City Manager Installs Primary Color Bike Racks Against HARC Rules

City Manager Installs Primary Color Bike Racks Against HARC Rules

By: Liana Gonzalez-Blanco December 3, 2025

Recent discussions in Key West have focused on unapproved primary color installations in the city’s historic district. At the Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC) meetings on October 28 and November 18, 2025, commissioners addressed the primary color arch, fences, and bike racks. These items remain under review, with possible ordinance or guideline changes pending. One board member noted that staff may supplement existing guidelines with past written material to clarify standards.

Residents continue to ask whether these installations received proper HARC approval. Their concerns are heightened by the recent Building Department scandal, where permitting abuses were alleged and transparency became a major community demand. Yet, despite this uproar, the City bypassed HARC approval for the primary color bike racks and ignored violations related to painting homes in the historic district. Many argue that rules seem to apply to homeowners and businesses, but not to the City itself.

Frustration has also grown over City priorities. Locals say time and money should be directed toward Duval Street and Old Town revitalization—cleaner streets, updated trash receptacles, safer pedestrian crossings, and removal of outdated newspaper and coupon stands—rather than primary color bike racks and crosswalks. They believe these neglected fixtures detract from the area’s vibrant character and hurt businesses.

Critics emphasize that HARC’s role is to enforce compliance with preservation laws, yet oversight appears absent. Some residents want to know, if the city can install projects without approval, then can homeowners have the same freedom? Concerns also extend to the cost of the rainbow bike racks , which were never formally approved by HARC. With limited tax payer funds, focusing on infrastructure improvements makes more sense at this time.

At its core, the debate reflects a larger tension in Key West: residents value inclusivity and creative expression, but they also expect the City to uphold the rules that protect the island’s historic character. With HARC reviewing the installations and commissioners pledging to revisit guidelines, the outcome will determine how future public projects are managed—and whether Key West can balance community identity with regulatory integrity.

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Liana Gonzalez-Blanco

Liana is a Key West native who loves writing about her island home. She taught English to students in grades 6–12 for nearly 35 years in Key West schools, sharing her love of literature and language with generations of local students. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Central Florida. Liana is the owner of Conch Media Group, LLC, and the creator and manager of The Key West Post. Her goal is to keep readers informed about the issues that matter most in Key West. As a lifelong local, she offers a perspective often missing from corporate media and from journalists and bloggers who are new to the island.  When Liana isn't writing and managing this website, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family. On most days, you’ll find her walking, biking, or running outdoors, soaking up the natural beauty, friendly people, and diverse cultures that make Key West so special.

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