The Issues Facing Islamorada
Islamorada’s Comprehensive Plan.
The current Building Permit Allocation System (BPAS) that regulates all new residential development has been essentially exhausted by the Village of Islamorada.
Additionally, it’s been almost a quarter-of-a-century since the Village updated its comprehensive plan which is intended to serve as a guidepost for Council decisions on all future residential and commercial development.
Fortunately — after multiple drama-filled Council sessions — the Village has seemingly retained a professional consulting firm to help update the comprehensive plan. This is a critical first step.
I’m a big believer in planning your work, then working your plan.
Our comprehensive planning process must be a community conversation. The Village Council should encourage more engagement from our local residents in our planning process. We must be accessible, transparent, and welcoming of more input and expertise from our residents.
Finally, my belief is all future residential and commercial development must be fair and equitable; respectful of property rights; responsive to strains on our infrastructure; fiscally responsible; and most importantly: extremely sensitive to our environment and water quality.
Our entire economy is intertwined with the health of our region’s water — so we must plan accordingly.
Answer originally provided to the Islamorada Community Alliance. Steve’s opponent declined to answer. Full responses from all Council candidates here.
The Village Budget.
Our annual budget sets the Village’s priorities for spending, so we should have rigorous and robust debate amongst councilmembers — with significant input from the public — on how to best spend our tax revenues. The budget process is the cornerstone of a functioning government and we should expect differences of opinions, expectations and ideas about spending and saving.
As a big believer in planning your work, then working your plan, I look forward to the Village finally updating its Comprehensive Plan which has been neglected for almost a quarter-of-a-century. This strategic planning will help guide our next budget with clearly defined short, mid and long-term goals for our Village.
Finally, our Village Manager Rob Cole has stated numerous times the budget process would start much earlier next year which will allow for even more input and participation from our citizens.
As a fisherman, I am by nature an optimist. So, I am confident we can turn the page in Islamorada and build a better future that prioritizes protecting our water, while providing first-class public services that enhance our quality of life.
Answer originally provided to the Islamorada Community Alliance. Steve’s opponent declined to answer. Full responses from all Council candidates here.
Sea Level Rise.
Our Village Council — working closely with Monroe County — has been leading the way on getting ahead of the curve on sea level rise.
Climate change is our new reality. The recent hiring of a Sustainability & Resiliency Coordinator and completion of a comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment that examines sea level rise, rainfall and tidal flooding are a great start toward planning for our future.
Next year we will also see the completion of our Roads Elevation Study outlining ways to mitigate and protect our roads from rain and tidal flooding as well as sea level rise.
It is critical we get ahead of sea level rise to protect our families and our quality of life.
Answer originally provided to the League of Women Voters.
Transportation.
The Overseas Highway is an iconic — and dangerous — road. Islamorada must continue to partner with Monroe County and the Department of Transportation on safety and congestion solutions.
We should continue to encourage residents/visitors to utilize the Freebee EV ride-sharing services.
Legions of youngsters are traveling to and from school on bikes, scooters, skateboards, etc. Islamorada must review/update our bicycle lane plan to ensure safety.
Finally, our workforce must be able to commute to and from work efficiently via bus. We must continue coordinating logistics with other municipalities. Also, we should meet regularly with the workers who staff our hotels, restaurants, and businesses to invite feedback on transportation issues.
Answer originally provided to the League of Women Voters.
Affordable Housing.
As a full-time fishing guide, I interact daily with the workers who are the backbone of our economy at gas stations, bait shops, hotels, marinas, etc. When firefighters and teachers cannot afford to live here, it’s because we have failed them.
Working-class families deserve a fair shot at affordable housing.
The Village must prioritize work-force housing within our new comprehensive plan by thinking outside-the-box and using every tool and funding source available… Moving forward, we must develop plans for the land we already have as well as plan and budget (not impulse buy) for any future purchases. We should strive to only purchase land for conservation purposes and/or solving our affordable housing crisis.
Answer originally provided to the Keys Weekly. Full responses from all Council candidates here.