Hickory House

Looks like Dixie's little property flip is going ahead as planned. Of course nothing in this town is ever as it seems so I am naturally not holding my breath. The front runner in the non bidding war, is Kings Pointe, Oceanside Marina or the more charmingly named parent company Cortex. Does that not sound like something out of a bad 80s sci fi movie?

County Commissioner Dixie Spehar, who lobbied hard for the purchase of a Stock Island bar and restaurant last fall, says her push to sell it just five months later is financially driven.

But some wonder if there's more to the story.

“It goes from stupidity to premeditation when the request for bids is directed at just three or four people,” said Commissioner George Neugent, who has criticized the $3.12 million purchase and in fact voted against the 2006-07 county budget because the restaurant purchase was contained in it.

Here is Dixie back in March...

The former Hickory House is one of Monroe's first efforts to preserve public access to the waterfront - but it's a long ways from being the public park “where people can dip their feet in the water,” as County Commissioner Dixie Spehar envisions it.

Public park eh? Whatever. Fast forward to today.

Spehar initially proposed the purchase, arguing vehemently that the parcel represents the last opportunity for Stock Island residents to have public access to the water.

Now, she said in a statement released this week, she wants to recoup the cost of the property while retaining an easement to “ensure permanent public access to at least a modest piece of our historic and treasured Stock Island waterfront....”

Skeptics like Neugent question the parameters proposed for the bid request. As it is proposed, it suggests the building be converted to a bait shop and convenience store.

Surprise, surprise it it going to be.... drum roll please... housing. With a whopping 5 affordable units. This is just getting better and better. I would have thought a bait shop and convenience store would be far more in keeping with both the area and the physical attributes of the building.

Read the entire article here
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Look Out!!

Something caught my eye the other day, that I find highly amusing. If you didn't know, there is another 'luxury development' planned for Stock Island called Kings Pointe. (Otherwise known as Oceanside Marina etc etc) No doubt more hideous faux Conch style plywood boxes with million dollar price tags. On Stock Island.

Pardon me while I titter.

This new thing though is definitely aimed at the ignorant wealthy. Not only are they going to have to fight their way through the forests of trailers and broken down vehicles etc to buy a gallon of milk from the gas station, they are now going to have to wear earplugs and/or head protection 24/7. The Navy ain't fer budgin'.

The Monroe County Planning Commission approved the King's Pointe Marina project at its meeting Wednesday, despite a Navy request to postpone the vote and discuss the noise issue. The commission approved the project after Chairman Jim Cameron said a decision was needed that day.

So basically the county has approved building a 'luxury' condo unit, in the potential line of jet crashes and insanely loud maneuvers! Gotta love it. I shall be watching this one with glee.

Ron Demes, business manager of Naval Air Station Key West, wrote to county officials before the King's Pointe approval, expressing concern over the redevelopment of the Stock Island marina because it's inside a safety buffer zone surrounding the military air base on nearby Boca Chica.

The military creates Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) for its air bases that outline where home development is discouraged due to excessive noise levels and to protect civilians from plane crashes.

Demes wrote that the King's Pointe property falls into the "very high noise area" and would require extensive sound abatement to the proposed condos, and that it is nearly impossible to soundproof boats.

"We are extremely concerned about an expansion of that use," he said.

Source - The Fishwrapper

Hahahahahahaha, oh man this is going to be a laughfest of epic proportions. Watch as everyone plays the blame game, in particular the rich bastards who bought into the "key west fantasy' on Stock Island.

I am currently digging around in the cess pool which is, Cay Clubs, Kings Pointe, The Real Estate Company of KW and a few other sordid players in the new Wreckers game. Much fun and laughter to ensue.

Update - Key West Ink

"As most know we have filed a suit in the circuit court of Monroe County that a complete ban on the artistic expression of tattooing is unconstitutional and violates the First amendment to freedom of expression of the Constitution of the United States and the State of Florida. We have have asked for an expedited hearing for Declaratory and injunctive relief. The circuit court of Monroe County, Fl has granted our request and we will have our hearing May 9th at 9 a.m. This is an open court so all are invited, We are quite confident that we will prevail. At this time I would like to thank everyone that has supported us. This has been a battle, but I belief our time has arrived."

Source - KW Ink