Keys Treasures

The Marathon City Council is scheduled to discuss a development agreement for the Earthmark Co.'s Maranu Luxe Bungalow Resort and Spa on Knight's Key some four months after it first came before the council. Back in June, the council tabled a vote on what would be the largest development in Marathon because many of the council members hadn't had enough time to review the agreement.

Now, Planning Director Fred Gross said the project is ready to be reviewed by the council. “The delays were to work out and go over these changes and make sure all of the conditions of the development agreement were very clear,” Gross said. “It, theoretically, can be approved on Tuesday.”

Gross said one of the main changes from the original plans is to move the proposed site of the Pigeon Key Foundation railroad car, which currently sits on Knight's Key, more toward the east and in a position perpendicular to U.S. 1 to allow for better bus and trolley turnaround. Gross said the city is also not planning to build a small fire station on Knight's Key as originally planned, but Earthmark plans to donate $75,000 for new fire hydrants throughout the city.

Another stipulation would require Earthmark to provide parking for annual events like the Seven Mile Bridge Run, Offshore Grand Prix and Pigeon Key Art Festival. Gross is also encouraging Earthmark to work with the Florida Department of Transportation to construct a new southbound turn lane on U.S. 1 at the entrance to Knight's Key.

The core of the agreement would allow Earthmark to redevelop the 199 current RV spaces into one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury condo-hotel units and 40 workforce housing units for resort employees. The plan also includes a spa, restaurant, marina with charter boat slips, three pools, a welcome and conference center and a sewage treatment plant to accommodate the entire Knight's Key island.

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