BY DAN HILDEBRAN
The Keystone Heights City Council voted to move forward with purchasing a corner lot that would improve traffic conditions at the intersection of Lawrence Boulevard (State Road 21) and Walker Avenue (State Road 100).
In January, the council heard from a consultant who recommended that the triangular parcel be converted into parking and open space.
Phil Shad with the engineering firm AtkinsRealis also suggested the city could use the open space as a marquee gateway to downtown with a sign and other assets giving visitors a positive first impression of the town.
During the council’s February 5 meeting, the parcel’s owner, Chetam Patel, and the owner’s listing agent, Tom Germano of C.B. Issac Realty, appeared before the panel. Patel told the council he wanted to recover his $240,000 investment in the land.
The council authorized City Manager Charlie Van Zant to negotiate a purchase agreement with Patel.
Former City Manager Lynn Rutkowski told the council in January that funds are available in the city’s community redevelopment agency for the buy.
Van Zant sworn in, resigns from airport board
In other news from the February 5 city council meeting,
Mayor Nina Rodenroth swore in new City Manager Charlie Van Zant Jr.;
During public comment, Evan Stanley of Southeast Lakeview Drive restated his opposition to the city imposing age restrictions for unaccompanied minors visiting city parks. Stanley added that he was pleased with potential park improvements, including widening sidewalks and adding heat islands and trees. The Lakeview Drive resident cautioned the council against moving basketball and tennis courts to Sunrise Park, as a consultant recommended in January. He said the owners of over 80 residential lots purchased their homes near the current location of the courts, assuming the amenities would remain in place;
Rodenroth read a proclamation recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Keystone Heights Woman’s Club;
Van Zant informed the council that he had resigned his seat on the Keystone Heights Airport Board and added that because of his resignation and the expiration of another member’s term in May, two seats on the airport’s governing board will be open later this year;
Airport Board Chair David Kirkland told the council that the facility’s lighting project on its secondary runway is complete;
Rodenroth reported that she attended Clay Day in Tallahassee with other officials. She also said she is working on a solution to curb vandalism at Keystone Beach Park and will report her findings to the council at the end of the month.
