In a continuing effort to inform and educate the residents of current events, mandates and issues that affect the lives of residents and our unique environment, I submit the following:
Another self inflicted gunshot wound:
Four Laning U.S. One: Earlier this year, for some unknown reason, the Monroe County Commission directed their staff to prepare amendments to the County Comprehensive Plan, an amendment to delete the prohibition against additional 4-laning of U.S. One in the Keys.
This would destroy Islamorada in many ways.
Last week, the proposed amendment was heard by the County Planning Commission.
They voted 3 to 1 recommending the Commission reject the requested proposal to delete their 4-lane highway change. We commend them for using common sense.
This will go to the County Commission soon for their vote.
If past be prologue, the County Commission take on unfettered development is dismal (see the vote on Publix at Cemex). Their constituents were solidly against the Publix but the Commission voted for it under the guise of “affordable housing”. For whom?
At a time when the county criticizes the state for preempting local authority, to propose that FDOT make the 4-lane highway call is flat. Asking for pre-emption!
U.S. One is a local issue. Residents who depend on this highway to live, work and send their children to school should decide. Not elected officials or bureaucrats
A 4-lane highway will ensure increased traffic, more development, increased stress on our environment and infrastructure. This diminishes and destroys our quality of life.
Crossing and navigating a 4-lane highway opens up dire safety concerns. A 4-lane highway running through our community enhances the danger of crossing or turning from or to a four-lane highway for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
What will Islamorada do?
I urge our officials not to take the easy way out! Vote and support our “fishing village”, not the new Miami Beach. Tell the County Commission you say “No!”
A 4-lane highway could also affect the evacuation time. Evacuations might no longer be a limiting factor in the Keys’ rate of growth.
Questionable “studies” will tell you Islamorada and the Keys can handle the additional growth - wastewater treatment, schools, water supply, stormwater runoff from the widened highway.
We cannot handle all of the above without huge tax consequences. Tax increases will drive more long-term residents away.
Maybe the goal is to be a village of vacation rentals and a few wealthy residents.
And what about our workforce? No workforce could survive
If we give up the right to determine our future, and U.S. One is widened through Islamorada, what will happen to our businesses that will have a 4-lane highway right out their front door – with no parking!
Chamber of Commerce and TDC, where are you on this?
There is a saturation point for access and parking. There are many other poor outcomes. Imagine the tremendous cost of widening the 42 bridges in the Keys!
Again it comes at the cost of higher taxes – local, state and Federal.
Question -what creates the existing traffic on US one? The very worst is on holiday weekends, mini-season, and when weather elsewhere is miserable.
The congestion is not created by residents.
The Tourist Development Council continues to advertise to bring more tourists. The statute that guides the TDC should be revised to pay more toward infrastructure for the victims of increased tourism.
Let your feelings be known!
Contact your County Commissioner and Village officials today!
Elections have consequences and this is just another one.
As always,
Tom Raffanello
Reply to: ICA.in.Keys@gmail.com
