Demolition still awaits the former Island Silver & Spice building at MM 81.9 in Islamorada. The former Walgreen property now under ownership of the village will have a use, at least in the short term, until officials have a long-term plan.
Following a purchase of the property last December for $2.75 million, members on the dais approved J.A. LoRocco for teardown of the abandoned building at $53,400. A.J. Engelmeyer, public works director, told the Keys Weekly that the project is still working through the permitting process. For the time being, village council members say they’re OK with temporary vehicle parking for events in the area.
Discussion arose during the March 31 meeting when Acting Village Manager Maria Bassett told the dais that she received a request for use of the property for event car parking. During the Bougainvillea Bash at Cheeca Lodge, cars were parked at the property through valet service at the resort. Organizers of the Indian Key celebration on April 30 at the Keys History & Discovery Center want to use the village lot to park cars.
With no decision on the property’s intended long-term use, officials will seek to solicit ideas from the public as they move ahead. For now, Councilman David Webb said the property could benefit organizations that need parking for their events.
“We bought that property to keep it from being built retail,” he said.
Bassett said an initial suggestion for the property included the idea for a municipal parking area. A possible transportation hub was presented during Village Manager Greg Oravec’s early office days before he resigned. Bassett said staff has since moved away from that thought.
Village Attorney Roget Bryan acknowledged a prior discussion in February where council members directed staff to place a temporary fence around the property. In light of requests for event parking, Bryan said staff wanted the dais’ thoughts.
“From a legal standpoint, I’d like us to be protected with an insurance certification from whatever group and indemnification if we can get it,” said Councilman Mark Gregg. “Based on the experience we had, I would prefer valet-oriented service. My experience has been when you leave something like that open to the public you’re going to have a problem. The idea of using it for the community as we make up our mind is a great idea.”
Mayor Pete Bacheler and councilmen David Webb, Buddy Pinder and Henry Rosenthal were in favor of paving the lot. Engelmeyer said that would require more work bringing everything up to code. The dais agreed to go with gravel to smooth the surface.
Islamorada Village Council’s next meeting is set for Thursday, April 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Founders Park Community Center.
