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Item M04 Time Certain Request Board of County Commissioners Agenda Item Summary Meeting Date: April 19, 2000 Division: B.O.C.C. Department: George Neugent Bulk Item: Yes No x Agenda Item W ordi~g: / Discussion regarding the potential purchase of the Big Pine Flea Market property located on US 1 for the purpose of a community center/park/ball field. Item Background: Steve Miller approached District II in an effort to gain support for the need of additional baseball fields on Big Pine Key. He will be giving a presentation and sharing letters of support from the community. Previous Relevant BOCC Action: Commissioner Recommendation: Total Cost: N/A Budgeted: Yes No Cost to County Revenue Producing: Yes_ No_ Amt per month Year Approved By: Risk Mgmt Documentation: Included To Follow V Not Required _ Agenda Item # 1-/tILI Disposition: P_2 7-05-19959:19PM FROM .....TrIIIC fI.M. 3125 Pulrn\lUO Sl 8igPiDD IC.cly. FlClrida 33043 USA J t4lODe JOS..8?2-4369 F8lt 305-&72-Q472 April 17,2000 m-~ ----- Monroe County Commissioners Dear Commissioners, Please don't take away our.Flea Market,,!!! I think I uDderstand all sides of the issue but many changes have oCOJred making some of the concerns n:dunderrt. I understand that Jim Youns bas had the property tbr sale for quite some time. In the past, traffic bas been quite coogested on StitunJays, but this only occured about 3-4 times this entire season- Business people at the Chamber ofComlUerce have given. this report. as well as stating the ban C)1l short term rentals appem to be the culprit. The Big Pine Flea Market has become a weeldy social event for many people on the island. locals 8$ wellu seasonal people_ Many don't even shop for general merchandise. They come for breakfast with their ftiends, shop for the best produce C)1l the island and re!Um to their h~s. Since sehool enrollment bas dropped by SO% since Georges. the neigbborhood school is now going to close. Not only is there room for ball fields on that property, but there are two buildings suitable for a library and childrens activities such as ans and erafts, Brownies, Girl Scouts etc_ Yes, 1 am a Flea Market Vendor_The projected income for the next several years is my retirement. f also have a full time (mortgage payins) job at Kessler Rehab here on Big Pine. I-low many more families with young childten are going to move out of the Keys because they simply cannot afford the cost of living? How big of a decrease in highway traffic are we going to see OVe( the next few years as more and more short term rernals decide to tow the line? There is a lot to consider here. I kept looking for the petition to sign to keep the Flea Market, but unable to locate one. There are many people, customers included, who are hoping to see the market continue in the same location. Thank you for your ~on_ Sincerely, J!jlAP- IL'~7~ Karen Kieling 7-05-19959:19PM April 18, 2000 TO: FROM: RE: Hi Belle, FROM George Neugent Monroe County Commissioner, District 2 25 Ships Way Big Pine Key, FL 33043 Phone # 305-872-1678 FAX # 30$-872-9195 II Belle County Clerks Office Terri for Commissioner Neugent Item M-4 (April 19) Please read the following letter into the record at tomorrows meeting. Thanks. P.1 April 10, 2000 To Whom It May Concern: RE: BIG PINE FLEA MARKET Gentlemen: I am writing this letter to voice my concems about the situation regarding the sale of this property to built an athletic field. I am a vendor at this market and have been for quite sometime. I own a trailer located at the Seahorse RV Park on County Road and pay on a yearly basis. I purchased this Trailer so that I would have a home away from home when I work the market. I pay over $3600.00 a year to this park. Just for a point of information, I hold down a full time job in Broward County in the insurance business (I do the market for fun). I also spend quite abit of money at the local stores, Winn Dixie, PizzaWorks, China Garden, The Quik Mart and other retail establishments on Big Pine. If this proposal were to go thru, you would not only be hurting the 50 or so families that need this market to make a living (and these families all reside on Big Pine) but you would also be hurting your retail establishments that are greatly supported by the Vendors that shop every weekend when they come into to\\'11 for the market. Also, think about the vtinter residence that stay in the motorhomes, or R V and that stay in Big Pine because of this market, you would be loosing them to your establishments. And the residences that do not own cars that could not travel outside Big Pine to shop, how are they to survive. If Steve Miller thinks by building this athletic field, it would cut down on the traffic in season, he is strongly mistaken. If these parents think that by a new athletic field will make a difference in how the children are brought up, what these parents need to do is: spend more quality time with them instead of shipping them off to a ball field so that they can spend more time in the bars. I personally feel that ifthis proposal were to go thru, you would be jeopardizing your Island, not inhancing it. D..IY\ Mrs. Hareen S. Gershman 2901 SW 84th Avenue Davie, Florida 33328 (954) 476-6491 - Home (954) 735-5500 ext 206 - Work Ap~'-I /9,00 f hltt/G' beeN It vt'tl dol( cr+ +he (3/7 ,p(J~ ley FleA fJ'?/JRle+ ;:0 f( r A e L /fs.J.- !o f f!flRs. :r ftJ/'eAI/SEd /'i A~me /9-/l/d 19 K'tJ 11!-/9 / h f) Ir7 e f IV !3/~ p//}e.., MF.fusbfl-tifd uJORKS. 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PD/t-J~ ~'''j W.f..- ~d A--I- ~ pc~ ~~ fo f!'f"le~B~ /;,cu__ A--w'J, W~ 5t~ * G1t4f" [;lP~ ()~ (fWL lJ4LN ''':\..$ J N v.4.- ~ ~ fJ-A. et4~ 1J.5 W..e..- tYlLfL.- /tV 131'Jj, ~':"..e K~~ ~ d 4, s. .. f;V~ (3 \.4, 7 (!)u4- ~ G/~ 19-::1- V 1-J.PJ% heCA4-/oJV:5 'fkak- () ~ Ih{)~f<,b~ Cew.'~' {}~ 1f~~: L7 ~ f<~ G~.j./4;k r4)l.,eS /'p ~~}/hDNiloe ~ Ifp..,(., t)rJ.e,v ;).. ~~s4-d' po I..IA><-$" IJd/- . J.., .A1._l3 D ~ g/fV~ :z::o.,..> <:t <r..,..-. W/I..J<:.or Il S'J " iJi::> ,. lft> 5,e~~,v Co,,/.Il-- IY.. J<~ l-A4t;. "03 ? " -- // P.O. Box 510137 Key Colony Beach, FL 33051-0137 April 14, 2000 ~~ Monroe County Commissioners: We have been year-round, property-owning residents of Monroe county and vendors at the Big Pine Flea Market for the past four years. We are very concerned at the threat now presented to a vital portion of our livelihood and want to take this opportunity to give our input to the potential sale of the flea market property to buyers that would discontinue its use as a flea market. We frequently hear the negatives associated with the flea market and the vendors. For example, it has been widely discussed that most of the vendors are from Miami and just take their money and run. We for one - and there are many like us -live here. That means that we purchase virtually all our day to day items locally including food, household items, our truck and our boat, fuel for both, utilities, entertainment, etc. On these purchases we pay sales tax from which Monroe County benefits - we also pay tangible taxes, intangible taxes, and real estate taxes for which the county also benefits. We contribute time and money to local charities. At the flea market, we collect and remit sales tax and purchase licenses for the business. In other words, we don't take the money and run - our money stays right here for the Keys benefit. If people really think about it, the mainland vendors also support our local economy by purchasing food, lodging, fuel and entertainment. One vendor just spent several thousand dollars on car repairs locally - this was their choice versus taking the business out of the Keysl It should be obvious that the seasonal vendors - those living here for two to five months a year - contribute just like those of us who live here year-round. Many vendors employ local people - including teenagers. Yet another economic i benefit to the community. In addition to the economic contributions, the vendors at the flea market also provide an outstanding shopping alternative. There is nowhere else in the Keys with the vast selection of goods and services in a wide variety of prices that makes shopping available to virtually all income levels. Even though we are technically "past season" and some vendors are no longer here, on Saturday April 8th there were over 125 vendclrs and on Sunday there were over 60 vendors - it's the Keys' Mall of America! The shopping alternative is closely tied to the entertainment and social element. It's a place where people meet each other, catch up on goings-on and it's a great place to bring Keys' visitors. These are a few of the economic and social aspects from which we as vendors and you as representatives of the county benefit directly from the flea market; it's possible demise must not be taken lightly. Of course, the traffic issue is always a major contention when discussing the flea market. The facts are that: · Yes, the flea market contributes to poor traffic flow. However...this occurs one day a week for a maximum of three months. What traffic flow impacts will alternative uses have - or has that been examined more scientifically than an intuitive feeling? · Even without the flea market, Big Pine will experience traffic delays. Part of the reason is the strictly enforced 45-mile hour speed limit and the extended time at the traffic light; the other part is that the Keys' traffic problems exist from the other side of 18-mile stretch to mile marker 0 in Key West. The flea market is a contributor, but not the sole cause. We are certainly not against having adequate recreational activities for the youth of Big Pine, but acquisition of 30 plus acres for additional ball fields seems to be treating the illness with an overdose versus a measured alternative. · What other options have been examined and evaluated? There must be smaller parcels that could be considered or a shared use of the flea market parcel. · With approximately 5,000 acres in restricted use now, does it make sense to put even more into that category? · How does the athletic association and/or county expect to pay the acquisition cost PLUS the development costs and the ongoing maintenance costs? While there is minimal clearing required, the development and ongoing maintenance costs cannot be considered minimal. We have certainly not heard that our county is flush with funds. · If incorporation of Big Pine passes, how will these funds be obtained? In summary, we want to express our concern that viable economic and social contributors -in both vendors and the market itself - may be sacrificed without due consideration to alternatives. There is no question that if the flea market is closed, the county and Big Pine will experience economic and social losses. Thank you in advance for your consideration of our input. Donald J. and S. Renee Svendsen Jan Allman P.O. Box 2337 Key West, FL 33045 April 7, 2000 I have been a vendor at the Big Pine Flea Market for approximately 13 years. My son and grandson work with me. I guess I have been at the market almost since its inception. We are12-month residents of Monroe County. We pay rent on that basis, we also pay taxes and the youngest household member attends elementary school. We shop for virtually everything in Big Pine or Key West and so spend our money here. (We don't even buy things on the internet.) We are involved in the community and are considered assets. I also believe the Flea Market to be an asset to the community. I know the market is blamed for for a myriad of ills including deer deaths, traffic congestion and injured businesses, but I disagree. In all the years I have been at the market I have never heard of a vendor or a customer killing a deer. Sure there is an increase in traffic, but congestion exists even when the market is closed! And, since I have owned a retailing establishment, I know that increased traffic (vehicular and foot) means more business for all and, thus, more money coming over the counter. So I reject the notion that the market hurts area retailers. Conversely, I believe the absence of the market will be devastating to surrounding businesses because the market pulls people into Big Pine from Key West to Key Largo. I know, I take checks from people with those addresses. The resuh is more business for local restaurants, gas stations and the businesses who catch the eyes of these travelers. I stated that I have been at the market for I3-years. Hopefully I have been an asset to the Big Pine commwrity by being there. I hope to continue my business there for several more years. ,-;., V (:1)' truly your~'"'J. . --- ) 'U' /)'.// ".,. / u'" :;.-.... #~~ -e:.t!---..,. 7L-<~'L"K -> ~/ ./ -.- // (// Jan Allman MY WIFE AND I MOVED TO FLORIDA, IN 1986. WE TOOK OUR ENTIRE LIFE SAVINGS, AND PUT IT [NTO A SHOE STORE IN HOMESTEAD. WITHIN A MATTER OF JUST A FEW MONTHS, WE COULD SEE THE HA.1'IffiWRITING ON THE WALL. THE STORE WAS NOT GOING TO MAKE IT. WE HAD TO DO SOJ\1ETHlNG. WE HAD HEARD ABOUT A FLEA MARKET ON BIG PINE KEY, AND I STARTED BRINGING A LOAD OF SHOES DOWN TO THE MARKET EVERY WEEK-END, WHILE MY WIFE RAN THE SHOE STORE. WE DID BETTER AT THE MARKET, THAN WE WERE DOING AT THE STORE. WE CONTINUED DOING THE MARKET, AND BOTH OF US WORKED FULL TIME JOBS. WE WERE STARTING TO SEE A LITTLE DAYLIGHT, WHEN WE WERE TOTALLY AND COMPLETELY WIPED OUT BY HURRICANE ANDREW. WE MOVED TO THE KEYS, WHERE WE BOTH FOUND FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT, AND CONTINUED DOING THE FLEA MARKET ON THE .WEEK-ENDS, MAINLY SO THAT WE COULD TRY TO GET BACK ON OUR FEET, WITHOUT RESORTING TO OUTSIDE HELP. SINCE WE HAVE MOVED DOWN HERE, WE HAVE MANAGED TO RE-BUILD OUR HURRICANE DEVASTATED LIVES, BUT NOW, A HANDFUL OF PARENTS WANT TO TAKE THE MARKET A WAY FROM US, SO THAT A HANDFUL OF KIDS WILL HAVE A PLACE TO PLAY. THEY ALREADY HAVE A PLACE TO PLAY. THE PRO-BUY THE FLEA MARKET GROUP IS USING ALL KINDS OF EXCUSES AND PLOYS, TO TRY TO GET THEIR WAY; 1. THERE WILL BE LESS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS. 2. LESS KEY DEER WILL BE KILLED. 3. WE DON'T NEED A FLEA MARKET ANYWAY. 4. MOST OF THE VENDORS ARE FROM OUT OF TOWN. ETC., ETC., ETC.! IF YOU THINK FOR EVEN A MINUTE, THAT THERE WILL BE LESS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, YOU BETTER THINK AGAIN. HA VB YOU EVER TRIED TO GO FROM ONE SIDE OF U.S.1 TO THE OTHER, DURING THE WEEK? AT ANY GIVEN TIME OF THE YEAR? IT USED TO BE THAT THERE WAS DEFINITEL Y A "SEASON" IN THE FLORIDA KEYS-THE "SEASON" IS NOW ALL YEAR LONG, AND MOST OF THE "TRAFFIC PROBLEMS" ARE CAUSED BY TOURISTS GOING TO KEY WEST. TOURISM IS THE ONLY THING THAT KEEPS THE KEYS ALIVE, ALONG WITH THE ANNUAL SNOWBIRDS. THOSE TOURISTS AND SNOWBIRDS COME TO THE KEYS TO RELAX, FISH, ENJOY LIFE AND GO TO THE FLEA MARKET ON THE WEEK-ENDS-NOT TO WATCH A SMALL HANDFUL OF KIDS PLAYING SPORTS. NO MATTER HOW BIG THE FIELD(S), ALL THE KIDS THAT ARE INVOLVED IN SPORTS, WOULD NEVER ALL AT THE SAME TIME, BE USING ALL THE FIELD(S). EVEN WITH THE SIZE OF THE FIELD THEY HA VE NOW, THERE IS LITTLE OR NO CONFLICT. AS FAR AS THE KEY DEER ARE CONCERNED, THERE IS NOT A SINGLE INCIDENT ON RECORD, TRAT SHOWS A KEY DEER WAS KILLED BY FLEA MARKET TRAFFIC. THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO DO NOT WANT A FLEA MARKET, ARE THE PARENTS OF THE KIDS WHO ARE INTO SPORTS. IF THE MARKET WERE GONE, THERE WOULD BE COUNTLESS THOUSANDS OF "SHOPPERS" WHO WOULD BE DEV AST A TED. 1 REPEAT -"THOUSANDS" -NOT JUST A HANDFUL. MOST OF THE TOURISTS AND SNOWBIRDS WHO COME DOWN TO THE KEYS, HAVE MONEY. TIlEY DON'T WANT TO SPEND IT AT EXPENSIVE GIFT SHOPS. THEY WOULD RATHER SPEND IT AT A FLEA MARKET, WHERE THEY CAN EVEN "BARGAIN" A PRICE. EVER TRIED TO "BARGAIN" A PRICE IN A GIFT OR CLOTHING STORE? IF SO, WHA T WAS THE OUTCOME? THE RATIO OF LOCAL VENDORS, AS OPPOSED TO OUT-OF-TOWN VENDORS IS UNKNOWN, BUT, WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE, ANYWAY? IF A VENDOR IS SELLING IN MONROE COUNTY HE/SHE MUST PAY THE MONROE COUNTY SURCHARGE TAX, AS WELL AS SALES TAX TO THE STATE OF FLORIDA. MOST OF THE LOCAL VENDORS ALSO HAVE JOBS IN MONROE COUNTY AND OWN A HOME OR RENT IN MONROE COUNTY. THEY ALSO GROCERY SHOP IN MONROE COUNTY, AND THEIR JOB IS MOST LIKELY A SERVICE TYPE JOB. TAKE AWAY THE FLEA MARKET? THE VENDOR THEN GIVES UP HIS/HER JOB, AND MOVES TO ANOTHER AREA OF THE STATE. WHAT HAPPENS? THE COUNTY AND THE STATE LOSE THEIR TAX BASE. THERE ARE SEVERAL HOMES ON THE MARKET, ALL AT ONE TIME. BUSINESSES DON'T DO AS WELL, BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WHO WERE SPENDING IN THE COUNTY ARE NO\\! GONE. THE SERVICE JOB THAT THEY HAD, IS NOW VACANT, WITH NO ONE TO FILL THE POSITION. THE ULTIMATE BOTTOM LINE, IS THAT THEW KEYS WILL REVERT BACK TO A "SEASONAL" AREA. TOURISTS WILL NOT COME TO A "RESORT" AREA, WHERE SERVICE INDUSTRY JOBS ARE NOT FILLED. SNOWBIRDS WILL SELL OUT, AND EVEN THOUGH MOST OF THEM ARE RATHER WELL-TO-DO, WILL MOVE TO A LESS EXPENSIVE AREA OF THE STATE OR COUNTRY, WHERE THEY CAN DO WHAT THEY WANT TO DO-GOING TO FLEA MARKETS ON THE WEEK-ENDS INCLUDED. THE OUT OF TOWN VENDORS WOULD ALSO VANISH. THEY ARE NOT ONLY MAKING MONEY HERE, THEY ARE SP,ENDING MONEY HERE. A LOT OF THE OUT OF TOWN VENDORS ARE MUCH LIKE WE WERE. SOME OF THEM ARE ON DISABILITY, AND NEED TO SL'PPLEMENT THEIR MEAGER INCOME. SOME OF THEM ARE RETIRED, AND WANT TO LIVE A LITTLE BETTER LIFE. SOME OF THEM WORK FULL TIME JOBS, YET WANT TO LIVE A LITTLE BETTER LIFE. THERE IS A BUMPER STICKER THAT CAN BE SEEN ON AN AWFUL LOT OF KEYS CARS-"ALL OF US ARE NOT HERE ON VACATION". THERE SHOULD BE ONE THAT READS ''I'M NOT RICH, BUT I'M COMFORT ABLE". THERE IS A PETITION THAT IS BEING ILLEGALLY CIRCULATED THROUGHOUT THE WINN-DIXIE STORE ON BIG PINE. SOME PEOPLE ARE SIGN1NG THE PETITION, THAT THEY WANT THE SPORTS COMPLEX. START A PETITION DRIVE-LEGALLY, TO KEEP THINGS THE WAY THEY ARE, AND THE NUMBER OF SIGNATURES WOULD BLOW THE MINDS OF THOSE RESIDENTS AND POLITITIONS WHO WANT TO DO A WAY WITH THE FLEA MARKET. WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T REALIZE, IS THE SIMPLE FACT THAT THERE IS AN AWFUL LOT OF ACREAGE, ADJACENT TO WATSON FIELD, THAT WOULD HOUSE THE SPORTS COMPLEX THAT A FEW PEOPLE WANT. IT WAS PURCHASED AND DONATED FOR THAT SPECIFIC REASON. THE PROBLEM?? IT IS WETLANDS, AND THE POLITITIONS DON'T WANT TO GO HEAD TO HEAD WITH THE ENVIRONMENTALISTS. INSTEAD OF WORRYING ABOUT WHAT 250 KIDS WOULD DO WITHOUT A NEW SPORTS COMPLEX, THE POWERS TO BE, THAT ARE SITTING ON ALL THIS MONEY, SHOULD HELP PEOPLE WHO 1. WERE DEV AST ATED BY THE RASH OF HURRICANES WE HAD. 2. ASSIST PEOPLE WHO CAN'T AFFORD INSURANCES AND 3. PROVIDE SOME SORT OF TRUE LOW INCOME HOUSING FOR THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN THE KEYS, WHO ARE PROVIDING THEIR SERVICES TO THE RICH, BUT DON'T MAKE ENOUGH, TO QUALIFY FOR "AFFORDABLE" HOUSING. "AFFORDABLE", ACCORDING TO MONROE COUNTY, IS $175,000.00. THE MAJORITY OF THE ENTIRE U.S. POPULATION, AND NOT ONLY THE FLORIDA KEYS, CANNOT, IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM, AFFORD A $175,000.00 HOUSE. LETS GET REAL, AND QUIT WORRYING ABOUT 250 KIDS. Back up information for Agenda Item M-4 Commissioner Neugent ~ G\V'C.. :& -v~ ~I',I"~ ~. . ~ s .... Q; ;/(?t (l) I - ii\ ~,.~,:~:,,:'" i \9U ~5T , '",~.',N ~ : r~ ~ !;.~O #OC S\G Big Pine Ke~ Civic Association, Inc. P.O. Box 430190 Big Pine Key, Florida 33043-0190 Phone/Fax: (305) 872-3509 Dayton Closser, Corresponding Secretary Brendl Schneider, Treasurer Pili DIY. Director Tony Kuhn, Director Robert Schneider, President Eugene Shinkevlch, First Vice President Vern Pokorski, S'econd Vice President JOIn Bolton, Recording Secretary Wlrren Lem, Director Noone Meng, Director Chlrles SwHt, Director Leigh Mlilms, Director April 12, 2()00 County Commissioners Monroe County Board of County Commissioners Dear Commissioners: Our Association would like to add its voice of support to that of our neighbors on Big Pine & No Name Keys in their quest for the purchase and development of the Big Pine Flea Market for the benefit of our community. We recently submitted a "position paper" to the Monroe County Planning Department as part of the current program of development for a Habitat Conservation Plan. Our "vision" for development of the flea market, as stated in our position paper, is replicated below... FLEA MARKET We urge acquisition of the Flea Market to develop a community center and recreation complex. A new building would include a modern hall with a capacity of at least 200 seats for meetings (and a capacity of at least 150 for banquets or other round table activities.) With the probability that the current branch school in the area is soon to be closed out, that building with its various rooms could be used for any of a number of worthy programs such as small meeting rooms, day nurseries, indoor game rooms, internet computer center, etc. Inclusion and expansion of the current library might also be considered. Outdoor facilities would be developed as recreation areas for both children and adults and would include such things as a baseball field, soccer field, \ennis courts, basketball courts, shuffleboard courts, etc. The recent increase in availability of T.D.C. funds for such capital improvements significantly increases the potential for this project. It is also probable that this would significantly reduce the traffic congestion on U;S.1, especially on weekends. Sincerely, ~ Robert E. Schneider President, B.P .K.C.A. I~~~~ ~~,~~ ,~!~~~~~ ~!'!'~'m!~~ 2711 Onn... HIg".J sun. 410 lI.r.thOR, FL 33050 305.219.2500 April 13, 2000 Mr. Steve Miller 29245 Oleander Dr. Big Pine Key, FL 33043 RE: The Big Pine Key Flea Market Site Dear Mr. Miller: We applaud your efforts at getting involved with community needs on Big Pine Key. Grass-roots citizen involvement ~s a difficult endeavor, and we appreciate your desire to make your community a better place to live. ' ' As you may recall during the first Livable CommuniKeys Program meeting on Big Pine Key on April 6, the residents and property owners of Big Pine and No Name Keys mentioned the need for more community facilities and recreational opportunities in their community. Traffic problems were also mentioned as a major concern. Given these issues, we agree that the Flea Market site is one that deserves some attention. Perhaps some form of redevelopment is appropriate, as long as there is consensus on the proposal. Indeed, the flea market site may be an excellent candidate for redevelopment. Your efforts relating to the flea market site are very timely, and we are hopeful that the future use(s) of the flea market site can be considered in a public forum during the Livable CommuniKeys Program and Habitat Conservation Plan process for Big Pine and No Name Keys. We do believe that there must be consensus from the citizens and property owners as to what those future uses may be. Hopefully, the community can come together and agree on the best possible future uses for the site. We feel that the Livable CommuniKeys Program forum is one of the best places for the community to come together and discuss the issue. Thanks again for your involvement and interest. The Big Pine and No Name Keys community are lucky to have residents like you elf. We look forward to working with you and the community on this and other issues. Chad Meadows, AICP Senior Comprehensive Planner CC: Mayor Freeman Mayor Pro Tern Neugent Commissioner Harvey Commissioner Williams Commissioner Reich Timothy J. McGarry, AICP; Director of Growth Management K. Marlene Conaway, Director of Planning Kimberly Ogren, Comprehensive Planning Manager United States Department of the Interior FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE South Florida Ecological Services Office P.O. Box 2676 Yero Beach, Florida 32961-2676 Dffi4]@.D~ April 7, 2000 Big Pine Athletic Association c/o Steve Miller 29245 Oleander Drive Big Pine Key, FL 33043 Dear Mr. Miller: We are writing concerning your recent discussion with Jeanette Gallihugh of our staff in the Fish and Wildlife Service's (Service) Florida Keys Suboffice. You indicated that the Big Pine Athletic Association (Association) is interested in purchasing additional property on Big Pine Key in Monroe County, Florida, to construct baseball diamonds and a community park. The property you are interested in is presently being used for the weekend flea market at approximately mile marker 30.5 on Highway U.S. 1, Oceanside. You were unable to provide any additional information on the property boundaries or site plans, except that the parcel consists of a total of 12 acres. The Service is responsible for administering the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) (ESA). Section 9 of the ESA prohibits unauthorized take oflisted species. The Association is interested in the opinion of the Service concerning possible impacts to the federally endangered Key deer should they pursue construction of ball diamonds and a park. Due to the lack of any specific information on your proposed project, the Service can only provide a very general review of your proposal at this time. The portion of the property which contains the flea market and parking area is considered a developed area which does not contain appropriate Key deer habitat. However, the site is still used by the deer, particularly as a travel corridor to the adjacent lands, which are vegetated with pineland, hardwood hammock, and wetland communities. These adjaceht communities provide important natural habitat for the Key deer. Habitat fragmentation from fencing restricts Key deer movement, has reduced their distribution, and affected their behavior. Fencing blocks travel routes, forcing deer to travel in or along roads, and eliminates escape routes for deer during encounters with free-roaming dogs. Additionally, deer have been injured or killed through contact with fences. If native habitat communities are cleared or fenced off, additional impacts to Key deer occur through loss of feeding, resting, and fawning areas. Based upon our preliminary review, the Service feels that use of the developed portions of the property in question to construct baseball fields and a park will likely not result in adverse impacts to the Key deer provided there are some restrictions on fencing. Prior to any Monroe County Building Permit issuance.. the Association will be required to submit to the Service specifications on the property boundaries, project plans, including any fencing or land clearing activities, and existing site conditions. If a traffic study is required by the County, this should also be submitted to the Service for review. The Service recommends that the Association coordinate with us during the planning phase so that fish and wildlife concerns, including threatened and endangered species, can be discussed early in the planning process. The opinions and recommendations in this letter are based upon limited iJuormation.and represent our preliminary review of your proposal. If you have any questions or wish to set up a meeting, please contact Ms. Gallihugh at our Florida Key~'Suboffice, P.O. Box 430510, Big Pine Key, Florida, 33043; phone (305) 872-5563. Sincerely, ~~e~ f~ames 1. Slack Field Supervisor South Florida Ecological Services Office cc: Service, Ecological Services- Big Pine Key (Attn.: Gallihugh) Service, NKDR -Big Pine Key (Attn: Halpin) FWCC, Marathon (Attn: Garcia) 2 LOWER KEYS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE P.O. Box 430511 31020 Overseas Highway Mile Marker 31 Big Pine Key, FL 33043-0511 . Phone: (305) 872-2411 or (800) 872-3722 Fax: (305) 872-0752 or Email: Ikchamber@aol. . April 14, 2000 Teresa Walker Big Pine Athletic Association PO Box 4,30089 Big Pine Key, FL 33043 Dear Teresa, The Board of Directors of the Lower Keys Chamber of Commerce, at their meeting on Thursday, April 13th, voted to support your efforts to acquire the parcel of land now occupied by the Big Pine Flea Market to be developed into a Community Park and Sports/Recreation Complex. A park/complex that has something for everyone is long overdue for Big Pine and the Lower Keys. Last year the Chamber sponsored an Essay Contest for 8th Grader's titled "lf I were King or Queen of the Keys". In every returned essay the children said they would like to see more parks and activities for the kids to keep them off the streets and away from drugs. We applaud the efforts of Steve Miller and yourself in your quest to improve and expand our organized sports programs for both the children and adults in the community. We know this project will serve to strengthen our community by providing a centralized location for both family, group and individual recreational activities. Sincerely, 52-~~ Louise Matthews President LM:caf BIG PINE & LOWER KEYS ROTARY CLUB P.O. BOX 431957 BIG PINE KEY, FLORIDA 33043-1957 . April 14, 2000 Monroe County Board of County Commissioners Harvey Government Center Key West, FL 33040 Dear Commissioners: The Big Pine and Lower Keys Rotary Club support the idea of converting the Big Pine Flea Market property into a sports complex for the Lower Keys community. This complex is desperately needed in the Lower Keys for our children and community. Our rotary club prides itself for our community involvement and thinks such a complex would be a real asset to the Lower Keys. S;Jd1tu tL- Shana Casey President -J KEY DEER PROTECTION ALLIANCE.lNC~ I P.O. Box 430224 Big Pine Key, Florida ow. '- .... A- CJH"......J 33043-0224 1l'It'"- "'"-- -- April 1-5,2000 Mr. Steve Miller Big Pine Key Athletic Association Dear Steve:, Pursuantto our conversation -yesterday; I polled the Key- Deer Protection AUiance -Board and was instructed to convey to you our organizaiton's support of the acquisition of the Flea Market and School properties for a community park. The general feeling was that this would not only be of -significant benefit to -Big -Pine Key, -but also had the potential of contributing to the development of a more cohesive community. They were particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to improve sport opportunities for the Key's young people, while at the same time lessening traffic along U.S. 1 and to and from Watson Field thereby reducing the probability of road kills ot-the -Key deer. Sincerely, ~ mick putney, President Key Deer Protection Alliance Big Pine Athletic Association P.O. Box 430089 Big Pine Key, FL 33043 April 10,2000 Board of County Commissioners Monroe County, Florida The Board of Directors of the Big Pine Athletic Association, representing our membership of over 300 families who live in Big Pine and the Lower Keys, is requesting your support for acquisition of the par~el of land now occupied by the Big Pine Flea Market to be developed into a Community Park and Sports/ Recreation Complex. Our proposal is for the County to purchase the property of 12+ acres for what has been an estimated price of $2,000,000. Funding to come from the $25+ million dollars in the Sheriff's Forfeiture Fund. Our interest is primarily to improve and expand our organized sports programs for both the children and adults in the community. We have over 200 children who play soccer on one field at S1. Peter's Church, and over 250 currently playing baseball, T -ball and softball on the one diamond at Watson Field. Scheduling games and practices is truly a nightmare. Our current schedule has some kids out on the field until 10:00 p.m. during the week. Add in one good rainfall and we are out of business for 2-3 days with no time available for make-up games. We have made do for many years, and with the tireless efforts of numerous volunteers, but the time has come to provide this community with adequate facilities for both sports and recreation. We are a much larger community than we were 10 years ago, and we have over 1000 kids enrolled at SugarloafElementary/Middle School who deserve to have a first-class facility where they can play a variety of sports with their friends and neighbors. We should not have to take ourselves and our kids to Key West to get that level of recreation. We also have adults interested in organizing a softball league, but due to the limitations of the one field we have been unable to accommodate them at this time. We would like to have a complex of at least two more baseball fields and two soccer fields. In addition to the sports fields, the amount of land available coold accommodate numerous other activities and a park/picnic area. There have many suggestions from basketball and tennis courts to shuffle board and bocci ball areas. With proper planning, the possibilities are many and the improvement to the overall quality of life for our community would be dramatic. A park/complex that has something for everyone and is long overdue for Big Pine and the Lower Keys. This location not only will draw traffic away from heavy Key Deer Habitat, it will drastically decrease the congestion and traffic problems which have plagued Big Pine for many years on Saturday and Sunday. For many years the Association has tried to find a way to improve and/or expand our programs to keep up with the growth of our community. We are unable to develop the 13+ acres we own adjacent to Watson Field due to environmental and wildlife concerns. Perhaps that land is valuable to the County as it holds no value to us due to location. We are willing to explore all avenues and would look forward to working with the Commission to resolve this issue to the benefit of all concerned.. We strongly encourage you to do the right thing and help us provide a positive and healthy environment for the many families of the Lower Keys. I can be reached at (305)293-7131 and would welcome the opportunity to discuss in greater detail this worthwhile project. Thank you for your consideration. Teresa Walker President Big Pine Jaycees P.O. Box 430844 Big Pine Key, FL 33043 March 30, 2000 Dear MadamlSir, This letter is in reference to utilizing the Big Pine Key Flea Market property for community sports fields. The Big Pine Jaycees fully support and encourage this idea. The sports fields will provide an excellent opportunity for the young members of the community. Sport activities promote many positive elements in individuals including physical activity, team cooperation, social development and discipline. These are just a few of the characteristics needed in individuals, today and in the future, to support and promote the Florida Keys community. Sincerely, ~ G-~~:5ld cyL Sandra Sledge President llin~~ Amy T ton Vice President ~./~ BOrOthy~ Secretary