Resolution 029-1997
Commissioner London
RESOLUTION NO. 029 -1997
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA. RECOGNIZING A HAZARDOUS TRAFFIC
SITUATION ON BIG PINE KEY; SANCTIONING EFFORTS TO R~EDY THE.
PROBLEM; AND PROPOSING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THIRCIa-ANE 01'tS
U.S. 1 THROUGH THE BUSINESS SECTOR OF BIG PINE KEY. ~ r- ~
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WHEREAS, there has existed on U.S. 1, Big Pine Key, a major traff~. problel'"9:>due ,l6 the
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existence on both sides of the road of numerous businesses and due to:fhe frequiiint neeO for
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patrons to turn left and cross the oncoming traffic lane in order to access said businesses; and
WHEREAS, innumerable complaints have been received through public hearings,
individual telephone calls to Commissioners, and media articles and letters to the editor from
business proprietors, visitors driving to Key West, residents, and the Sheriff's Department. inter alia,
regarding loss of business, extensive delays in reaching destination, inability to attend to business,
and traffic control, respectively; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation will not address the problem due to the
State's requirements that adjustments be made to the Monroe County Comprehensive Plan; and
WHEREAS, the traffic congestion is magnified tremendously during the winter influx of
tourists and vacation-home owners; and
WHEREAS, U.S. 1 is the only road that traverses Big Pine Key, posing a very real danger of
slowing or stopping fire, ambulance and law enforcement vehicles attempting to cross the island
on emergency calls, which may contribute to the loss of life or property due to the inability of
emergency equipment to respond; and
WHEREAS, a number of traffic experts have stated on the record that the only viable
solution to this traffic problem is the creation of a third lane through the business district; NOW
THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY,
FLORIDA that
Section 1.
Section 2.
There is declared to be a serious traffic problem on U.S. 1, Big Pine Key.
The traffic congestion on Big Pine Key poses a serious hindrance to the
continued viability of the businesses abutting U.S. 1 and a hazard for potential accidents by
impatient. frustrated drivers.
Section 3.
Section 4.
The problem needs to be constructively addressed.
All legitimate avenues, including .but not limited to, lobbying state legislators
and the Governor's cabinet to obtain approval for and construction of a third lane on U.S. 1
through the business district of Big Pine Key, Monroe County, Florida, be utilized in resolving the
problem.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida,
at a regular meeting of the Board held on the 19 th day of February ,1997.
Mayor Douglass
Mayor Pro T em London
Commissioner Harvey
Commissioner Freeman
Commissioner Reich
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absent
(SEAL)
ATTEST: DANNY L. KOLHAGE. CLERK
ByiL,..t.te. ~
Deputy Clerk
aa/resord2/usl bpkl