Welcome Back —Higgs Beach Celebration (Wilkins and Martin) More to be determined after Public Input meeting f. Hank Dean may have booth for Deputy to use g. County policies toward selling art at beach h. "Children's" bathroom (north side of street) i. Hank Dean volunteered to help fund 2"a volleyball court j. Kevin Speidel (GM Casa Marina) —Casa Marina will help with fundraising ACTION ITEMS (See below) Action Items Constituencies (Environmental —request out) (School —meeting set for 3/4/09) Higgs Beach — county's rules and regulations forwarded to committee Ask County Attorney RE: open container law for Higgs Beach Meet and Greet: Dialogue with Homeless —set for 2/3/09 Recycling at Beach — by next meeting Increased lighting at pavilions and tennis courts Confirmation that restrooms are locked at 11 pm and no sooner Website: Coordinate Administrative efforts and site content 1999-2001 report — Read for review and updating Public Input Workshop Not -for -profit status Contact Coral Gables RE: County Homeless policy EVENT: Welcome Back — A Higgs Beach Celebration Sheriff's Booth County policies toward selling art at beach (Carruthers) (Carruthers) (Dent Pierce) (Schreck) (Carruthers /Johnston) (Dent Pierce) (Dent Pierce) (Dent Pierce) (Dean / Schreck) (ALL Comm. Members) (Behmke / Schreck) (Klitenick) (Schreck) (Wilkins /Martin) (Dean /Thompson /Pierce) (Schreck) Higgs Beach Public Input Meeting / Minutes Higgs Beach Pavilion Saturday, March 21, 2009 I. Introduction (Michael Behmke) II. Opening Remarks & Update • County Commissioner Heather Carruthers • City Commissioner Teri Johnston III. General Comments / Public IV. Break Out Groups: Groups (listed) broke out to discuss specific group topics • Concessions & Legal • Dog Park • African Cemetery Memorial / West Martello • Security • Neighbors • Playground / Kids • Facilities / Environment • Athletics V. Group report back to General Audience (See attached synopsis) Remarks include: Student input (3/4/09) Public Input (3/21/09) Individual constituent input (2/09 — 3/09) VI. Next Higgs Beach Meeting: Friday, April 3, 2009 Harvey Government Center 2nd floor 9: 3 0 am — 11: 0 0 am Higgs Beach Park Planning Committee Meeting / Minutes 4/30/09 Harvey Government Center 2:00 pm — 4:00 pm Present: Commissioners Heather Carruthers and Teri Johnston, Hank Dean, Michael Behmke, Dent Pierce, SuAnne Kitchar, Roger McVeigh, Ro si Ware, Eric Holowacz, Sam Holland, Jane Dawkins, Don Craig, Candace Whitaker, Sofia Artola, Rick Worth, Carol Schreck (Aide to Commissioner Carruthers) I. Introductions II. Agenda approved III. 4/22/09 minutes approved (Eric Holowacz moved /Hand Dean seconded) IV. Communications In order to ensure the accuracy of information regarding Higgs Beach and the renovation process, the following communication policies were adopted: 1. All information will be disseminated through Commissioner Carruthers' office or Chair of the Planning Committee, Michael Behmke 2. Press Releases, with summary of meeting decisions / actions, forwarded to local papers. The press release is to be distributed through County Commissioner Heather Carruthers' office. 3. All agendas, minutes and press releases will be available, once approved by the board, on the county Higgs Beach web page: http://monroecofl.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/MonroeCoFL Facilities/higgsbeach 4. Clothing Optional Beach: No comment will be made until a direction is obtained from the county attorney and B OC C . V. Goal of Meeting • To determine project list and associated funds to submit to DAC 1's Special Beach Fund. • To determine plan and strategy for moving forward • Review of brainstorm list of "wishes" from various public input sessions VI. Special Beach Funds projects Committee determined they want to keep the architectural style of the bathrooms. No funds will be designated for umbrella tables at this time. The committee agreed to compose a letter of petition to the City of Key West, requesting funds from the recently allocated $1.2m ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) fund for wastewater /drainage / outfall compliance at Higgs Beach. Eric Holowacz made the motion, seconded by Don Craig to direct Monroe County Public Works to submit the following projects for funding through the TDC's (DAC 1) Special Beach Funds ($485k) • Bathroom renovation $1201c • Seawall patching $ l Ok • Crosswalk &Striping (provide safe path to restrooms) $lOk • Master Plan /preliminary working drawings / $150k (ID of initial /long-term funding sources, environmental &shore preservation studies) • Call boxes $lk • Signage (replace, update and move) $2k • Solar Lighting (tiki huts and pavilions) $16k • Recycle Center $31c • Beach replenishment (sand) $ l Ok • Drainage /water quality $SOk • Landscaping $SOk • 15-20%contingency $63k VII. Higgs Beach Project List List of constituent input regarding Higgs Beach Park projects The committee agreed to send the beach project brainstorm list to the Higgs Beach General Committee to ensure no items were missing. The group was reminded that this is a working "all inclusive" list from public input and not a final list. VII. Friends of Higgs Beach / non-profit status Tabled until next meeting IX. Actions: • Send list to Higgs Beach General Group asking if anything is missing (CAS) • Upcoming Meeting Dates May 6, 2009 DAC 1 Agenda deadline May 20, 2009 DAC 1 meeting (3 pm Beachside) June 9, 2009 TDC meeting (10 am Beachside) • Letter to city RE: ARRA for Higgs Beach • Establish "Friends of Higgs Beach" Board of Directors • Strategy, scope and timeline for Master Plan RFQ (Request for Quote) Higgs Beach Working Group Meeting /Minutes 4/3/09 Harvey Gov't Center 9:30 am —11:00 am) Present: Commissioners Heather Carruthers and Teri Johnston, Christie Martin, Father Steve Braddock, Fran Gonzon, Hank Dean, Janice Nicowski, Maggie Gutierrez, Michael Behmke, Dent Pierce, Rev. Joe McMurray, Richard Hatch, Sean Kinney, Sloan Bashinsky, Suanne Kitchar, Sue Sullivan, Norma Jean Sawyer, Emil Imbro, John Wilkins, Rose Chan, Annette Liggett, John Jurowski, Roger McVeigh, George Fernandez, Kip Colligan, Tiffany Hendry, John Andola, Patrice Sanders, Dan McMahon, Greg Veliz, Rosi Ware, Eric Holowacz, Carol Schreck (Aide to Commissioner Carruthers) I. Agenda approved II. 2/26/09 minutes approved 3/21 /09 minutes approved with the following addition: "It was agreed by all present that the beach is open to everyone except lawbreakers. It was further resolved by all present that there should be no inconsistent or selective enforcement of the rules, and that no single group or individuals should be targeted." III. Update on Short Term action items a. Introductions b. Sheriff's Deputy (no formal report however, deputy presence has been beneficial.) Hours to be reduced in May with weekend and holiday coverage in the summer. IMPROVEMENT: Consider adding timed lockers for beach goers and homeless C. Bike racks scheduled to be placed next week, provided by City of Key West d. Recycling: Single stream recycling / working with Boy Scouts to make bins e. Lighting: 90% done for pavilions & huts Consideration to be given to solar generated lighting and effects of all lighting on turtle nesting f. Bathroom renovation: plans complete for window installation — going for permit g. Pavilion / Hut refurbishing: work in progress h. Website: The county website will be the official website until further development. www.friendsofhiggsbeach.com will auto forward to the county page: http://monroecofl.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/MonroeCoFL Facilities/higgsbeach i. Sheriff's deputy will not be needing a booth j. County Open Container, Event, Dogs and selling art at beach policies: Open Container: No person may possess any container containing any alcoholic beverage while at Higgs Beach County Park except for on -premise sale and consumption within the enclosed restaurant and restaurant patio area. The board of county commissioners may also waive the prohibition of this subsection on a per event basis upon a resolution of the board. However, any such waiver may only be granted to a nonprofit organization, must require the presence of security guards ..., and must require liability insurance ... Event: Any organization requesting the use of a County facility, building, park, beach, road, bridge, airport or meeting room must complete the Request for Use of County Property form, provide insurance, determine alcohol use, submit fees, and provide traffic control. Compliance with additional terms may be deemed necessary depending on the use. Selling art at beach: Art may only be sold if associated with an event sponsored by a non-profit organization. Dogs: Pets are allowed at Higgs Beach County Park in Key West on paved surfaces and on the open space lying southerly and easterly of West Martello Towers, and southerly and easterly of the fence surrounding the FAA tower parcel. k. County Homeless Policy —Continuum of Care Policy (Fr. Steve Braddock) L Call Boxes —Update needed from Lt. Thompson M. Non -Profit status —Update needed from Richard Klitenick n. First Fundraiser —consideration to Oktoberfest (first week of October) IV. Public Input Meeting (3/21/09) Update • Remarks by Michael Behmke • Don Craig of Craig & Co. has offered to assist, at no charge, with the Master Plan V. Research Tools & Reports VI. Formation of Planning Committee • Mission: The Mission of the Friends of Higgs Beach is to revitalize and maintain Clarence Higgs Beach Park to ensure that it is a safe, welcoming recreational environment for all. Achieved through 4 actions: 1. Creating a master plan and directing its implementation in conjunction with Monroe County and the City of Key West. 2. Spearheading all funding efforts for the revitalization of the beach and park 3. Creating a revenue stream in partnership with local governments to financially support long-term upkeep, improvement and accessibility of the park, including adjacent neighborhoods and near -shore waters 4. Ensuring that all park related projects and uses are consonant with the character of Key West and the surrounding neighborhood. • Planning Committee Make-up (see attached) The Planning Committee is a defined group of individuals representing Beach and Park constituencies. VIL Funding Efforts are being made to use TDC's DAC 1 Special Beach Fund for Higgs Beach projects ($485,000) VIII. Next Meeting: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 3:00 pm (time not certain) Studios of Key West (corner of White and Southard) Leathers &Associates /Playground Designer Higgs Beach Park Planning Committee Meeting / Minutes 4/22/09 Gato Building 1:30 pm — 3:00 pm Present: Commissioners Heather Carruthers and Teri Johnston, Hank Dean, Maggie Gutierrez, Michael Behmke, Dent Pierce, Richard Hatch, SuAnne Kitchar, Norma Jean Sawyer, Roger McVeigh, Sam Trophia, Richard Klitenick, Rosi Ware, Eric Holowacz, Sam Holland, Jane Dawkins, Jodell Roberts (for Craig Company), John King, Candace Whitaker, Sofia Artola, Carol Schreck (Aide to Commissioner Carruthers) I. Introductions II. Agenda approved III. Roger McVeigh nominated, Richard Klitenick seconded the nomination for Michael Behmke as Committee Leader. Motion passed unanimously. IV. Mission of Committee The Friends of Higgs Beach mission statement adopted as the mission statement for the Planning Committee. The Mission of the Friends of Higgs Beach is to revitalize and maintain Clarence Higgs Beach Park to ensure that it is a safe, welcoming recreational environment for all. Achieved through 4 actions: 1. Creating a master plan and directing its implementation in conjunction with Monroe County and the City of Key West 2. Spearheading all funding efforts for the revitalization of the beach and park 3. Creating a revenue stream in partnership with local governments to financially support long-term upkeep, improvement and accessibility of the park, including adjacent neighborhoods and near -shore waters 4. Ensuring that all park -related projects and uses are consonant with the character of Key West and the surrounding neighborhood. V. Time Line April 30, 2009 Planning Committee Follow-up Meeting May 1 week General / Working Group meeting to review proposed projects for Special Beach Fund May 6, 2009 DAC 1 agenda deadline May 20, 2009 DAC 1 meeting (Special Beach Fund) June 2, 2009 DAC 1 Capital / Bricks and Mortar application deadline * Commissioner Carruthers brought forward the possibility of capital improvement funding through the Tourist Development Council's Bricks and Mortar application and funding process. Monies available may be as high as $1.5m this year. This funding source, which funds projects that encourage tourism and enhances the visitor's experience, presents a multi- year funding opportunity for Higgs Beach Park related brick and mortar projects (i.e. family bathroom on playground/dog park side of park, lighting, etc.) VI. Master Plan Special Beach Fund (DAC 1 funds $485,000 — available nowt: The current state opinion is that the Special Beach Funds may only be used for beach - related uses. There is controversy as to whether that would include that portion of Higgs Beach Park that is across Atlantic Blvd. The committee unanimously agreed that rather than contest this definition it would be in the best interest of the community and park if the Special Beach Funds supported projects on the "beach side" of the park. By unanimous decision, the committee directed county public works to move forward with designs, plans and costs for the following projects: • Renovation of existing bathrooms $80k+ • ADA compliance issues (based on draft MBI-K2M report) • Master plan for entire Higgs Beach Park renovation $150k • Crosswalk /Striping • Seawall patching • Call boxes • Signage • Lighting for tiki huts and pavilions (solar) • Recycle center Public Works will present projects proposal to the Higgs Beach Planning Committee at the next meeting and ultimately present to DAC 1 at the May 20, 2009 meeting. Capital Improvement Projects (projects to be considered, in no order and not complete) Playground 2°a bathroom (family) Seawall • Storm water drainage • Athletic trail • Tiki but for yoga, meditation • Fencing • Landscaping • Outfall filters • Additional volleyball court • Lockers Lighting VII. Friends of Higgs Beach /non-profit (Richard Klitenick and Maggie Gutierrez) Friends of Higgs Beach will be the clearing house for capital project fundraising • Articles of Incorporation in process • Need to determine Board of Directors —suggested number is 9. • Officers to be determined at the next Planning Committee meeting VIII. Next Meeting: Thursday, April 30, 2009 2:00 pm— 3:20 pm Place: Harvey Government Center / Truman Avenue / BOCC Room / 2nd floor Higgs Beach Public Input Meeting 21 March 2009 Group: Playground & Kids Leader: Eric Holowacz Contributing Members of the Public: Margie DiMonte (305-304-0460)(m8x10photo a@comcast.net) Elaine Alea (305-923-4744)(ealea a@bellsouth.net) Cheryl Cates (305-587-6726)(chery1 a@keysrealestate.com) What are positive aspects of the park: -One user of the park for 2 generations felt that it was adequate as it is, and wasn't sure if a new plan would be right for the nature of the neighborhood -As one of only a few playground areas in Key West, the park is already used often by children, parents, and visiting families -It has an ongoing history of being a site for birthday parties, play dates, and a community meeting place for local families What are the negative aspects of the park: -One participant felt that the entire play area is outdated and depressing, when compared to what many other communities offer -Another suggested that the play area could be so much more inventive, interesting, and inspiring for kids -The lack of shade is of serious concern to parents, and it was voiced that the immediate play are would benefit form more trees and well- designed sun shades -Playground has no on -site family restroo m facilities -families using the playground often do not want to take their children to use the restrooms located across the street because they are not always clean, lighting is poor, and there are no baby changing/ family areas inside - One participant remembered a mini -train and tracks that ran in a circuit around the park; would something like that work in a new plan? -There are no on -site snacks or beverages, resulting in shorter play time for families What can be done to improve the park: -Consider placing other play areas, such as a separate swing or physical activity course, in other areas of the park -Include a water feature or water -play aspect in any new playground design - Find affordable, innovative solution to provide shade from the afternoon sun -If expected to be used at night, ensure adequate lighting for safety and security-Signage, and way -finding, and telling the story of the park could be improved -Communications and literature (booklet, website, signage) could be provided that outlines how families reserve and use the play areas and pavilions for parties, group gatherings, and activities -Several participants spoke about the possibility of using a mural or playground design to help educate children about Key West's environment, history, and sense of place -The recycling ethic in the playground, and all of the park, could be improved with the help of the site's waste management provider -Consider a small food stall or snack shack in any new playground design -Ensure that any new playground design includes a family restroom with baby changing table and room for parent(s) and children Prioritize a list of needs that the park could use -No priority list was drafted as part of our dialogue Who will volunteer to help this or other areas of the park -Eric Holowacz has agreed to serve as group leader for the Friends of Higgs Beach Committee -All of the participants in this discussion have agreed to attend and provide further input into these developments Holowacz noted that his organization will be hosting Marc Leathers and his wife, Kyle Cundy, from April 10-17, and volunteered to organize a community meeting at the Historic Armory (or other suitable location) , so the public and civic leaders can learn about the kid -designed, community -built approach of Leathers & Associates, and offer additional ideas towards an improved play area for Higgs Beach/Park. Other input: -It was suggested that Friends of Higgs Beach approach Ben & Jerry's, and the support their company has provided to community playground developments in other places (and at Key West's Wesley House as well). -It was suggested that our group look into the exceptional playground in Marathon, which was a project of the Rotary Club and has resulted in a wonderful park for kids and families (just off US Highway 1 at 75th Street) #3 WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THIS AREA KEEPING IN MIND FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS? STUDENTS (3Z410% Rent chairs all day (10am — 5pm) Mobile venders like at Smathers? Kayak rentals Make green area between Astro Park and tennis courts improved & more welcoming Better system of reserving space, including at Astro Park, for parties, etc Boardwalk: Better bike /rollerblading area Trimmed hedges Better trash & recycling Add benches Need more little picnic tables Basketball court Skate park open when kids are not in school (don't close it at 5pm) More native tall trees Better entrance to Indigenous Park Concerts for kids once a month featuring teen garage bands Better water quality — better circulation of water Net around swimming area Clean jelly fish off beach Improve aesthetics at corner of Reynolds & Atlantic (park entrance) No sleeping on benches in the dog park Rent dog park Additional volleyball courts Roller skating rink in the back behind Astro Park with roller skating every Friday night (not necessarily free) CONCESSIONS &LEGAL (3/21/09) Need more bike racks Trolley /train stop City bus stop DOG PARK (3Z21ZO9) Make users aware of website (M=.ke)=estdogpark.or,---,�) Create more awareness of donating opportunities Create database for dog park updates & volunteer opportunities Move bulletin board inside Replace broken chairs Paint pavilions, clean tables, repair benches Better lighting Safer parking (behind dog park in addition to across the street) AFRICAN CEMETERY MEMORIAL / WEST MARTELLO (3/21/09) Future, continuous flow of visitors from this site into the KW Garden Club Mural for wooden fence done by African schoolchildren and KW kids Gust for Kids) SECURITY (3Z21ZO9) Call boxes Public needs to know laws Signage that states expectations / rules / information Improve lighting (turtle nesting concern?) Continuity of law enforcement NEIGHBORS (3/21/0% To improve is to maintain Money from vendors should go back to the beach fund PLAYGROUND / KIDS (3/21/09) -Consider placing other play areas, such as a separate swing or physical activity course, in other areas of the park -Include a water feature or water -play aspect in any new playground design -Find affordable, innovative solution to provide shade from the afternoon sun -If expected to be used at night, ensure adequate lighting for safety and security -Signage, and way -finding, and telling the story of the park could be improved -Communications and literature (booklet, website, signage) could be provided that outlines how families reserve and use the play areas and pavilions for parties, group gatherings, and activities -Several participants spoke about the possibility of using a mural or playground design to help educate children about Key West's environment, history, and sense of place -The recycling ethic in the playground, and all of the park, could be improved with the help of the site's waste management provider -Consider a small food stall or snack shack in any new playground design -Ensure that any new playground design includes a family restroom with baby changing table and room for parent(s) and children New playground design FACILITIES (3Z2110% Paint — color scheme / rust inhibitor Crosswalk — new improved crosswalk, clearly delineated Need new bathroom across street with baby changing stations New parking lot design — parking flow is unsafe and "against current code" as well as no delineation of parking lot with roadway (curbing or plantings?) Inventory and condition / ADA of water fountains Redo sea wall to the pier to prevent erosion Bike racks First aid stations ENVIRONMENT (3Z21/09� Reroute storm water outflows Seaweed is a problem ATHLETICS (3/21/0% Additional volleyball courts for tournaments (revenue opportunity) Lighting for evening volleyball games (turtle nesting concern?) Planting of trees for improved wind blocking Tennis Pro and Pro shop (revenue opportunity) Lighting and quality equipment Bicycle repair / service / rental station (revenue opportunity) New wind -screens Bike, scooter, electric car rental satellite office (revenue opportunity) Kite boarding Ultimate Frisbee / Frisbee golf 5k running track with 1-2 mini exercise stations Weights, resistance training, yoga, cardio, meditation Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking Shuffleboard / handball courts INDIVIDUALS) INPUT (gathered by Commissioners and/or Aide) Install speed bumps to reduce speeding Remove derelict boats Improve parking lot (flow and better designation of spaces) Waste Mgmt — improved placement of dumpster at Salute's Restaurant Lighting for racquet ball courts Clothing Optional Beach Marine Park — status? Memorandum December 26, 2010 To: Heather Carruthers Carol Schreck Bill Horn Fr: Rick Ekhoff Re: Higgs Beach Meeting At the request of County Mayor Carruthers, a meeting was held on December 22, 2010 for the purposes of discussing Master Plan Issues relating to Higgs Beach. Richard Hatch and Rick Ekhoff were in attendance representing the interests a number of concerned citizens (Higgs Beach Preservation Association) that have been in discussions with County Mayor Carruthers and others over the past months. All in attendance were the following: Mayor Heather Carruthers Mayor Craig Cates Carol Schreck Michael Behmke Bill Horn Richard Hatch Rick Ekhoff Items discussed were as follows: 1. Bill Horn walked everyone through the latest master plan and discussed a little of the history behind its current status; 2. The latest master plan showed omitting the round -a -bout at the intersection of White Street and Atlantic Boulevard in lieu of a more conventional three way stop configuration. Atlantic Boulevard has been shifted to the north as previously proposed in order to avoid the African Graves site; 3. After some general discussion, Richard and Rick stated that the group they are representing has agreed to support the relocation of Atlantic Boulevard as long as certain sensitivities were addressed in the overall master plan. Richard and Rick than voiced the following concerns with the Master Plan: a. General Concerns: i. Thought that the overall plan was too congested and lacked adequate passive green space that could be used for unstructured activities; ii. Master Plan needed to strengthen the importance of the "gateway" element at White Street and Atlantic Boulevard intersection; iii. Concern that the park was becoming too tourist focused and losing its unique place within the community as a "locals park"; iv. Concern that the master plan was trying to appease too many specific use groups and was therefore becoming too cluttered and over developed; v. Concern that the master plan does not support the ethos of the Key West character and culture; vi. Concern that the master plan does not adequately address the potential and inevitable impact upon the surrounding neighborhoods and streets; vii. Concern that the master plan does not adequately address the needs of the existing businesses (Salute's and Key West Garden Club) in the area. viii. Concern as to the sequencing and overall scheduling of the work and the proposed phased construction; ix. Concern as to the maintenance and security of the park both current and future. b. Specific Concerns: i. Dog Park: The current master plan showed the small dog park on the corner of White Street and Casa Marina Court and the large dog park on the corner of White Street and Atlantic Boulevard. There were four basic concerns voiced: 'Locating the small dog park on the corner of White Street and Casa Marina poised a potential noise issue for adjacent residences; 1)The small dog park and large dog park needed to be adjacent to one another for practical purposes. After discussing this issue in length, it is now proposed to locate both parks on the corner of White Street and Atlantic Boulevard and to run its length along Atlantic Boulevard. It was also discussed to be sensitive to the "gateway" importance of this intersection as well as the pedestrian experience along this edge of the park. Bill will show a setback of the dog park fence at this location as well as make note that the fencing needs to have a higher aesthetic character than chain link. ii. Multi -Purpose Field: The current master plan shows a "Multi -Purpose Field" of approximately 175' x 290' along White Street. Richard and Rick noted that their group has heard that this area was going to be designated as a soccer practice field. This was confirmed by Michael Behmke and Bill Horn. Richard and Rick expressed their group's extreme opposition to this usage for a number of reasons including: 1) They did not think this park was the appropriate location for a soccer practice field; 2) Once again, it dedicated open green space to a specific use rather than general community passive space; 3) This use would further provide a parking demand that could not be met on site and therefore would place undue pressure on Casa Marina Court and other neighborhood/residential streets; 4) In order to assure that soccer balls did not go out onto White Street, there would be a need to construction a tall fence along the sidewalk. Both the aesthetics and scale of this wall would be in direct contrast to the desired pedestrian experienced along this edge of the park; 5) The noise associated with this use is totally out of character to the existing neighborhoods and would be a detriment to adjacent residences. Richard and Rick were adamant that this space should not be used for any regularly scheduled or organized athletic events. It should be dedicated green space that can be used by the community in general. Michael Behmke stated that the City does not have enough soccer fields to meet their demand and that if this space became available, he thought it should be considered. Mayor Cates stated that he was aware of other soccer fields being built in the City. Richard and Rick stated that this issue was of extreme significance to their group and will want some assurance written into the allowable usages of the park to that effect. Note: Because of the relocation of the small dog park to the Atlantic Boulevard edge of the park, additional green space will be designated at the corner of White Street and Casa Marina Court. iii. White Street Parking Lot: The current master plan shows a parking lot along White Street. Richard and Rick stated the group's opposition to this lot for the following reasons: 1)It is too close to adjacent residential areas and has the potential be become a "hang out" after hours; 2)A parking lot in this location is too far removed from other park activities and would be of better benefit if located along Atlantic Boulevard. After discussion, it was agreed to relocate this lot along Atlantic Boulevard. iv. Heritage Trail Center: The current master plan shows an approximately 2,000 square foot structure to be constructed at the center of the park along Atlantic Boulevard. Richard and Rick voiced the group's concern over this structure for the following reasons: 1)Questioned the need for a structure at all; 2)Expressed concern over the proposed size of the structure and its imposing scale within the park; 3)Expressed a concern that this structure will be used for tourist bus and trolley drop-off; 4)Expressed the concern that this structure will be used for concessions. Heather and Bill discussed the intent of the Heritage Trail Center. They stated that it would be the culmination of the Heritage Trail and is only intended to be a venue to display exhibits relating to the significance of the trail. It would not house offices for the sheriff's department since the preference is to have them patrolling the park opposed to sitting in an office. Concessions will not be allowed within the facility and tourist buses and trolleys will not be allowed to use the designated drop off point. They are willing to place these restrictions within the master plan. They stated that the size shown on the current master plan was based upon incorporating a covered pavilion in addition to the space required for the Heritage Trail display. They also stated that they envisioned the Heritage Trail Center to be an enclosed structure with showers and restrooms. Richard and Rick questioned the need for an enclosed structure with showers and restrooms when those amenities are already located on the beach. After further discussion, Heather agreed to reduce the size of the proposed center to approximately 1/3 its current size. The issue still remains as to the need for an enclosed structure and restroom and showers when these facilities are already located on the beach. v. Tennis and Pickle Ball Courts: The current master plan shows 7 courts instead of the current 6. It is proposed that two of those would be Pickle Ball Courts. In addition, the current master plan shows two of the new courts to be separated to the south of the existing tennis courts in response to the Grinnell Street park entrance. Richard and Rick expressed the group's concerns over expanding the courts to the east for the following reasons: 1) Adding courts contributed to the already existing noise of the tennis courts that has been expressed by some area residence; 2) Adding courts took away from the potential of passive green space. After discussion, it was suggested to relocate the pickle ball courts to the area that currently is being used for parking to the west of the existing tennis courts. In addition, there would be no courts to the east of the Grinnell Street park entrance. This would result in 5 tennis courts in lieu of the existing 6. vi. Parking Lot Proximity to Casa Marina Court Residence: The current master plan shows a parking lot along Atlantic Boulevard to the west of the proposed Heritage Trail Center. Richard and Rick voiced concern that this parking area would be adequately screened and buffered so that it would not be aesthetically adverse to the residences along Casa Marina Court. After discussion, Bill Horn was directed by Heather to show a planting buffer in this area and to be sensitive to this issue. vii. Salute's: Richard voiced concern that the functions of the restaurant in regards to entrance and parking access were not adequately addressed. Bill Horn pointed out that the master plan lacked specific detail and that these would be further developed to address Richard's concerns. viii. Park Edge Along Casa Marina Court: Richard and Rick stated that Casa Marina Court and the surrounding neighborhood will be directly affected by any modification to the existing park and that it is the group's desire to address these issue now rather than later. The concerns include: 1)Fencing along Casa Marina (to fence or not to fence); Heather stated that they would be willing to show the master plan with or without a fence along Casa Marina. Bill Horn is waiting for direction from our group. It was discussed that if the group supports a fence, than it should be something more aesthetic than a chain link fence. 2)Entry points at Grinnell and Whalton Streets; In the event that there is a fence along Casa Marina, Heather stated that they would be willing to show the master plan with or without entries into the park at Grinnell and Whalton Streets. In addition, the current master plan shows two equipment storage buildings and a service entrance at the Whalton Street location. Richard and Rick stated that this is not an appropriate location for storage buildings and Heather agreed to incorporate this need into the Heritage Visitor Center structure. Mayor Cates was asked if these storage buildings could instead be located to Indigenous Park. He stated that there is room but was non committal on the issue. 3)Overflow parking along Casa Marina and other nearby neighborhood streets; Richard and Rick stated that it was a given that certain park activities if allowed, would generate parking needs that would not be able to be met with the parking being proposed for the park. It is a given that Casa Marina and other adjacent neighborhood streets will become a parking lot when the parking associated with the park is full. That is one reason that a soccer field or other type of regularly scheduled organized sport activity is adamantly opposed by their group. 4)Noise from park activities; Single family residences are directly adjacent to the park and any increase in noise generated by park activities will have an adverse effect upon the owner's rights to enjoy their homes. This is another reason why a soccer practice field or other type of regularly scheduled organized sport activity is adamantly opposed by their group. 5)Visual impact; One of the desirable amenities to residences along Casa Marina is that they are afforded a view of the beach and ocean. One of the potential concerns is that they and only they will have to look at the visual aesthetics of the park every day from their homes. This will only be a negative if the park is not properly designed and appropriate buffering and screening is not adequately and sensitively provided. One of the biggest areas of concerned is the parking lot discussed in item b/vi above. 6)Vagrants and overall security. Richard and Rick pointed out that another large concern of the group was security and safety, particularly at night. They pointed out that there must be some plan and funding in place to police the park at all times, including at night. They realize that this issue is not necessarily a part of the master plan process but to not have this issue addressed now would be short sighted and with negative consequences. ix. Lights: Richard and Rick were assured that there would not be lights added for tennis courts, parking lots or green space. Bill Horn stated that there may be some low profile lighting along the walks. This restriction must be addressed in the written restrictions associated with the proposed master plan. x. Parking Meters: The issue of paid parking was not discussed at this meeting. We are assuming, based upon past comments from Heather, that parking meters will not be added. xi. Astro City (Kid's Playground): The proposed master plan shows Astro City being relocated to the beach side of Atlantic Boulevard. The reasons given for proposing this move were as follows: 1)Funding would be available immediately to replace the existing old equipment if located on the south side of the street; 2)No restrooms are currently located on the north side near the playground and the parents have to cross the street with their kids to use the existing ones on the beach. Richard and Rick pointed out the following concerns: 1) Having the playground activities too close to the beach for both safety concerns of the kids and noise considerations for others using the beach; 2) The overall aesthetics of the playground equipment including the fence surrounding the play area; 3) The practicality of a "water feature"; 4) The need to build designated restrooms for the playground when one of the primary reasons for moving Astro City to the beach side was because of not wanting to cross Atlantic Bld. to get to the existing restrooms. Why not just use the existing restrooms and omit the need for another structure. xii. Schedule: The last item discussed was schedule. Heather stated that money for the road relocation would not be available until sometime in 2014/2015. In addition, there were still some hurdles in regards to removing the tower structure. Heather stated that she is dealing with these issues but could not commit as to when they would be resolved. It was stated that the master plan reflected a 10 year build -out projection. One action on which the county would like to immediately move forward is the relocation of the play ground. It was stated that funds could be made available within a few months to purchase and construct a new playground. It would be the county's intent to construct the new playground on the property where the concrete picnic pavilions are currently located. Richard and Rick asked the question as to what would be done with the current playground when the new one is built. It was stated that the old equipment and fencing would be removed. Richard and Rick voiced a concern that the vagrants have already moved across the street into the park and that there was a concern that without the activity of the playground in that area, that the vagrant activity would increase. Heather stated that her budget only allowed for onsite security 5 hours per day. know that our group would like to see a plan as to how the temporary playground will be layed out. It was stated at the meeting that the intentions are not to take any of the current parking to the north of the concrete picnic pavilions and we have assumed that the playground would not infringe upon current beach area. If that is the case, the area associated with the current picnic pavilions is a fraction of Astro City's current size. The meeting ended after a little over 2 hours of discussion. Bill Horn stated that he would be making changes to the master plan that would reflect the items discussed and that he had to have this done no later than January 2r'd in order to make their presentation to the county in late January. Richard and Rick stated that they would take the results of the meeting back to their group and get back to Heather as soon as they have their meeting. (Note: The Higgs Beach Preservation Association has scheduled a meeting for this week to review the issues discussed at the December 22nd meeting. In addition, it would be our intentions to reach a consensus as to our next course of actions. After that meeting, someone from our group will be contacting County Mayor Carruther-s.) Bill: If possible, it would be extremely helpful and greatly appreciated if you could send me a copy of your revised master plan and the area proposed for the initial Astro City relocation so that it could be shared with the members of our group as soon as possible. The above constitutes my understanding of items discussed. Please let me know if anyone takes exception or would like to add or modify any item. Also, I have only sent this memo to Heather, Bill and Carol. Please forward to Michael and Mayor Cates since I do not have their email address. On behalf of our entire group, we appreciate your time and understanding of our concerns. End of Memo n ct ° N cn Ct ° ct O �'� .� U .� ct A ��� ct W ct ct ct o hr■q �, • � � Q • U � ct Ct ct a U cct ct N ct ct ct ct ggoo. Ai� +� O c C ct by • � U c� � Ct ct a� 7;� 7� Q N ct It ct �I ct �,CA ct v v ct N ct 0 c.P� -Z:� 4-� ct ct •r C,t� 0 0 v� +—j U O ct c O a� O O O ct O U ct ct � U O O � � O 4� Ct U ct G O r--U ct O � • � W N � cam, �' N P-a ct ct ct O '� •� U 5 .C.) N v� ,�/ • ct I. iIN1Iel IN -1 • N - ■ti ■■• r ME. ,■,■ �■ f i '■ •� �� mE 'NO �- ■ A % 0 IIIM %■ ONE a� '■' r • • No , ■ MIN NO 0 - IS I - ■ ■ MEN ME NE Mm ■ ■mm - . 1 - . IN m ON '. IN m �}IMM • ■■ ■ _G ■ ■ MIN■ MINE ■ ■ F■ ■ ■ ■m II • ® ml:- ■ - -• '� 1 ■ E 1 ti ,ti . ON MMEN No WIT M MIN ON 2 r IN . 1 • � 1 , 1 I �, Tr • . 1 • ■■ MEN ■ 1' ■ ■ - • � 1 1 I'm■ ■ - � - - ■ �c _ ti Ll r .ol 1 ■. 00 • Em 0 m NNE •■ No 1Mm ■ C--- IN E' ■- 1 ■ � . IN NNE Ni IN :A oNIME mi, NO 0% It i 3 ti INJ •■ � ■■ - ■ ■ QJCG MF Ir Subject: Meeting with "Friends of Higgs Beach" Board Date: April 7, 2010 Location: Harvey Government Center Attendees: Commissioner Carruthers, Carol Schreck, Commissioner Johnston Dent Pierce, Jerry Barnett, Amy Kimbal-Murley, Bill Horn Evelia Medina and Friends of Higgs Beach Board Discussion Items: 1. This was the 1st meeting for the new Master Plan and its purpose was to inform architect of the past work that the Board has done and discuss all of the issues concerning moving forward with improvements to the park. 2. Michael Bemke went over how this board was developed and all of the park work up to now. He presented a list formulated by the "Friends of Higgs Beach" that prioritized all of the improvements and items wanted for the park. 3. Major Issues: a. The tower will hopefully be relocated off site, should know by the end of April b. Architect needs to coordinate with Casa Marina, City on Atlantic Blvd & Indigenous Park work taking place, Overseas Heritage Trail integration c . Look into Duck Pond, find out if it has to stay, wetland status? d. Reviewed road relocation or removal issues & possibilities. This is a controversial issue e. West Martello is ok as is, no new uses anticipated f. Restaurant on site is improving w/ new owner and improvements will be desirable g. Want environmental improvements to all h. Need additional vendor opportunities (simple/inexpensive food items) support rental expansion i. Emphasize Marine Park j. No beach expansion desired k. Improve playground, coordinate w/ playground vendor Leather & Ass. 1. Think of park as a destination m. Do not duplicate what is happening at Truman Waterfront n. Remember this is a beach o. Resolve safety issues of road p. African burial grounds might need to be expand after further archeological work is complete q. Group meets every 2nd, 3:30(4 Gato Bldg, 1 st. floor r. Bill Horn discussed initial schedule of six months for Master Plan process, then six months to go through City Planning approval process 4. Issues Discussed a. Think of this place as a destination b. Duck Pond — Wetlands? SFWMD? c. Coordinate Atlantic Blvd work with Michael Ingram d. Coordinate w/ Overseas Heritage Trail — Visitor Nature Center Possible? e. Drainage Work at Indigenous Park — see how they are solving it f. Amy KM outreach to public for ideas? g. Coordinate w/Casa Marina h. Trust for Public Lands did analysis on parks i. AIDS Memorial wall j. Road — explore moving and /or closing k. Tower — should know if can move by end of April 1. Playground improve/redo — coordinate with company m. Additional vendors is possible — food, tennis, sport center, bikes n. Underground theme park — play up o. Want environmental features & improvements p. No beach expansion desired q. Save priority list to review r. Improve restaurant as much as possible, it is a 150 seat restaurant — roof top dining? s. Fort ok as is Subject: Meeting with Higgs Beach Neighbors Date: April 14, 2010 Location: Janice Nicowski Residence, 1003 Casa Marina Court Attendees: Carol Schreck, Jerry Barnett, Michael Bemke, Bill Horn, Janice Nicowski and numerous neighbors 1. Janice discussed past Master Plan and developments of park and issues of past 2. Bill Horn outlined upcoming public meetings and process of Master Plan. Is just getting started and wants neighbors input 3. Michael Bemke reviewed past Master Plan & how its failure was mostly because of desire to close road through park. Reviewed Higgs Beach Wish List that the "Friends of Higgs Beach" created and what has happened in the last few years at the park & with Friends of Higgs Beach 4. Jerry Barnett explained where the funding for the Master Plan and future improvements are coming from 5. Carol Schreck (Commissioner Carruthers aide) answered numerous questions and discussed the Overseas Heritage Trail ending at park and possible new visitors center at park. She also discussed the good possibilities of the tower being relocated off the park property 6. Every person was able to introduce themselves, say where they lived and for how long and discuss their concerns & desires for the park. Concerns ranged from some people not wanting any change to some who wanted change. Most did not want too much change. Changes wanted were drainage improvements, new fencing, improve landscaping and expand greenspace, improve/expand playground, relocate maintenance area, away from residential area, keep noise down, and improve park safety. The items most people did not want was to not have the road close through the park, no amphitheater, keep the two bandstands, no new buildings — some were okay with possible new visitor center being over towards White Street. Subject: Meeting with Richard Hatch Date: April 15, 2010 Location: Salute Restaurant, Higgs Beach Attendees: Bill Horn, Richard Hatch 1. Toured the restaurant building 2. Numerous improvements by owner relayed a. Addition for new coolers b. Unisex handicap toilets c. A/C systems for all toilets and storage room d. New canvas canopy over side service area for food pickup and new handicap entryway &seating area 3. Existing conditions of building a. Below flood building with numerous floor levels b. Low roof over seating area c. Regular toilet rooms have very small entryways d. Garbage area too small e. Electric service inadequate (2 or 3 services), needs to be revised to one and convert capacity for loads needed f. A/C only in toilet areas. Has other units for bar and kitchen area but can't use because electric service is not big enough g. Water line comes from Casa Marina Court, alot of exposed lines, needs attention —recent work was repaired w/exposed lines h. Sewer line by garbage (?) i. Grease trap is under counter and small j. Handicap access is convoluted. Ideally you would make dining and floor at same height as bar area (raise dining floor) but then you would have to raise roof cannot get to toilets from dining area and have to go outside and back in bar entry lc. Kitchen is cramped but okay, hood looks ok, needs a/c 1. Addition to building is used by beach vendor m. Beach vendor has two shacks on beach for vending and has possible third location possible in lease towards Fort Subject: Meeting with City Staff Date: April 28, 2010 Location: City Planning Department Attendees: Amy Kimbal-Murley, Nicole Malo, Enid Torregrosa, Diane Nicklaus and Gary Bowman, Bill Horn, Barbara Mitchell and Allen Perez 1. We discussed that we are trying to meet with all parties to go over the process of the Master Plan and that we are gathering information and concerns from all at this point. 2. Discussed the direction the plan is heading and issues involved 3. Enid had concerns with the extent of African Burial grounds. The second phase of the analysis will hopefully determine the extent of any graves. Did not like the road up against the Fort. Was going to look into the historical possibilities of the radio tower building 4. Amy wanted something to develop at the end of White Street and entry to our park, suggested a turn around to help this intersection, she wanted the road to remain going through park, but bringing it up and away from beach. Links to Indigenous Park is important (and Overseas Heritage Trail) She spent a lot of time discussing options for the road, parking and two entry areas to park. She wanted us to have an informal meeting with the DRC early in process. She wanted Bill to coordinate with Greg Valdez on park coordination. Discussed that City has no present vision for improvements to Indigenous Park. Subject: Meeting with Casa Marina Date: May 12, 2010 Location: Casa Marina Resort Attendees: Bill Horn, Kevin W. Speidel, General Manager 1. Went to Kevin's office and discussed upcoming Master Plan schedule and direction. 2. Discussed how we need to improve the road through the park and the entranceways into park for safety and appearance 3. Kevin was happy that the corner of Reynolds Street and Atlantic BLvd will get improvements. He says the guests of his hotel that look out over this area and don't like what they see. He doesn't like the parking along Reynolds Street (too close to guest room balconies). He would like to see more landscaping at the corner and less parking. The rooms on the corner are his most expensiverooms. 4. He was happy with all the other possible directions that the Master Plan was heading towards. Subject: Meeting with Higgs Beach Planning Committee Date: May 14, 2010 Location: Gato Building Attendees: Carol Schreck, Jerry Barnett, Maggie Gutierrez, Bill Horn, Richard Hatch, Dent Pierce, Evelia Medina, Teri Johnston, Tom Coward, Gene Tinnie, Norma Jean Sawyer, Jon Allen, Michael B. Ingram, Roger McVeigh, Liz young, Sam Holland, Candace Wittaker, Sue Sullivan Agenda: I. Friends of Higgs Beach BOD Activities II. Update —Whistling Duck/ FAA Tower/ Muck Testing/Special Projects/ Heritage Trail/Security III. Architect Selection Process IV. Master Plan Process —Public Input Meetings/time line, Wish List V. Calls to Actions —Please go back to your constituent groups VI. AIDS Memorial/Discussion Notes from Mr. Horn 1. Introduction of Design Team 2. Master Plan Process a. Phase I, Phase II Overview b. Phase I Schedule Neighbors Meetings, Higgs Beach Board Survey Status 1st Public Meeting Agenda 3. Issues a. Wish List Edit? b. Road 4. Take off Amphitheater, clothing optional beach and skate park 5. Dent went over where he areas filled areas in the park also, his family installed all the roads around the tower 6. Went over AIDS Memorial expansion Subject: Meeting with Corey Malcom Date: May 21,2010 Location: Janice Bill Horn' s Office, Eaton Street, Key West Attendees: Bill Horn, Cory Malcom and Gene Tinnie 1. Original Key West Cemetery a. 1826 -34 +/- b. It then moved to west, then to current location 2. African Cemetery a. 1860's 3. Fort built a. 1862 +/- b. Graves (bones) moved to pit within 100 yards of original shoreline 4. Railroad a. Built prior to Fort from Ft. Taylor to West Martello and onto East Martello Subject: Meeting with Higgs Beach Committee Date: August 13, 2010 Location: Gato Building Attendees: Not listed 1. Removal of tennis court for pedestrian access questioned by Michael Bemke 2. Corey Malcom a. University Of Denver did previous radar (Cost $2,500) b. $5-$10,000 to do additional work c. Ladd to check into other options for radar work 3. Look into access to Fort on side 4. Issue w/Garden Club and African Memorial on fenced area 5. Visitor/Nature Center a. Possible to have Sheriff sub station within and possibly have KW police man it 6. Talk to City on maintenance area 7. Could provide area for "paid bricks" as revenue source Subject: Meeting Diane Sylvia, PhD, Date: December 14, 2010 Location: City Offices Attendees: Diane Sylvia, Bill Horn 1. Dianne is Executive Director of the Historic Florida Keys Foundation She is basically our connection to the state for the Florida Keys. 2. I gave her the report on the radar and copies of the drawing showing the grave locations. 3. Discussed with her the issue of the existing road going over potential graves sites and asked if she thought that moving the road out of that area was a good idea and strongly agreed that the road should be relocated out of that area. If you do not know her, she also has a degree in Archeology and has worked with Corey on many projects. I gave her this information because I think we are required to notify the state on finds like this. She will be coordinating with Corey after reading the report. Subject: Meeting with Mayor Cates and Mayor Carruthers Date: December 16, 2010 Location: Gato Building Attendees: Mayor Carruthers, Mayor Cates, Bill Horn 1. Met today to update Mayor Cates on our progress to date and to go over the neighbor issues that have just recently come up. 2. Reviewed all of the drawings from the first public meeting up to now. Discussed that some neighbors are having concerns with the paid parking, moving the road and the visitors/nature center. 3. Paid parking is not something that anyone seems to be supporting at this point and it will not be moving forward. 4. Went over what the nature/visitors center is and how it is tied into the overseas heritage trail and that if some of the neighbors have concerns that it will become a tourist trap we can have condition placed on it that would not allow things like tour busses to stop there, sales of tickets or trinkets or other items that will limit use. 5. We discussed the road being relocated for numerous safety reasons and because of the graves under part of the road. 6. Agreed that it will be good to revise the roundabout to be similar to the sketch that Bill Horn did that shows Atlantic Boulevard going more continuous (with a stop sign) and making White street have an Island to give it a different appearance. This will encourage people to continue along Atlantic Boulevard and keep traffic out of the residential neighborhood. 7. Both Mayors want to be at the next neighborhood meeting which should be next week. Subject: Meeting with Neighbors Date: December 22, 2010 Location: Gato Building Attendees: Michael Bemke, Carol Schreck, Mayor Carruthers, Mayor Cates, Richard Hatch, Rick Erhoff, Bill Horn Reviewed concerns of neighbors in an effort to integrate into master plan. Will revise the master plan to address the following concerns: 1. Highlight the restaurants existing entryway. 2. Add more parking closer to restaurant. 3. Keep tennis courts as is but add two pickle ball courts to the west side where parking is now, remove one tennis court to the east side, maintain pedestrian axis walkway as shown on plan from Grinnel Street and add the parking that was lost on the west side to the east side (this also adds more parking closer to the restaurant). This shift in courts moves the noise from the pickle ball courts further away from the neighbors. 4. Remove dashed line indicating a soccer Feld to keep the green space looking more like a green area and not a soccer field. 5. Move small dog park away from neighbors (north east corner) and back near the large dog park. Large dog park enlarges up into green area to the north some to keep its size. 6. Relocate parking that was added off of White Street back down to the east of the Visitors/Nature Center off of Atlantic Boulevard. 7. Will have 4' high fencing around playground and dog parks and a 6' high fence between open green area off White Street were kids might be playing soccer and add trees just inside the fence also. The neighbors will decide if they want fencing along Casa Marina Court. 8. Moving the maintenance sheds from the Casa Marina Court "entry" (some of it depends on neighbor's fence wishes) 9. Remove "bandstand" from visitor Nature Center. Subject: Pre -application Meeting with Key West Development Review Committee Date: August 26, 2010 Location: Key West City Hall Attendees: Amy Kimbal-Murley, Elizabeth Ignaffo, John Woodson, Enid Torregrosa, Diane Nicklaus, Alen Averette, Nicole Malo, Bill Horn, Barbara Mitchell, Allen Perez and the general public 1. Nicole Malo introduced the project to the board. Bill Horn presented Option A, B and C and described activities completed to date. 2. Mr. Gene Tinnie spoke from the public in favor of the project. Mentioned the need for the additional radar survey and that Cory Malcom from Mel Fisher was working on a cost estimate for the radar survey. 3. City staff commented on the plan presented a. Engineering: discussed the ERP process, water conservation would be important, and the requirements for submittal for development approval b. HARC : methodology for radar process, need to monitor during construction, supported moving the road away from the Fort. Wants investigation into the current pillars that are located around the perimeter of the park (historic?) c. Bicycle & ADA: supported current plan, too early to discuss ADA issues, need to consider White Street safety issues — pedestrian crossing, stop signs? d. Building: FEMA issues with buildings, desire to extend pier at the end of Reynolds Street e . Fire: supported the plan f. FKAA: submitted letter for the record discussing water availability and size of meters. Coordination letter included. g. FKEC: 8-to 10 month design timeframe for relocation of power source, Coordination letter included h. Planning: possibility for shared maintenance and recycle activity with City, possible to coordinate with City Indigenous Park, road relocation, timing for user groups, wastewater and storm water issues, legal non - conformities in the park (i.e. restaurant), small vendors/concessions are okay, may need variance for landscape buffers to maintain safety standards, Australian Pines are nuisance plant, will need to comply with concurrency requirements, coordinate with pedestrian and bicycle activities (Overseas Heritage Trail) DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE� MEETING AGENDA} 4t r Thursday, August Au ust 26 2010 2:00 P.M. sit City Commission Chamber k .F Old City Hall, 510 Greene Street 1. Roll Call 2. Approval of Agenda 3. Approval of Minutes a. June 24, 2010 b. July 22, 2010 4. New Business a. Pre -Application Discussion —Higgs Beach and Adjacent Park Area (RE# 00058800-000000, 00058790-000100, 00058790-000000) — A review of the draft conceptual Master Plan proposed by Monroe County. b. Vacation of City Property (RE# 00022001-000000) - An application for Vacation of City Right - of -Way for a platted alleyway between White Street and Ashe Street accessed via Angela Street per Section 90 Article VII of the Land Development Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Key West, Florida. C. Variances - 630 Elizabeth Street (RE# 00011970-000000) - An application for Variances to building coverage, impervious surface ratio and all setback requirements in the Historic High Density Residential zoning district per Section 122-630 (4), (5), & (6) as required when the reconstruction exceeds 66% of the assessed or appraised value of the structure per Section 122-28 (b) of the Land Development Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Key West, Florida. d. Variances - 803 Emma Street (RE# 00014650-000000) - An application for Variances to building coverage, impervious surface ratio and all setback requirements in the Historic High Density Residential zoning district per Section 122-630 (4), (5), & (6) to accommodate an addition to the structure and as required when reconstruction exceeds 50% of the assessed or appraised value of the structure per Section 122-28 (d) of the Land Development Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Key West, Florida. e. Easement — 1009 Catherine Street (RE# 00031880-000000) — A request for an easement in the HMDR zoning district per Section 2-938 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Key West, Florida. f. Conditional Use — 729 Thomas Street (RE# 00013260-000000) — A conditional use request for the addition of 495 square feet of outdoor consumption area, and the addition of 91 seats, a combination of which are proposed indoors and outdoors in the HNC-3 zoning district per Section 122-63 (e) of the Land Development Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Key West, Florida. 5. Discussion Items 6. Adjournment Interested parties may appear at the public meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed items. Copies of the applications are available from the City of Key West Planning Department located at 3140 Flagler Avenue, Key West, Florida, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Applications can also be viewed online at www.keywestcity.com. ADA ASSISTANCE: If you are a person with a disability who needs special accommodations in order to participate in this proceeding, please contact the ADA Coordinator at 305-809-3951 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or information on access available to individuals with disabilities. To request materials in accessible format, a sign language interpreter or other assistance (5 days advance notice required), please call 305-809-1000 for assistance. Please note that one or more City Commission, Planning Board and/or HARC members may be present at this meeting. ob on energy services (305) 295-1000 1001 James Street PO Box 6100 Key West, FL 33040-6100 www.KeysEnergy.com UTILITY BOARD OF THE CITY OF KEY WEST August 26, 2010 Mrs. Amy Kimball-Murley, AICP City of Key West PO Box 1409 Key West, Florida 33040 RE: DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE KEYS ENERGY SERVICES COMMENTS MEETING OF AUGUST 26, 2010 Dear Mrs. Kimball-Murley: Keys Energy Services (KEYS) received the Development Review Committee Agenda for AUGUST 26, 2010. KEYS has reviewed the items that will be discussed at the City's Development Review Committee meeting. Below are KEYS' comments: 1. LOCATION: Higgs Beach and Adjacent Park Area COMMENT: Keys Energy has reviewed the above site plans. KEYS will need to remove and/or relocate high voltage primary to accommodate the shift in the road. KEYS has power running to West Martello Towers and the existing restaurant that will need to be maintained. KEYS will also need to have truck access to all poles. If this design is approved, KEYS will require 8 to 12 months for budgeting and designing of this project. 2. LOCATION: Vacation of City Property Right -of -Way COMMENT: KEYS has no objection to the abandonment of the 10 foot wide alley way in the 1100 Block of Angela Street. 3. LOCATION: 630 Elizabeth Street COMMENT: KEYS has no objection to the variances. The applicant will need to maintain clearance of 12 feet vertical or 7.5 feet horizontal. 4. LOCATION: 803 Emma Street COMMENT: KEYS has no objections. 5. LOCATION: 1009 Catherine Street Easement COMMENT: KEYS has no objections. 6. LOCATION: 729 Thomas Street Conditional Use COMMENT: KEYS has no objections. Thank you for giving KEYS the opportunity to participate in the City's review process. If you have any questions, please call me at 295-1055. Sincerely: I� s6:i Matthew Alfonso Matthew Alfonso Supervisor of Engineering Matthew.AlfonsoC@KeysEnerQy.com c: L. Tejeda, General Manager & CEO J. Wetzler, Asst. General Manager & CFO D. Finigan, Director of Engineering/Control Center A. Tejeda, Director of Customer Service DRC Meeting Page 2 May 20, 2010 File: PLI-132 Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority Engineering Department 1100 Kennedy Drive, Key West, Florida 33040 Telephone (305)296-2454 Fax (305)295-2223 MEMORANDUM TO: Carlene Cowart, Administrative Coordinator FROM: Marnie Walterson-Distribution Design Specialist DATE: August 23, 2010 SUBJECT: Development Review Committee Meeting A representative of the FKAA will not be able to attend the DRC meeting scheduled for August 26, 2010. Comments on the projects are as follows: Discussion Items a. Pre -Application Discussion - (RE#00058800-000000, 00058790-000100, 00058790-000000) This site is presently being served by two FKAA Location #s one is a 5/8" service and one is a 2" service. The site has a 6" water main located on White Street, and a 6" water main located on Casa Marina Court which seem capable of serving this project. A complete set of plans will be required for review to determine meter requirements and System Development Charges. b. Vacation of City Property (RE# 00022001-000000) —The FKAA has no objections for an application for Vacation of City Right -of -Way for a platted alleyway between White Street and Ashe Street accessed via Angela Street per Section 90 Article VII of the Land Development Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Key West, Florida. c. Variances - 630 Elizabeth Street (RE# 00011970-000000) —The FKAA has no objections for an application for Variances to building coverage, impervious surface ratio and all setback requirements in the Historic High Density Residential zoning district per Section 122-630 (4), (5), & (6) as required when the reconstruction exceeds 66% of the assessed or appraised City of Key West, FL Page 1 Printed on 8/18/2010 Development Review Committee Meeting Agenda Full Detail August 26, 2010 value of the structure per Section 122-28 (b) of the Land Development Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Key West, Florida. d. Variances - 803 Emma Street (RE# 00014650-000000) —The FKAA has objections for an application for Variances to building coverage, impervious surface ratio and all setback requirements in the Historic High Density Residential zoning district per Section 122-630 (4), (5), & (6) to accommodate an addition to the structure and as required when reconstruction exceeds 50% of the assessed or appraised value of the structure per Section 122-28 (d) of the Land Development Regulations of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Key West, Florida. e. Easement -1009 Catherine Street (RE# 00031880-000000) —The FKAA no objection for the request for an easement in the HMDR zoning district per Section 2-938 of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Key West, Florida. f. Conditional Use — 729 Thomas Street (RE# 00013260-000000) — This site is presently being served by FKAA Location # 002309 which is a 5/8" service. The site has a 12" water main located on Thomas Street and a 6" water main located on Petronia Street which seem capable of serving this project. A complete set of plans will be required for review to determine meter requirements and System Development Charges. CC: Irma Boveda, Customer Service Manager KW COUNTY o MONROE KEY WEST FLORIDA 33040 (305) 294-4641 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Mayor Heather Carruthers, District 3 J%1r "r N ,Mayor Pro Tem David Rice, District 4 Kim Wigington, District 1 George Neugent, District 2 Sylvia 1. Murphy, District 5 fir.. w r* c°OFF 9iC tom° ,av TO: Rick Ekhoff and Members of the Higgs Beach Preservation Committee cc: Friends of Higgs Beach Board of Directors Bill Horn, Architect Jerry Barnett, MC Director Project Mgmt Roman Gastesi, MC Administrator Craig Cates, Mayor Key West Teri Johnston, Key West City Commissioner, District 5 FROM: Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers RE: Higgs Beach Park Master Plan Project DATE: January 7, 2011 Dear Rick and Members of the Higgs Beach Preservation Committee, Thank you for taking the time to meet with my office regarding your concerns with the Higgs Beach Master Plan. As discussed, a group of Key West residents has been meeting since February 2009 to seek solutions for improving the safety, beauty and use of Higgs Beach Park. I am enclosing a list of all the meetings that have been held over the past two years and how they have been publicized so that you will have a clearer understanding of the process we have been through to date. Let me begin by addressing specific concerns listed in your memo of December 26, 2010. nnr; PAR k As discussed, the small dog park must be relocated due to the significant historical discovery of African refugee graves beneath it. We have addressed your concerns regarding the relocation in these ways: 1. The small dog park is now located adjacent to the large dog park in the southeast corner of the park. 2. The adjacent entrance to the park has been gracefully redesigned as a "gateway" at the three- way intersection of White Street and Atlantic Boulevard (not a roundabout). 3. The plans will call for decorative metal fencing, NOT chain link. MULTI -PURPOSE FIELD As discussed, soccer was one possible use of this space. There was never any intention to stripe the area or to install Astroturf. We have addressed your concerns regarding this space in these ways: 4. Removed any designation of use and redefined the area as "open green space." 5. Removed the 15' fence along White Street. 6. Called fora 6' decorative (not chain link) fence along the White Street edge of the open space with taller trees bordering it to prohibit any Frisbees, footballs or soccer balls from landing in traffic (should the space be used spontaneously in any of these ways). WHITE STREET PARKING LOT We have addressed your concerns regarding this lot in these ways: 7. Eliminated the White Street parking lot entirely. 8. Incorporated additional spaces into other lots within the park. HERITAGE TRAIL CENTER This Center is a "Community Oriented Facility" planned for the Key West community section of the Overseas Heritage Trail. It is not a trailhead facility. In reviewing the Florida Keys Scenic Highway Interpretive Plan (page 23), there is no requirement for bus parking at such facilities; thus concerns that tour buses will be dropping off large crowds of tourists there are unfounded. We have addressed your concerns regarding the Center in the following ways: 9. There will be no showers. 10. The platform at the west edge of the open green space (as well as the covered path to it from the Center) has been eliminated. 11. The Center has been scaled back to 1500 to 1800 interior square feet. 12. Tour buses, trolleys and trains will be prohibited from dropping off riders at the Center. 13. There will be no food and beverage concessions in the Center. There are several reasons why we feel this Center is vital to the park's rehabilitation. • It provides a core, a heart to the park. • It provides restrooms on the north side of the road for those using the dog park, tennis courts, open green space and fitness trail. • It invigorates the "grass" side of the park. The more the park is utilized for legitimate recreation by residents and visitors, the less likely it is to be used for illegitimate purposes or as temporary housing. • It makes sense to locate the Center here, where the bike path around the southern portion of the island ends. Locals and visitors alike make frequent use of the South Roosevelt/Atlantic Boulevard bike path. • As part of the Overseas Heritage Trail, the Center can open funding opportunities that will limit the need to use taxpayer ad valorem dollars for the park's restoration. TENNIS AND PICKLE BALL COURTS There is no net increase in the space dedicated to tennis or pickleball. We have addressed your concerns in these ways: 14. Eliminated one tennis court. 15. Moved the pickleball courts to the west edge of the park. PARKING LOT PROXIMITY TO CASA MARINA COURT RESIDENCE We have addressed your concern in this way: 16. Included planting and green space on the north side of the lot to beautify the view for Casa Marina Court residents. SALUTE We have addressed your concerns in these ways: 17. Allowed for vehicular access at the rear of the restaurant. 18. Redesigned the entrance to the restaurant to create a greater presence. PARK EDGE ALONG CASA MARINA COURT As discussed, we have received mixed messages from the Casa Marina neighbors regarding how they would like the north edge of the park to be handled. We are willing to work with the neighbors once a verifiable consensus has been reached regarding their desires. Specific issues: Fencin • We need to know whether neighbors want a fence or do not want a fence. • If a fence is desired, it will be a decorative metal fence, not chain link. • There will be landscaping along the Casa Marina edge of the park whether or not a fence is desired. Entry Points at Grinnell and Whalton Streets • Again, we need consensus from the neighbors here. Some complain that Grinnell is used as a thoroughfare for vagrants entering the park and would prefer there be a fence and no entrance there. (It should be noted that as the number of legitimate users of the park increases, the likelihood of vagrants inhabiting the park diminishes.) Others would like a welcoming access at both Whalton and Grinnell. Again, when there is verifiable consensus, we will plan accordingly. • We had proposed two storage units to hide unsightly yet necessary equipment used in park maintenance. These units would be shielded by landscaping. It was suggested that the storage space be attached to the rear of the Overseas Heritage Trail Center instead. However, that plan would increase the footprint of a building that we have worked to downsize, and would present the neighbors with a view of, essentially, a garage. We feel the storage sheds as proposed will be less intrusive and more useful. Overflow Parking • If the neighbors so desire, they can request that the City erect "no parking" signs or "resident parking only" signs in the neighborhood to prevent overflow parking. It should be noted that such parking already occurs, however, for events like July 4tn Noise from Park Activities • Moving "noisy" activities like the dog park and the playground closer to the beach should diminish noise intrusion along Casa Marina Court. • The paved volleyball court and handball courts close to Casa Marina Court have been eliminated from the grass side of the park. • Some increase in noise may occur, but that is not necessarily a negative. It would suggest that the park is becoming revitalized with increased recreational use. Visual Impact • The plan includes considerable landscaping using native, drought- and salt -tolerant plants throughout the park. • Beautifying the park is one of the reasons that this entire project was begun. • Eliminating asphalt from the volleyball and handball courts and around the FAA tower and removing the tower itself will improve the visual impact of the park. • There is a net increase of green space and open, non -paved space throughout the park under this plan. Vagrants and Overall Security • Experience has shown that park areas frequented by residents and used recreationally dissuade vagrants from congregating there. The point of this process is to reinvigorate Higgs Beach Park for the people who live here. • Security has already been increased. 19. A deputy patrols the park 5 hours a day during the off-season and 8 hours a day during high season and on holidays. 20. Emergency call boxes have been installed. • This was the first time we had heard of a request for 24-hour security. The park's official hours are dawn until 11pm. Vagrants have the option of KOTS on Stock Island for overnight and they must arrive by nightfall. It is illegal to sleep in public areas such as Higgs Beach. In addition, Mayor Craig Cates is working on a more permanent solution to the issue of homelessness in Key West. • Additional security could be provided if a self-sustaining revenue stream can be established to pay for it. LIGHTS As discussed, 21. There will be no lights added for tennis courts or green space. Some lighting will be required in the parking lots to meet code, but it will be low -impact and shaded from Casa Marina Court. 22. Low -impact solar lighting may be added along walkways. It should be noted that lighting improves security at night. ASTRO CITY (Kid's Playground) As discussed, many parents have requested that the playground be located on the beach side of the road so that • Parents can enjoy the beach while they watch their children. • Children do not have to cross the road to use the bathroom. In addition, some of the equipment (particularly the climbing equipment) is nearing the end of its 30- year life span and needs to be replaced. With the playground on the beach side of the road, the County can use tourist impact fees (rather than ad valorem tax dollars) to pay for new equipment and, at the same time, move noise away from neighbors and address safety and convenience issues. Therefore, we are proposing "phasing" the playground by locating the new equipment within the footprint of the ultimate location of the new playground. We have addressed your concerns in the following ways: 23. The failing equipment will be removed from the existing Astro Park. Equipment that is still operable will remain in the current fenced location. 24. New equipment will be located in an area approximately half the size of the current playground until such time as the road is moved and the new footprint is established. a. This means that parents and children will have two options for a playground experience over the next four or five years. b. There will be no net loss of playground area either in the interim or in the final plan. 25. The playground equipment will be designed with community input to reflect the character of Key West. 26. Two of the existing concrete cabanas will be removed. The remaining cabanas will be incorporated as shade structures within the Phase 1 fenced playground. FYI, the County has no plans to remove any existing Australian pine trees to accommodate the new beachside playground. While your December 26t" memo did not address the moving of the road, I would like to reiterate the very valid reasons for doing so. • Currently, the bike trail along the south side of the road requires cyclists to cross Atlantic Boulevard near West Martello and then cross back again if they wish to continue to bike along the beach. • The parking lot is out of code, with cars backing directly into traffic and into the path of bicyclists. • It provides sufficient space for the playground of the same size as the current Astro Park to be on the beach side of the road. • The road is dangerously close -- just five feet -- to the brick fagade of the historic West Martello. • Moving more activity to the beach side decreases the noise for the adjacent neighborhood. • The road transgresses over historic gravesites. • Moving the road increases that portion of the park that is considered "beach," which opens up considerable options for funding through tourist impact fees (TDC regulated funds including the Special Higgs Beach Fund) rather than ad valorem taxes. During our last meeting, concern was also suddenly raised that more people, including tourists, might be using the park. We don't believe that is a bad thing. The more use it receives, the healthier and more secure it will be. We believe that we have developed a plan that will allow us to use primarily non -ad valorem revenue sources to provide locals with a desired amenity that will increase nearby property values. Fears that tour buses and trolleys will spill hundreds of tourists in the center of the park should not be built on inaccurate ideas of the requirements for the Overseas Heritage Trail Center. There is no requirement in the Florida Keys Scenic Highway Interpretive Plan for bus parking or drop-offs. Should we discover issues with long-term or overnight parking, we can address those concerns either through consideration of paid parking (in conjunction with special passes for locals and restrictions on parking on nearby streets) or parking restrictions. We will place restrictions on commercial traffic within the park. Further, should residents truly oppose the current use of White Street and Atlantic Boulevard as a trolley stop, they should consult with their Key West City representatives as the County has no jurisdiction over the approved trolley stops on City streets. Please also note that this project will be developed to LEED standards utilizing sustainable technology such as solar lighting as much as possible. It is our goal to make Higgs Beach Park truly "green." As I hope you will see, we have been through a very long process in developing the plan that we intend to present to the BOCC this month. Still, we have taken 26 specific steps to address the concerns that your group has raised in the past few weeks. The Friends of Higgs Beach feel strongly that we should proceed with the plan as currently drawn. This is at least the second time in 12 years that we have attempted as a community to improve this property, and the process this time has been considerably more thorough and robust than in the past. We hope you will agree that we have addressed your concerns and will support the development of what we know will be a great asset to your property, quality of life and to the community as a whole. HIGGS BEACH RENOVATION & MASTER PLAN MEETINGS DATE FORMAT LOCATION ATTENDEES NOTICE 2/6/09 Public Meeting Salute General Public Ad, EBlast, radio, MCTV, web 2/13/09 Meeting Gato Bldg Constituent Grps Blast Email FoHB 2/26/09 Working Meeting Gato HB Working Grp EMail 3/2/09 Info Gathering HB HC, TJ, SB, & homeless 3/4/09 Student mtg KWHS Students (4-121" gr) School selection 3/21/09 Public Input Higgs Bch Public Ad, blast, radio, blast, BOCC mtg, City Com mtg 4/3/09 Working Meeting HGC FoHB Working EMail 4/14/09 Informational SofKW Playground interest Blast FoHB 4/22/09 Planning Meeting Gato FoHB HB Planning Email 4/30/09 Working Meeting HGC FoHB Working EMail 5/20/09 Project funding DAC 1 TDC notice (ad, web, etc.) 6/4/09 Planning Meeting HGC FoHB Planning Email 6/18/09 BOD BOCC 3 FoHB BOD Email 7/9/09 Committee Meeting HGC FoHB Planning Email 8/3/09 Committee Meeting HGC FoHB Planning Email 8/21/09 BOD BOCC 3 BOD FoHB Email 8/25/09 Informational BOCC 3 Heritage Trail Reps 9/17/09 water quality HGC FOHB Reps Email 9/18/09 Committee Meeting HGC FoHB Planning Email 9/29/09 BOD BOCC 3 FOHB BOD Email 10/15/09 Proj Mgmt mtg HGC FOHB & MC Staff Email 11/6/09 security mtg HGC FOHB & Law enforc Email 11/19/09 BOD BOCC 3 FoHB BOD Email 1/25/10 BOD BOCC 3 FoHB BOD Email 2/12/10 Committee mtg HGC FoHB Planning Email 2/19/10 BOD BOCC 3 FoHB BOD Email 3/19/10 BOD BOCC 3 FoHB BOD Email 4/7/10 Committee meeting HGC FoHB Planning Email HIGGS BEACH RENOVATION & MASTER PLAN MEETINGS DATE FORMAT LOCATION ATTENDEES NOTICE 4/14/10 Neighborhood mtg Private home Neighbors Neighbor invitation 4/15/10 Concession mtg Salute Richard Hatch/Horn 4/26/10 Whistling Dk Pond info Private home Fran Ford, Sue Sullivan, CAS 4/28/10 City Staff Meeting City Offices Planner/HARC/Bicycle 5/12/10 Neighbor Meeting Casa Marina GM/Horn Hotel 5/21/10 Info gathering African Memorial African Memorial 5/26/10 DAC 1 Pier House Public Through TDC 6/11/10 BOD BOCC 3 FoHB BOD Email 6/22/10 Master Plan Public Mtg #1 HGC Bill Horn / Public Ads, radio, MCTV, EBlast, Web 7/9/10 Committee Mtg Gato FoHB Planning Email 7/14/10 Park Amenity Mtg Higgs Beach Garden Club/Dog Park 7/19/10 BOD BOCC 3 FoHB BOD Email 7/21/10 BOCC presentation HGC BOCC mtg/Public Ads, MCTV, Web, EBlast 8/12/10 Master Plan Public Mtg #2 HGC Bill Horn / Public Ads, MCTV, EBlast, Web 8/13/10 BOD Gato FoHB BOD & public Announced at Public mtg 8/26/10 KW DRC mtg City Hall DRC memb /Public Through city 9/10/10 Committee mtg Gato FoHB Planning Email 10/13/10 DAC 1 Grand Key DAC 1 TDC (Ads, Web) 10/18/10 Advisory Mtg Gato Parks & Rec Comm Thru PW (ad) 11/12/10 Committee Mtg Gato FoHB Planning Email 12/2/10 Master Plan Public Mtg #3 HGC Public Ad, MCTV, EBlast, Web, radio 12/14/10 Neighbor mtg BOCC 3 Neighbors 12/16/10 Neighbor Meeting BOCC 3 Mayors & Neighbors 12/22/10 Neighbor Meeting BOCC 3 Mayor, City Comm, Neighbor Reps 1/4/11 Neighbor Reps BOCC 3 Neighbor reps HIGGS BEACH RENOVATION & MASTER PLAN MEETINGS DATE FORMAT LOCATION ATTENDEES NOTICE 1/5/11 BOD BOCC 3 FoHB BOD Email Friends of Higgs Beach (FoHB) FoHB Working Committee FoHB Planning Committee FoHB Board of Directors (BOD) All interested parties including elected officials, neighbors, community leaders and constituents 112 email addresses (inc 10 neighbors) Representative from each constituent group 45 email addresses (inc all constituent groups — 4 neighbors) Representatives working on Master Plan Project 34 email addresses (1 rep from constituent grp — inc 2 neighbors) Friends of Higgs Beach Board of Directors 7 member BOD representing various groups inc 1 neighbor z S:2 .2 arc :3 u `fix 5c Lai ir at -c Bt Y (n LL- cc 0 �- 0 LLI < z 0 -j W a. 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C� . — V a) CL U c: 4� 4� +-j +-j I ago . � +-j b�A • — cn O cr� • • • • • • • • • • ail CC7 F r� V d� o s3 r3 91 n 1S] CLARENCE HIGGS BEACH - MASTER PLAN PUBLIC MEETING #3 DECEMBER 2nd., 2010 NAME ADDRESS PHONE/EMAIL 'Airs Lembo 13 El;0(t SO4-OM CUmb06) KtysJ#,3;kl Hii,, a �C e/t���v�vif Ra NW SL, f.M�aMr �3�L7,2)ty 3oS•R�`N76YD% rnrty1k '��.�, f \ i, c4o ta.- it-4, 1-o2exypi, G se-n ""61 c;. 4 c%, oti,vq ao so (4aw Fl09 k ")iv^o�7q JOS25'1-mar Il05 nn.._(Ij— 311tiS-�4S-fixo3 32of. f.i Avc 255- SS55 5tO w :Ili«.,.. S f ''i4 Z• 106 ClCiA»s. eao(d�afl•� 1 I ou64 S�wwM�j 290to A..r+,vYji 4 h on S1- C i nd-i Kul (� �Sau •-`�'^ CLARENCE HIGGS BEACH — MASTER PLAN PUBLIC MEETING #3 NAME ADDRESS DECEMBER 2nd., 2010 4,1 a X15o:z.t3�A.Zo'ri� 3o.Qif�i.;�i4 PHONE/EMAIL r ILI r-L 1p Vie.. L.�� p110 A I __ PYAIAA��I � � Ise. AK 7f) &re-r-�� .� A q�A1 f Its sty rLIZAbow 01olip T AL 30So. Roes•ift'vo rY"s r4067M4; C+ , 1: 3 s S-k r /.Z Or Y'a reO4. � � � IYIIrIMl1�l��I � MII I Y r /�I11�1 I Clarence Hies Beach Public Meeting #3 Public Comment: 1. Pond is drainage area and breeding area for mosquitoes. Can we fix or improve? 2. Creation of grand park entrance could change 41 existing traffic patterns and impact neighborhoods by diverting current traffic from going through the park. 3. Parking issue — is there enough for the uses? 4. Garden Club parking for special events? Locate loading zones for special events at the Fort. 5. Perimeter —open or closed? Location of fences? Where are fences needed? Fences needed for security. No chain link. 6. Traffic circles can be positive. 7. Charge for the parking — how much? What type.? 8. This is a County Beach — why is the City involved.? 9.Ongoing Sherriff Deputy presence? Would address current security issues. 10, Tennis courts what about renting for use? 11. Water feature for playground could have a small user fee. No fee for playground use. 12. Assessing fees for large user groups. 13. What about use of existing bandstands? 14, Path that is in between Fort and White Street Pier could be used for special event loading. 15. What can be done before the prior to moving the road? 16, Move homeless to Stock Island daycare center. 17. Will additional bathroom be added within playground? 18, Proposed water feature is costly. Can solar power be used? 19. Currently people use/read African Memorial. With the larger graveyard area identified want to maintain the intimacy of memorial. Create connection with AIDS Memorial. Need to look at the area. Create view corridors. 20, Looks like a lot of additional concrete adjacent to Casa Marina Court. Parking in the center of the park where it is now green space. Like park as it is. 21. Can parking be located at either end of the park and not in the center of the space. 22, Look at the impact of traffic circle and how it gets people into the park. 23. Consider impact of future flooding and corrosion with the water feature? Salt in the jets etc. 24. Where will the current County maintenance equipment be located and how is the equipment used? 25, How will the mulch be stored that is generated from cleaning the beach? 26. What will happen to the current handball courts? 27, Burial grounds should be excavated to verify the locations of the actual graves. Water moat and railroad were located in this area. 28, Rest Beach was a slaughter house. Are the graves human bones? 29. Change can be good — even though not initially welcomed. 30. Need to have enough bike racks. Be mindful of bikes, pedestrians and cars in the round about design. 31. What is the purpose of the round about if it is intended to act as a four way stop. 32, Impact of sand and sanitation. In light of the current science maybe another ground cover or surface to park areas. 33, My family loves the Australian Pine trees. Let's maintain the existing eight trees. 34, Maintain the funkiness and current charm of the park. 35. Grand entrances could dissuade people entering the park. 36. Controled hours for dog park operation. ADDITIONAL COMMENTS - HIGGS BEACH PUBLIC MEETING #3 DECEMBER 2nd., 2010 COMMENTS �. S &,r4 j\ T- rD P,qRr of rY 466�— Fwra2r 3 /f. Yeu wi L k. �✓�'t D �oRF' PARMinc �- WHa Du/NS 'rlf� P,r'�e?sw.�.r' Te Do i9�J 6�t`NT ON /T. ?Tkt'ywr•ti� hleTri+A,[..to� ?a/N10+4D XiB' ALIF/w 29It ..- 9':3 p f 4. r .7 PC c > a 4 rn Ai C m 0 m rn a zx 0 10. EP Z rn X op " rFj 0 Z V) Ir Ji C) cli 'A r-i 41 Cj 1p 4L -9 0 _0 z 40�UZR rTl ;oOOM 0u 00 U) > m CD 0 z > rr, rn < rn ;o m --I co M > 0 0 < Z :* !, > G) T ek rn m -0 Z 0 rri C -n m --i;u z z 5 =1 T m '41 0 Z,;K H 0 m z 'o— C-) C) r- 0— �u o z o z Z > M M 0 co U9 en r ooz 0 CID 0 -71 Z M 0 Z M --I _,I c A C) _ 0 (1) 0 0 m -n Ln > m m -n M m INN z --i > M M rq 0 Ln > 0 A ELI 2: Z m 0 Q) A 0 0 r eh cl Lq LA n F C� I C� '10 A rrl 1=7 7V tj M X CC L MRS. EMIS M z 41 110. � 0 rn 7,1 0 O 71 0 rn %6 plo Al i ray, b 1p C) INA wo 401- ep A3 0 V Sk > m m IP FTI 0 1-00ozzoo 0> M m 0 < > C K 0 m > --I z "0 mwwwcK C) oco;oa =>!k > A I I > z > , * z m 0 G) zo m > -0 < C m u ; o U) mz cmn rr, m 71 z 0 m OMTOW zz m < m CU M C) -A rn o _j � > zoffi--�o m 0 0 -j -u 0E- cn m 0 > 0 m m 0 6 m m r- 0 m r :jig wo- rri ri 0 Po rri 0 0 > < F > 0 W 6 5—, > M 0 > m m 0 C/) -< M* >000--i Cl) C/) z -n 22 ;b m -U 0 0 X Z 0 cn 0 < o > C: K m (n m K > --j Z m C/) C/) cz 0 cz o 1 — > CC) > > r- z 0 > zm� oM o<x 0 M M M x Cl) (n > M m -n c zoxo-o --Jcn qmocf)-a ;Moo co ;u (n K M 0 < — a) M —n —n m > 0 — > 0 mr, (n 0 m C) 0 cnU) a: cn > n -u --I CD ;u m m < 0 0 6 m z m -0 m 0 o Z > -4 (n ;u n U) ;rl m co > m 0 mi f m -u cz 2 c� rTl n GI z z E c m ro7 z Lou � C)9s / O n q O � o A. 0000so v' s D ITT m m 0 l mT A p is �P � m � zg m > y p g< 1, 1 cn \ � rn m > � _ g E o - M xm;u co z m A ��� i m r \� O O % Z 1 y I z � \ z> \ I \ C O `0 < o N � \ z' m mm aoC: N a -_ / ,�; O ---- �pF cn O m \ y y m T o n I O v \ / D 93 a� . cncnp�>�maz000m -n2�mm r D Z Dco��zmOD O flm �pmmm 0 mmm-0CzcnD O cn im0cn o-omm0co p <G�TI-rl�OrM> O ozOmcn0D= � O M r � n 2 Dm�p Ln a (n0 mm moo5m > m -u m p Zm> O m 7s 10 G 1 F� a � Apr ti F T 0 a a i .P `O O o a c z --� [/� y -� z s r r y m w y rC L 7 ao y -yi a o �n lT7 5 o Q 2 n m S m ,rm- o k O O 9 C -j y y vi +. a z c C x Ci7 L7 c N m oo�re C vm o va m oZ o n O w b f 9 r a W lT] y Cn A G u m S zpc z ti c� $ a a N y m -3 nm -�uz zz i z �' _ v -ezmoY o^� m z a- :m �- i a �� z Lou of M -Tl 71 C� > rq Z CD >X C> > z 0 Ul 0 C: z M Q M V 00 < CA ao ri 0 X z m 0 m> m m fi < 0 0M > *m,>00-1 mc) (n 0 --� -u C* 0 0 x � 0 0 0 > ;cc)—< o>,--m 0 r- mo4mK>-Azn >E >7jZ *j>zmo> G)C) M > -z < Mm x ZrT1 m 0 m rn C) 71 -0 C rT,--I cn > Z m M 0 o -V 0 ci z z I m o M C) -q -n M > o 0 C) cn rT, �Q r- Fn -0 -� 0 cl) cn m > -n -u -1 (n m m > M o yes z < mCl) 7: z m m Zr > 0 V� rf 7 C? IF LA T 2m 0 70 77 .n F91 r� r*a Du F)m PZ0 x 2 o r Z Q co m � z� o -I EnQ C z Ma <W 0 mm va 0 0 Z d � ? �u C AS (A m O M A f9'I O � � e 4 O N't It1 4 i _ L y fj rn 14 -{ Q 4 - q I 6) o m M m ' rn > Y C ❑ m m C) rn f ~ a m m cn cn c C�7 [77 r tip' � iIF4 y f c m 3 q> ti } Fi%i�'�. I t' S. 4 J m Z qi if { m Cl)[!a n Z m 7J 7 Mr- Z -� to 0 0 m � 0 co o> k M o - < C7 o a rmr, �" m cmr'� > -A z �_ m yam m z zm p �Q<' -� mmrn m z rn EZ) m m[+�m�°Grn Q Ise'` � Fri Cs m r y 0 Om m Qom ', d y n E l- From: Helen Harrison <hh@harrison-gallery.com> Subject: Higgs Beach Pines... AMENDED (in blue) Date: January 18, 2011 3:51:21 PM EST To: carruthers heather <boccdis3@monroecounty-fl.gov>, neugent george <boccdis2@monroecounty- fl.gov>, murphy sylvia <boccdis5@monroecounty-fl.gov>, wigington kim <boccdisl @monroecounty- fl.gov>, rice-david@monroecounty-fl.gov Cc: cates craig <ccates@keywestcity.com>, schreck carol <carol.schreck@comcast.net> Reply -To: harrison helen <hh@harrison-gallery.com> Commissioners: Please note the amended wording in blue. I would appreciate it if theses comments were included in the record. Thank you. Helen Harrison RESOLVED That the mature Australian Pines (Casuarinas) currently providing much needed shade as well as natural beauty for residents and visitors to enjoy at Higgs Beach should be preserved; And while noting that this category of trees has been labeled as an exotic invasive species even though they have been resident there for many years without taking over the surrounding areas; And noting that while many environmentalists generally support$ the removal of exotic invasive species it should be recognized that the threat posed by these specific trees is insignificant when compared to their vital function as shade trees and their valuable contribution to the overall attractiveness of Higgs Beach; And further noting that the inhospitable growing conditions at Higgs Beach with its sand and rock soil and constant exposure to salt air and water, makes the growing of any replacement shade species impractical without complete soil replacement as well as the permanent provision of a fresh water source at great expense; The County Commission therefore directs that no Australian Pines be removed in connection with the proposed development of Higgs Beach unless health or safety risks are determined to necessitate their removal. Harrison Gallery 825 White St. Key West, FL 33040 305-294-0609