$4 Million Pocket Park Inches Closer to Reality

A child rides a bicycle near the 530 Crandon Park site, Aug. 28, 2019. The Key Biscayne Village Council is considering buying two residential lots to create pocket parks on the island, but some council members say the $4 million dollar cost is excessive. (Key News/Tony Winton)

The Village Council agreed to move forward with a proposal to purchase two plots of land on Harbor Drive, asking volunteer resident Steve Simon to continue working with Village Manager Andrea Agha to secure the best prices. 

Council Member Ed London said he was for acquisition but “these prices are too high. We’re in a downward trend.” 

Price wars

The current total estimated cost for the purchases is just over $4 million. However, the Village may be able to recover some costs through grants from bodies such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Florida Communities Trust. There may also be the potential for rental income from the tenant in one of the properties, who currently pays $12,000 monthly and wishes to stay longer. 

Council Member Ignacio Segurola worried about taking another property “off the tax rolls,” but ultimately voted to proceed. Council Member Luis Lauredo and Mayor Mike Davey also said they wanted to see the prices lowered. 

Drawing on his experience dealing with real estate closings, Mayor Davey said ultimately when assessing whether this is a “good deal” the Council has to look at the bigger picture for Key Biscayne and the benefits the park could bring alongside the cost. 

Resiliency is key

Dubbed the “belt on the waist of Key Biscayne” by Vice Mayor Allison McCormick, the two plots of land sit at the corner of West McIntyre Street at 571 and 599 Harbor Dr. Together, they would add 32,525 square feet of green space.

Public Works Director Jake Ozyman such said the parcels could improve stormwater management and allow a future pump station. “It’s good that it’s near the bay,” he said.

Council Member Katie Petros, who is the liaison to the Parks and Open Spaces Board, later said she is “cautiously optimistic” about the purchases at this point. She said the Council is always keenly aware of cost, and would not purchase “at just any price,” but that “it’s important we find the right price and make a decision” rather than dragging things out.

“It would be a great thing for our community,” said Petros, who also praised Simon’s dedication thus far. “There are so many things we can do with this land.”