There’s a whole lot happening in Key West these days.
Key West Mayor Teri Johnston joined Good Morning Keys this morning on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s been going on in the city.
The plans for Mallory Square will be unveiled this Friday from Sasaki, the planning group working on the improvements.
Johnston said, “They’ll have some presentations at Mallory Square on Saturday. They have been there several times in order to work with the stakeholders of surrounding businesses of Mallory Square and also the residents.”
The last two plans have been made into one final plan that will officially be revealed Friday.
Al Childress has been working as the news City Manager for Key West for weeks.
Johnston said, “He really is a very quick study. He has already done so many things that we are struggling with right now as a city. He has ideas. He has resources. He has solutions for many of the areas we’re dealing with.”
The noise ordinance in Key West will get a second look soon. There have been a number of complaints recently from residential areas and the city wants to find a way to improve the quality of life for residents and allow the businesses to thrive.
Johnston said, “It really comes down to our rules and regulations as to how loud we allow people to be. Al already has experience in this.”
The city will also take a look at news stands.
Johnston explained, “Everything is online. We are taking a look at reducing those and moving those off of public property. We’re reevaluating how we are doing things in so many areas. Can we do it more efficiently? We have the right people in place to do the right things. Al comes to us with a fresh eye and a lot of experience.”
Childress also has a background in code compliance.
Another thing Childress has changed is the City Manager, mayor and commissioners will meet prior to the publication of the agendas for the commission meetings.
Johnston explained, “So we have a chance to react, we have a chance to ask questions, we have a chance to be comfortable with every, single agenda item before we sit down on that Tuesday night to debate them.”
E-bikes and e-vehicles will also be up for discussion in the city soon.
Johnston said, “We know that e-vehicles provide a cost-effective form of transportation, which we need in every one of our municipalities, but we also have to do it in a manner that is safe and the people that are on e-bicycle and bicycles have to follow the same rules of the road.”
The Eco-Discovery Center will open up to the community on Friday night for a ribbon cutting.
Johnston said, “One of the things we struggle with, particularly in the city of Key West is finding educational activities for our children. So when the Eco-Discovery Center closed down for much-needed renovations, it took away one of those activities for our children.”
The opening on Friday will include a tour for participants.
Johnston said, “It’s a very welcome re-opening.”