Please Make the New Convention Center Green

My initial reaction when learning of the Spottswood Companies' proposed convention center at the entrance to Key West was one of disappointment and outrage — that despite citizens' cries to stop mega-project luxury development in the Keys, the trend continues without regard to the water crisis we are facing, the loss of affordable housing through the destruction of mobile home parks and transfer of transient licenses from downsized hotel complexes (read number of units, not square footage or water-guzzling amenities) to residential units.

After watching the Spottswoods' presentation at the City Commission meeting last week, I have changed my opinion from disappointment and disgust to cautious optimism that this project could serve as a model of green building for the future of Key West development and re-development — if they make good on their promises stated in the presentation.

Representatives for the project stated on the record that they are looking into LEED certification for the complex.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the U.S. Green Building Council's benchmark for green building, which recognizes performance in the key areas of sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

I applaud the Spottswoods for hiring a consultant to assist them in this process, and I encourage them to follow through and make the convention center the first LEED-certified building in Key West.

What a wonderful symbol to announce to visitors who arrive at the gateway of Key West that one of our most powerful business leaders has made the commitment to go green, set an example and raise the bar on sustainability for future development projects.

And while LEED-certification is the right thing to do for our sensitive Keys environment and the future of the planet, it is also the right thing to do for the Spottswoods.

This convention center provides an opportunity for the Spottswoods' project to become the poster child of a new and green Key West, which will likely receive awards, national and international recognition, and will attract the well-behaved and conscientious tourists we desire. "If you build it green, they will come."

Whether we like it or not, change and further development seem inevitable in the Keys.

I believe our local governments should be insisting on LEED-certification for all new public and private projects. Until that day comes, the only responsible course of action for developers is to set their own standards by designing projects that have the least possible impact on the Earth and that can actually provide a benefit to the environment.

So please, Spottswood Companies, do not let this opportunity slip away.

Jody Smith Williams

Key West