Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Aquatic center would be ideal for waterfront

I have been investigating the proposed plans for the Truman Waterfront. I am in support of the marina project, which I see has an attached swimming pool. This is well and good for the marina, but has an aura of exclusivity around it.

Our former mayor was a rather large proponent of a water park at the Truman Waterfront. I think he envisioned one of those psychedelic octopus-looking monstrosities that are popular in places like Destin and Nebraska. The water park concept for the Truman Waterfront is not a bad one.

I envision something more along the lines of an aquatic and wellness center. The Key West Natatorium at the Truman Waterfront. Something that is in scale and blends with the surroundings. Something that utilizes new environmental building technology. A combination of indoor and outdoor pools and spas. Something high-tech, cutting edge.

Perhaps a green technology exposition center could be attached. Hydroponic gardens, healthy cafe -- the ideas fit the location. Plentiful sun, wind and tidal power are all on the doorstep. A desal[ination] plant could provide the water. The sea salt could be used in the cafe and the spa. Something that would be an asset to the community, something to be proud of.

I am writing this to hopefully garner positive response. Truman Waterfront was supposed to be a park, after all. Google Therme Bad Aibling. It is a spa built around hot springs in Germany. Look at the pictures and envision a Key West version at the Truman Waterfront. If we build it, we will go.

Matt Lynch

Key West

Habana Plaza is good place for city offices

The Key West city manager, city attorney and their staffs have been working over the past nine months to come to a lease agreement with Hillsborough Associates, the owners of Habana Plaza, for the temporary transfer of many of the city offices to the Flagler Avenue property. Their work is in response to the necessity of city employees to move out of their current workplace due to mold contamination.

Recently, several comments have appeared in the Citizens' Voice raising questions about this transfer. While realizing that city staff and elected officials are more astute than to let anonymous comments influence policy, it is important that some facts are clarified. At the end, I'll even sign my name.

• The people who have negotiated this lease are experts at what they do and are aware of the transparency under which they need to operate.

• The price the city is paying ($12/square foot) is significantly below market value. One comment in the Voice stated that it would be possible to rent that space for $10/square foot. This is true if one were looking for warehouse space or back office space that required no improvement. Obviously, that is not true in this case. Hillsborough will improve the property in order to give city employees the working environment they deserve.

I currently lease property from Hillsborough here at Habana Plaza. I can testify to the professionalism and responsiveness of my landlords. They care about my business, they care about our community and they care about their own reputation.

As the owner/operator of Grim's Grill in Habana Plaza, I stand to gain a great deal when this move is made. My neighbors here on this end of town and I view this as a nice economic stimulus to a side of our island that doesn't get much of that. Having 75 to 85 local people with steady jobs and roots in our community working within just a few hundred feet of my door is a gift. I, along with my landlords and neighbors, plan to treat them as a gift for as long as they are here.

John H. Grimesey

Key West

Where do we get idea health care is free?

I support Mr. Palley's March 9 letter [about the Trauma Star air ambulance]. There is no free care. Someone pays. Today, I had a terrible argument with a friend who said I could always get my health care at the hospital for free. Where do we get such ideas? I will be billed by the hospital and I will have to pay out of savings, liquidate assets or declare bankruptcy. Nothing is free.

I love airplanes and helicopters, but they are expensive. The sheriff's Aviation Department is an asset, but nothing is free. We are paying for it.

Daniel Mahoney

Key Colony Beach