Key Westers have never been shy in sharing their opinions.
(Who remembers the dozens of “community charrettes” during the design and development of Truman Waterfront Park?)
Now, it’s time — past time, actually — to redo Duval Street in a big way, not just aesthetically, but also practically, in a way that addresses the threat of sea-level rise.
And the consultants at Stantec, tasked with designing an updated Duval Street, want to hear people’s opinions and priorities. Do we want overhead power lines buried? Is that possible? Do we need more shade trees and shade structures? How do we handle stormwater and flooding in low-lying areas? What about parking? How are the different blocks of Duval Street used? How do we keep the historic character while updating its cosmetic appearance? How do we make it safe, convenient and inviting for bikes, pedestrians, cars and sightseeing tours?
Officials from Stantec and the city will host the first of several public workshops on Wednesday, Jan. 31 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the San Carlos Institute, 516 Duval St.
The company’s commitment to public input is one of the reasons the city commissioners chose Stantec for the project known as the Duval Street Revitalization and Resiliency Project.
“The many roles this street plays, let alone its authentic historic character and iconic recognition, only underscores the importance that this project be done with a methodical, community- supported, forward-looking approach,” states Stantec’s June 2022 proposal. “When the designs are completed, the project must be buildable, resilient, fundable, able to minimize
impacts to Key West residents, businesses and visitors, and be as long-lasting as the last reconstruction.”
The Jan. 31 workshop “will be an opportunity for the community to talk with the Stantec team, explore the scope of the project and provide input regarding priorities and concerns,” states a press release. “With community awareness and public engagement being critical components to the success of these efforts, the City of Key West has created a website https://duval4all.com to increase community involvement and keep the community informed at all stages of the project.”
Discussions of a Duval Street revitalization started in January 2020, but were interrupted by the COVID pandemic, and then a change in the consultants who were hired to design the possibilities.
There is no timeline yet for construction. The Stantec team is in charge of design, planning and potential funding sources. They will submit their proposed plan to city officials, who then must figure out which aspects to implement and how to pay for them.
“We say this is the most iconic street we’ve got, and yet we’ve put no money into it,” Mayor Teri Johnston told the Keys Weekly in January 2020. “We need to make Duval Street much more welcoming and inviting.”
Many downtown business owners agreed, and were nearly unanimous in 2020, when they said the paving of Duval Street must be the first priority.
“Duval Street is dated. There’s no doubt,” said Bill Lay, who has owned La Trattoria restaurant on Duval Street since 2006. “It’s not going to be easy. I just ask the city, please don’t drag your feet on this. This shouldn’t take years and years. Let’s move on this.”
