| Friends of Car-Free Key West & Duval Street/Historic Downtown

We Need Key West Transit To Communicate Their Path Forward

Posted on August 19, 2020 Leave a Comment

By Chris Hamilton, August 19, 2020

On July 30 we brought you an article, “Key West Transit Takes Steps Towards Future With August Public Hearings” announcing the public hearings on August 12 and 26 about the changes Key West Transit instituted in May. The virtual Zoom meeting on the 12th was attended by about five staffers and four acknowledged transit buffs (myself included). Staff said the meeting wasn’t to answer general questions, but to address Civil Rights discrimination issues that might have arisen as a result of those changes. Since no one raised any civil rights issues, they took a few other questions from the three of the four participants. But the answers provided by the Transit Director left us more befuddled than before the hearing about the state of what is happening now, the reasons behind it and what might be happening in the near and long-term future.

Summary of Presentation

The Transit Director described that the system went from 6 to 4 routes on May 16. The reason for the modification was a drastic decrease in revenues. It was explained that 50% of the revenues come from the State and 50% from city from parking garage fees and bus fares. As their budget was cut, it was necessary to reduce routes and hours and provide basic service to those who rely on it. He showed a map of the old routes and the new routes. Another change was they instituted a $1 fare for visitors on the Duval Loop. In summary, those were the changes. He explained using maps, that despite the changes, most of the island still has a route route within a quarter mile of their home. He said that if these changes cause discrimination under the Civil Rights Act of 1965, we want to know about it.

What We Think We Heard

We think we heard that because of Covid Crisis hit, their budget has been slashed in half and that is why it was necessary to reduce the number of routes and service hours. But we also think we heard that there’s a shortage of drivers AND a shortage of buses to run the service and therefore that contributes to Key West Transit not being able to put out more service. Our confusion arises because it wasn’t clear if the lack of frequency on these two new routes, which is only every 80-90 minutes, was because of budget cuts or lack of drivers and buses or both?

The Transit Director described delays in aquiring new buses and that it was difficult to hire new drivers. He seemed to say that the new buses, because of their size (did we hear him use the word cutaways a few times in describing them?), allowed the system’s drivers to not have to go through as much training and certification as the current buses require. Presumably this will make it easier to hire drivers in the future?

When asked about making the City Routes more frequent, the Director seemed to say that the amount of service out there now meets the needs of the people using it now. Increases would depend upon ridership analysis showing a need at certain times of day or on certain routes. If a need was shown, then they’d consider it.

He didn’t seem to acknowledge the connection between the lack of service and low ridership and that perhaps increasing the frequency was the key to showing more of a demand for service. It seemed chicken or egg to us.

Is the Lack of Frequency a Civil Rights Issue?

Key West Transit’s new North Line runs buses at every 80-90 minutes frequency.

We’d argue that Key West Transit only has this half right. They showed a map indicating that most people live within a quarter mile of a bus route. So in going from four to two routes, everyone still has access. That’s a good thing. But when that service is so infrequent as to be useless to depend on for getting to work or to the doctors or to the grocery store, then perhaps THAT’S a Civil Rights issue? We aren’t qualified to weigh in on the law. However, the lack of frequency seems bad for equity and bad for business. If someone depends upon the bus or doesn’t own a car or if someone would like to use the bus, then frequency matters.

Investing in Our Transit System Is Good for Our Island

We get that these are tough times. But basic transportation should be treated like street lights, water, sewer, and electricity as a basic service. A certain level of service should be maintained. Perhaps we can’t do service every 15 minutes at the moment as the 10-Year Plan calls for, but how about every 30 minutes, instead of every 80-90? And where did that $1.5 million the Feds gave Key West Transit a couple months ago, go? If the City is serious about battling climate change and helping our environment, about affordable living (housing + transportation costs), equity for all its citizens, not just those with the ability to afford to drive cars, and with helping our economy prosper, we need a public transit system that people would want to ride.

We’ve applauded the City and Key West Transit for adopting a progressive and much needed Plan. But we’re worried that Key West Transit is going backward and not forward. Key West Transit needs to communicate with transparency what the situation is and when, to the best of their ability to tell us, things will start changing for the better. Good, transparent communications aren’t too much to ask of a public agency. Especially one we need and are rooting for.

There’s another hearing on August 26. We hope Key West Transit will answer the following questions:

Questions Based Upon the Hearing

What was the original budget for this current year and what is the revised budget?
What is the proposed budget for next year that begins October 1, 2020?
What is being done with the $1.5 million dollar Covid grant received from the Federal Government?
When will the frequencies increase on the new North and South Routes?
When will the frequencies increase on the Lower Keys Shuttle?
When will the new Loop routes be instituted?
Is the City looking at making transit for the City routes free? If not are they developing programs for employers to provide free transit to their employees?
Is Key West Transit going to put up map and schedule information on the new City routes and Lower Keys Shuttle like is done on the Duval Loop?
When is Key West Transit going to upgrade its outdated website and institute a marketing program?

Key West TDP Draft Report (Large File)Download

PPT Presentation of KW Transit Developement Plan TDP August 2019 Download

Chris Hamilton

A native of the District of Columbia, where for a couple decades+ he led the nationally renown Commuter Services unit for Arlington County, VA’s DOT, Chris has lived in Key West since 2015. He lives car-free downtown and works and volunteers for a couple non-profits.

Key West Transit Takes Step Towards Future With August Public Hearings

Posted on July 30, 2020 Leave a Comment

By Chris Hamilton, July 30, 2020

On May 20th we brought you the story Shhh… Key West Transit Has Quietly Changed Their Routes upon their return May 16 from a Covid shutdown. The City is now holding mandated public hearings on those changes on August 12th and 26th via Zoom. Prior to their Covid shutdown of the system, the City’s Key West Transit operated four City Routes, the Red, Orange, Green and Blue routes, the Duval Loop and the Lower Keys Shuttle. They consolidated the four City Routes into two simpler North and South routes. That’s the change.

These Are the Old Routes

*Click on the above maps and schedules to see them at a bigger size.*

We’ve long advocated for an end to these rambling, confusing, seemingly aimless routes with their terrible frequency to be replaced by a simplified, more direct and more frequent transit system.

The Promise of a Better Future

The City’s recently adopted (October, 2019) Key West Transit 10-Year Transit Development Pla (TDP) is an ambitious, progressive step in that direction. The TDP promised a system of “Loops” (Duval, Old Town, Midtown, New Town, Stock Island) that were connected by a few simple “Connector” routes (Airport, North (Roosevelt), KWIC (Stock Island) and the Lower Keys Shuttle). All the routes are to run on 15-20 minute frequencies and look like this:

For more background and information on the future of Key West Transit please read our story Reimagining Key West Transit, May 10, 2020 by Roger McVeigh.

What We’re Getting Today

Though they haven’t said it in any public documents, it seems as though the changes instituted on May 16 are the beginnings of implementation of the 10-Year Plan of Loops and Connectors. The North Route, in fact looks like the “North Connector” Route and the South Route looks like the “Airport Connector” Route in the TDP. If so that’s a good thing. What we’d like to know is what is the timetable for the other Loops and Connectors. What’s awful about this interim system is the frequency. It’s the same as before, with the bus coming every 80 to 90 minutes. We hope they’ll quickly rectify this to entice more users to the system. Here’s the current routes that are part of the public hearing:

We don’t see any changes on the Lower Key Shuttle as there still seems to be 10 trips in to Key West each day and 10 trips out.

Questions for the Public Hearing

If we get the chance to ask questions, here’s what we’d like to know:

When will the frequencies increase on the new North and South Routes?
When will the frequencies increase on the Lower Keys Shuttle?
When will the new Loop routes be instituted?
Is the City looking at making transit for the City routes free? If not are they developing programs for employers to provide free transit to their employees?
Is Key West Transit going to put up map and schedule information on the City routes and Lower Keys Shuttle like is done on the Duval Loop?
When is Key West Transit going to upgrade its outdated website and institute a marketing program?

We applaud Key West Transit for moving forward with their long-term plan and we hope it get’s implemented sooner than later.

Key West TDP Draft Report (Large File)Download

PPT Presentation of KW Transit Developement Plan TDP August 2019 Download

Here’s a Handy Web Page to Bookmark Bus Routes in Key West

Friends of Car-Free Key West Getting Around Key West Guide – Bus

Chris Hamilton

A native of the District of Columbia, where for a couple decades+ he led the nationally renown Commuter Services unit for Arlington County, VA’s DOT, Chris has lived in Key West since 2015. He lives car-free downtown and works and volunteers for a couple non-profits.

Grading the Candidates on Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People: Mayor’s Race

Posted on July 24, 2020 Leave a Comment

By Chris Hamilton, July 24, 2020

Article 4 of 4: Mayor Teri Johnston is a Very Good “Friend” of Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People

Article 1: Grading the Candidates on Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People: Weekley and Kaufman Stand Out as True “Friends”
Article 2: Grading the Candidates on Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People: Challenger Dr. Ryan Barnett is a Good “Friend” of Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People
Article 3: Grading the Candidates on Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People: Challenger Kimball Ingram is a Good “Friend” of Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People

Today Friends of Car-Free Key West brings you our results for the City of Key West Mayor’s race, taking place on August 18 between incumbent Mayor Teri Johnston and challengers Mark Rossi and Rick Haskins. Based upon the incumbent’s voting record over the last two years and both hers and her challengers answers to our 13 questions in four categories: Duval Street and Downtown, Duval Loop and Public Transit, Bicycle and Pedestrian and Parking Strategies, we give Mayor Johnston a Grade of B+, Mark Rossi a Grade of F and Rick Haskins a Grade of D- on Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People Issues. It isn’t even close. Therefore, Friends of Car-Free Key West enthusiastically recommends voting to re-elect Teri Johnston as Mayor of our City.

We want to thank all three candidates for talking with us and to Mayor Johnston (response) and Mr. Haskins (response) for taking the time to respond to the questions in writing. (Mr. Rossi’s brief response.) The Mayor’s effort was particularly commendable. Mr. Rossi was thoughtful in following up and talking with us and we respect his past service and standing in the community, but in the end his response was lacking. We appreciate that Mr. Haskins submitted something in writing but he showed a lack of depth in his responses. Further below we provide a spreadsheet that includes the specific Past Votes and how we scored them, the 13 questions and our scores of each answer and all of the responses from the candidates in their entirety in their own words. (Photo credit for restaurant picture Michael Beattie at Conch Scooter blog.)

Candidate	Past Votes Score	Questionaire Score	Grade
Mayor Teri Johnston	10	15.5	B+
Mark Rossi	NA	-2	F
Rick Hakins	NA	2	D-

Past Vote Scores can range up to 16+ points, Questionnaire Scores can range up to 13+ points.

Why Teri Johnston for Mayor

The Mayor’s Record and Vision Stands Head and Shoulders Above Her Competitors

In her brief record as Mayor, Teri Johnston has three times voted for the Mall on Duval, voted for each of the bicycle and pedestrian initiatives we researched, and voted for the expansion of metered parking in every case. The only time we disagreed with her voting record was when she voted to impose a $1 fee on Duval Loop bus rides for visitors, and even then she’s made clear her intent for that to be temporary and to expand free transit to all other city routes. The Mayor’s vision on Duval Street and downtown, public transit, bicycle/pedestrian and parking strategies issues is as progressive, far-reaching and exciting as anything you’d see from better known “bike/walk/transit cities” that get it like Paris, Seattle, Portland, Boulder, Austin and other places we regular showcase on the Friends of Car-Free Key West Facebook page. We hope you’ll take the time to read her responses in full because they show a breadth of understanding and a depth of knowledge not often seen by a public official who has so many other issues pressing on her at the moment.

In the little we’ve seen, Mr. Rossi shows that he clearly has a car-centric view of transportation. He’s championed building garages in the heart of downtown and making it easier to find cheap, easy parking for downtown employees and New Town residents. He’s also belittled efforts to invest in revitalizing Duval Street and trying any temporary measures such as Mall on Duval recently saying: “Yes, we need to fix the potholes, but other than that, I think it’s fine the way it is… We can do a fluff-and-buff cleanup, but other than that, let’s not waste taxpayers’ money on this.” (City Seeks Firm for Duval Street Improvements, Mandy Miles, Keys Weekly, January 20, 2020)

While answering our questions, we didn’t find much depth in the responses from Mr. Haskins. For example, when discussing the Duval Revitalization Study, any interim steps that might be taken before the study is complete or on removing parking on Duval, his answers rested upon seeing what was presented and listening to the community before making a commitment one way or the other. He didn’t lead with any ideas or vision for a future other than waiting for people to bring him proposals and seeing what the community would support. He said similar things about transit. On bike issues, other than telling us he rides a bike for exercise he didn’t say much else. On parking, he did say he wasn’t in favor of raising any fees on permits and didn’t think Zone Parking Permits would work or could be enforced. In closing he told us “I believe that Key West is already on track becoming safer to bike, walk and bus and would again defer to the experts to provide us with a plan to improve anything that is not operating at the highest level.“

The responses show the challengers haven’t given these issues much thought. If one care’s about these issues then one shouldn’t give these candidates much consideration either.

Mayor Johnston Champions Revitalizing Duval Street and Downtown

The Mayor ran on a platform of revitalizing Duval Street in 2018 and came through by initiating the Mall on Duval pilot project and getting a Duval Street Revitalization Study RFQ through the process. A consultant should be on board shortly to begin work. This is huge! Says the Mayor: “The future of Duval is one that features more convenient, safe modality options for pedestrians, bicycles and similar eco- friendly transportation types. This has been a community request for 20 years that needs to be realized.” We agree.

*The grand opening of the Mall on Duval*

As for ideas before the study is complete, the Mayor Johnston says: “As we strive to find that fine balance between a healthy community and economy, we started closing down congested blocks of Duval Street to vehicular traffic to provide a space for locals and visitors to safely social distance. After the reduction of allowable restaurant capacity, we are encouraging outdoor sidewalk cafe seating. Prior to Covid-19, merchants on Fleming Street hosted “First Friday on Fleming” to attract guests to a local neighborhood atmosphere. During my first 19 months, we invited the Key West Jazz band down to entertain shoppers on Duval. These smaller, more intimate events could be our future.” We like that while she believes in having a plan, her upcoming City Strategic Plan and Duval Street Revitalization Study to name two, she dares to just try things in the interim, like Mall on Duval or closing Duval for Covid. Trying new things and iterating them on the fly, without assurances they’ll work, shows guts and leadership.

Mayor Johnston Envisions a Future With Free Transit

In answer to our question about free fares on the Duval Loop and other City routes Mayor Johnston said: ” Yes, the $1 fee for the Loop is a temporary emergency measure in response to a very uncertain budgetary year. I think that the majority of the Commission, including me, would like to offer free public transportation opportunities as we did with our Senior Citizens (60 or older) earlier last year.” She goes on to say: “Free transportation options help make Key West more livable for our work force and reduce congestion on our narrow streets.” We like that the Mayor makes the connection between increased transit use and reducing congestion on our streets.

Regarding hiring transit marketing firm, the Mayor agreed with us on the need and said: “Yes, a quality marketing firm, who represents and highlights our City’s public transportation system, would be a tremendous asset.” We appreciate that the Mayor broadens the discussion to all communications and mentions the Key West Bight’s successful marketing, something we’ve mentioned before (Does Duval Street/Downtown Need a Business Improvement District?, June 4, 2020), and says: “This type of proactive communication would certainly increase ridership on the Loop, KW Transit and Lower Keys Shuttle all while reducing vehicular congestion in our community.“

In response to our question about higher wages for bus drivers the Mayor demonstrates a depth of knowledge on the issues saying: “Our pool of CDL-qualified bus drivers in the Lower Keys is limited and in high demand between the Monroe County School Board bus drivers, HTA trolley and train drivers, and the City of Key West. Because our public transportation system runs 18 hours a day for 362 days a year, our demands on these qualified drivers are much greater than either of the other entities. So, yes, our compensation has to clearly be commensurate with our demanding job requirements. Our drivers are responsible for transporting over 760,000 riders a year.”

The Mayor Had Us On Bikes When She Mentioned “The 5 E’s”

Unless you are a bicycle advocate or planner you may not know of The 5 E’s, but Mayor Johnston certainly does. Color us impressed. In answer to our question (#9) about safety on our streets she says: “Yes. We should follow other successful communities by focusing on the 5 e’s: education, encouragement, enforcement, engineering and evaluation. That successful model, coupled with dedicated bicycle lanes and an enforcement component to keep vehicles/ scooters out of these lanes, will encourage safe bicycling. And yes, speed needs to be enforced. “Slow down, this ain’t the mainland” is more than a bumper sticker.“

*Mayor Johnston is a champion of the Crosstown Greenway Pilot Project as it is part of the Phase 1 implementation of the Bike/Ped Plan*

In the same answer she goes on to discuss the potential for one-waying some of our narrow streets to find room to promote shared mobility. This shows the potential promise of having room for the “dedicated bike lanes” she speaks of to be safely separated from cars. Another win for persons on bicycles.

We are happy to see she mentions the Crosstown Greenway pilot project moving forward in October and agreeing to implement Phase 1 of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The Mayor says she rides her bike a couple times a week, scores points for being one of the “Zombie Ride Nannies”, and closes with:

“I look forward to seeing more locals and visitors on bicycles as we create safe, connected, dedicated bicycle lanes and routes through our entire city and into Stock Island.”

Mayor Johnston Understands Progressive Parking Policies Will Help Alleviate Our Downtown Neighborhoods’ Parking Problems

In answer to our question about raising the cost of a Residential Parking Permit this year and incrementally in future years, Mayor Johnston says: “Yes. The value of the residential stickers is $5,840 per year in free parking throughout our community. We have continued to add 4 hours of free parking in new city lots and areas to benefit our locals. I believe that our sticker fees should be proportionate to the value of the sticker and be included with the annual CPI increases that other city fees incur. This lets us keep up with costs associated with the sticker and no one takes a major hit in any one year.” She was the only candidate in all the surveys that answered both parts of the question and she stuck her neck out.

*As part of the Mall on Duval, Mayor Johnston and management staff set up a booth to answer questions.*

The Mayor is also one of the few willing to say a Zoned Permit Parking system is needed, noting “This need exists right now in Bahama Village and Old Town because of their proximity to our commercial corridor and the number of existing transient facilities in these areas.” It was interesting to hear her go on to say that granting exemptions eliminating off-street parking spots is a problem. Good for her. We’ve listened to the Parking Director John Wilkins on many occasions bemoan parking problems on blocks resulting from home owners eliminating their driveways. The Mayor also agreed on the need for additional parking enforcement saying: “It is essential that we enforce residential parking spots; otherwise their value diminishes and we send the wrong message to the violators.“

Parking issues are a prime example of the Mayor being unafraid to lead. Too many times in this City our elected leaders act as if we can have our cake and eat it it too. They think everyone can drive everywhere and park for free or nearly free and the city’s policies reflect this. Mayor Johnston understands how we vastly under price our on-street parking downtown and how this leads to the problems we have, including safety issues for people on bikes. Her willingness to raise the price on parking permits, put in zoned parking and enforce the rules shows she wants to make the place better and has the toughness not just to spout happy talk.

Mayor Johnston Will Continue To Make Our Island a Better Place

We like that the Mayor is a planner, but more importantly she’s a proven doer who’s willing to adjust and iterate as projects meet the reality of hitting the ground. In each of our subject areas, Duval Street, public transit, bicycle/pedestrian and parking issues, Mayor Johnston is leading. The Mayor’s toughness on making hard decisions is an asset. She’s shown in her votes and answers that she’s willing to do the right thing. Keeping Teri Johnston as our Mayor provides us the best chance to make our little island paradise more bike, walk, transit and streets for people friendly.

—–

The Scoring and Backup Documents

We’ve compiled a spreadsheet that includes scores from Past Votes and scores from the Questionnaire and provides a final Grade, based upon those scores, for each candidate. A snippet of the Candidates Scoring Spreadsheet is below. You can also download the spreadsheet as a PDF for ease of reading. You’ll notice it has the Past Votes scores of the existing City Commissioners too. Scores are broken down into four categories:

Duval Street and Downtown
Duval Loop and Public Transit
Bicycle and Pedestrian
Parking Strategies

Past Votes Record and Scoring

We were able to find 16 votes over the past four years on these issues broken down as: Duval Street and Downtown (4 votes); Duval Loop and Public Transit (2 votes); Bicycle and Pedestrian (6 votes); and Parking Strategies (4 votes). In scoring these votes we generally gave a plus one (+1) if they agreed with our position on the item and a minus one (-1) if they didn’t. In a few instances we gave an extra point for some votes we deemed extra worthy or an extra point for the item’s Commission sponsor. Generally a total Score of about 16+ is possible.

Friends-of-Car-Free-Key-West-Candidate-Ratings-July-19-Mayor-PDF-1 Download

Car-Free-Key-West-Questionnaire-Teri-Complete-PDF Download

FOCFKW-Candiate-Questions-HASKINS-RESPONSE Download

Candidate-Response-from-MR-ROSSI-PDF Download

The Votes

Duval Street and Downtown

Aug 21, 2018; Approving Lease of 1400 Block to Southernmost House in exchange for them building a pocket park (FOR)
April 2, 2019; Item 22, Vote to Extend Mall on Duval through May, June, July & until midnight (FOR)
August 20, 2019; Vote to Extend Mall on Duval through November, 2019 (FOR)
November 19, 2019; Vote to Extend Mall on Duval twice a month through February 17, 2020 and then cease (FOR)

Duval Loop and Public Transit

August 6, 2019; Item #11, Approve submission of 10-Year Transit Development Plan (FOR)
May 5, 2020; Item #10, Authorize $1 Fare for visitors on Duval Loop (AGAINST)

Bicycle and Pedestrian

February 7, 2017; Item #23, Authorize FDOT to proceed with 4 car lanes or no changes instead of FDOT and publicly recommended 2 car lanes, middle turn lane and protected bikeway (AGAINST)
March 20, 2018; Item #16, Recommend City Manager make efforts to hire a Transportation Coordinator in a timely manner (FOR)
September 20, 2018; Item #27 Revisit Speed Limit Map, establish limits to greatest extent (FOR)
March 5, 2019; Item #21 Accepting Key West Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Transportation Plan (FOR)
September 19, 2019; Authorize rebuilding Atlantic Boulevard Multi-Use Path (FOR)
November 16, 2019; Admiral’s Cut discussion sponsored by Weekley. Withdrawn from Agenda (FOR bridging Admiral’s Cut)

Parking Strategies

September 20, 2018; Item #14, Accepting Parking and Alternative Transportation Report (FOR)
September 4, 2019; Item #22, Meter 1500 block of Reynolds and 700 and 800 blocks of Seminole (Casa Marina) (FOR)
September 4, 2019; Item #23, Meter Smathers Beach (FOR)
December 3, 2019; Meter Jackson Square and 500 block of Thomas Street while accepting Employee Pass (FOR)

Questionnaire Scoring

Each of the four categories includes three questions and one final overall question for a total of 13 that we sent to the candidates. They are scored the same way with up to one point (+1) for a good answer to minus a point (-1) for a bad answer. There were a few answers we deemed good enough for an extra half point. Generally a total score of 13 is possible on the Questionnaire.

The Questions

Duval Street and Downtown

Do you favor funding the Duval Street Revitalization Study in the fiscal year 2021 budget? Will you fund the recommended improvements in the next year? Answer limited to 100 words.
What are your ideas for interim projects (before the Study makes recommendations) on Duval or Downtown that would make it more pedestrian friendly and people oriented? Answer limited to 100 words.
Do you think removing all parking on Duval Street would enhance the downtown environment? Would you support an ordinance that would allow parklets (benches or tables and chairs on a platform) to replace parking downtown? Answer limited to 100 words.

Duval Loop and Public Transit

Do you favor returning to a free Duval Loop for visitors to our island? Do you favor fare free rides on other City routes for everyone? Answer limited to 100 words.
Do you believe a third-party consulting firm should be retained to assist the City with branding and marketing the Duval Loop, Key West Transit and Lower Keys Shuttle programs? Answer limited to 100 words.
Do you believe compensation of bus drivers should be increased to attract and retain a stable base of drivers? Answer limited to 100 words.

Bicycle and Pedestrian

Please name a few bicycle and/or pedestrian projects (they can be from the Bike/Ped Plan) you would vote to fund in your term. Answer limited to 100 words.
How often do you ride a bicycle and for what purposes? How do you propose we get more people to bike and walk in Key West? Answer limited to 100 words.
Do you believe increased traffic enforcement (speeding) will improve public safety for pedestrians and people on bicycles? Or do you believe that infrastructure improvements will improve safety? Or Education? Perhaps nothing more is needed or perhaps all 3? Explain how public safety should be accomplished. Answer limited to 100 words.

Parking Strategies

Do you favor raising the price on Residential Parking Permits to the $35 proposed in the FY21 budget? And even more for 2^nd and 3^rd vehicles? Do you favor going incrementally higher in future years? Answer limited to 100 words.
Do you favor instituting Residential Permit Parking by Zone so that the permit allows one to park near one’s own home? Answer limited to 100 words.
Should the City hire more parking enforcement officers since it has been demonstrated that these positions are self-funding and that residents desire increased enforcement efforts. Answer limited to 100 words.

GENERAL/CATCH ALL

What do you think of when you think of Car-Free Key West and its mission and how do you propose to make it easier and safer for more people to bike, walk, take the bus and use streets and why do you think this is important? Limit 300 words.

Chris Hamilton

A native of the District of Columbia, where for a couple decades+ he led the nationally renown Commuter Services unit for Arlington County, VA’s DOT, Chris has lived in Key West since 2015. He lives car-free downtown and works and volunteers for a couple non-profits.

Grading the Candidates on Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People: District 3

Posted on July 22, 2020 Leave a Comment

By Chris Hamilton, July 22, 2020

Article 3 of 4: Challenger Kimball Ingram is a Good “Friend” of Bike, Walk, Transit & Streets for People

Article 1: Grading the Candidates on Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People: Weekley and Kaufman Stand Out as True “Friends”
Article 2: Grading the Candidates on Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People – Challenger, Dr. Ryan Barnett Is a Good Friend of Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People
Article 4: Grading the Candidates on Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People: Mayor Teri Johnston is a Very Good “Friend” of Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People

Today Friends of Car-Free Key West brings you our results for the District 3 City Commission election in New Town, taking place on August 18 between incumbent City Commissioner Billy Wardlow vs. challenger Kimball Ingram. Based upon the incumbent’s voting record over the last four years and both his and his challenger’s answers to our 13 questions in four categories: Duval Street and Downtown, Duval Loop and Public Transit, Bicycle and Pedestrian and Parking Strategies we give Mr. Ingram a Grade of B and Commissioner Wardlow a Grade of D- on Bike, Walk, Transit and Streets for People Issues. Therefore Friends of Car-Free Key West recommends voting for Kimball Ingram for District 3.

We want to thank both candidates for making the effort and taking the time to thoughtfully respond in writing (Ingram response; Wardlow response). We know they are both very busy and it says something about both that they gave this some thought. Even though he doesn’t receive our recommendation, we want people to know that we respect the long service of Commissioner Wardlow, the generous way he acknowledges us and the straightforward way he answers the questions. Further below we provide a spreadsheet that includes the specific Past Votes and how we scored them, the 13 questions and our scores of each answer and all of the responses from the candidates in their entirety in their own words. (Photo credit for restaurant picture Michael Beattie at Conch Scooter blog.)

Candidate	Past Votes Score	Questionaire Score	Grade
Commissioner Wardlow	-1	-2	D-
Kimball Ingram	NA	10	B

Past Vote Scores can range up to 16+ points, Questionnaire Scores can range up to 13+ points.

Why Kimball Ingram for District 3

Commissioner Wardlow Consistently Disappoints On Our Issues

With multiple votes against extending Mall on Duval, a vote against keeping the Duval Loop free for visitors, his vote to keep four car lanes on S. Roosevelt instead of bicycle/pedestrian-friendly alternatives, and multiple votes against expanding metered parking, the incumbent has often been at odds with progressive multi-modal changes. He reiterates this with the responses to our questions including not supporting removing parking on Duval Street, not supporting marketing for Key West Transit and not supporting an increase in the Residential Parking Permit nor understanding that we do not currently have a Zoned Parking system. After 11 years of service on the City Commission we believe that if we want to make it easier and safer to bike, walk, take the bus and use streets for people we need change in District 3. In his answers Mr. Ingram has articulated a voice for doing better on these issues.

“I think as a small island, getting people out of cars is always a noble undertaking.”
Kimball Ingram

Mr. Ingram’s Progressive Vision on Streets for People and Parking Strategies

Mr. Ingram’s responses to our questions showed an obvious and excellent understanding of the issues in each of the four areas we highlighted to discuss. In particular his discussion of Duval Street and bicycle issues resonated with us. He advocated as an interim measure one-waying Duval and creating room on it and some cross streets for outdoor seating, pocket parks and wider sidewalks or the addition of bike lanes. This is progressive thinking in trying new things. He went on to say in the next question about removing parking on Duval (something Mr. Wardlow opposes) “The Duval corridor should be far more pedestrian and cycle friendly. The addition of bike lanes, parklets and bringing shops outdoors can only enhance the downtown experience. In addition, I would want to revisit the guidelines that make it difficult for businesses to enhance the areas around their shop fronts. That included additional seating, flowers and plants and anything that Code currently sites people for if they have not paid for the right to have seating outside their business.“

We like that he thinks Residential Parking Permits should be by Zone. Mr. Wardlow noted we currently have a Zone system. He’s wrong. Residential Parking Permits are good to park anywhere, not just in your home zone. We think the City could use more Parking Enforcement personnel and Mr. Ingram doesn’t. We like his counter that parking enforcement with more of a carrot is needed and that improved efficiencies within the current unit are needed before more personnel are added.

Mr. Ingram Sees Public Transit in Context of Entire System

While not exactly answering our “return to a free Duval Loop” question directly he did use it as an opportunity to discuss creating parking opportunities outside of downtown and using the bus system to get people in. He also suggested this could provide more room on the streets for bikes and pedestrians. This is the kind of holistic, multi-modal transportation thinking we envision too. He also said that Key West transit needed to sell the idea of change and win over skeptics while noting he didn’t think it mattered whether this marketing function was done in house or by a third-party vendor.

Mr. Ingram Gets Infrastructure and Education are Necessary to Get More People Biking and Walking

“I believe infrastructure and education are necessary. By designing roads with safe areas for bicycles, and ensuring adequate space for both cars and bikes, we could reduce tension between drivers and cyclists while also creating a bike culture in town. Educating locals on the rights of bicyclists is important but the sheer volume of tourists means we would always be trying to educate new people. This is labor intensive and costly without necessarily being effective. Creating a city where there are dedicated bike and pedestrian lanes with some protection would help encourage people onto their bikes or on foot.”
Kimball Ingram in answer to question 9 “Do you believe increased traffic enforcement (speeding) will improve public safety for pedestrians and people on bicycles? Or do you believe that infrastructure improvements will improve safety? Or Education? Perhaps nothing more is needed or perhaps all 3? Explain how public safety should be accomplished.”

We like that he and his whole family bike. A lot. Too often we’ve heard from the current crop of Commissioners and City Management that they drive everywhere. We believe this exacerbates the car-centric transportation system in this town and believe leaders should set the example. It bodes well that he mentions funding the short-term bicycle and pedestrian networks in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Transportation Plan.

Mr. Ingram Gets Bike, Walk, Transit Makes Our Island Better

*Kimball, top row, third from right, participates in the Smart Ride Bike Fundraiser*

We think Kimball Ingram gets it and having him on the dais at City Hall will go a long way towards a more bike, walk, transit and street for people friendly Key West.

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