From the Desk of Tom Raffanello, President of the Islamorada Community Alliance: 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:
Southcliff Estates Affordable Housing: Congratulations to the residents of Monroe County!!!
The residents’ voices were loud, and unmistakably clear. I can’t overstate the fact that a united, clear speaking electorate can and will be heard by our government officials or they will be shown the door! I am proud of all of you.
$3000/month for a 1-bedroom apartment was over the top. The Commissioners heard our voices and dropped the rent to a variable rate based on the income of the tenant.
This is the formula they agreed to:
Annual income of applicant times 30%, divided by 12 months = monthly rent.
They did not change the qualifying income range: $71,880 to $125,040. Rental range is now $1797/month to $3126/month using the Commission’s new equation which depends on the income of the tenant.
I commend the commissioners but the work is not over. A minimum salary of $71,880 is too high. And where did it come from? That salary is not commensurate with salaries of non-supervisory hospitality workers. Reality dictates that it be re-evaluated. Your move, Commissioners!
This Fills situation is still confusing. The Village had a 5-year lease with FDOT and FDEP for the entire Fills between Upper and Lower Matecumbe. The effort was to control the congestion, environmental damage, and safety issues that had been occurring for several decades on weekends.
The lease ended a full year ago, with no discussion about a renewal. Impossible to explain why the Village has spent significant taxpayer funds to continue to patrol the area on weekends with two Village Public Works employees being paid overtime to sit in village owned vehicles and watch DOT property for illegal parking. There is no precedent or logical reason for this.
For the current year, just over $182,000 of Village funds was budgeted for monitoring the Fills even though we have not had any authority there since last September. When asked why Public Works continues to pay overtime - the Village Public Works Director, A.J. Engelmeyer, responded to Council that we do this “Because it is in the budget.”
Wrong answer. Cease the “guard duty” and reprogram the money to other Village needs.
Think Bus Stops:
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It nearly broke my heart passing through the Village recently seeing employees waiting for their bus to the mainland in the pouring rain, some drenched to the bones.
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The Council has been discussing bus stops for years.
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The County Transit Director, Richard Clark, asked for us to hold up on bus stops as the County wanted to install bus stops throughout the Keys - utilitarian, attractive, and uniform. Mr. Clark’s position has been eliminated in the 2025-2026 budget.
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So the cavalry isn’t coming.
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We should use the money we can save from the useless Fills “guard duty”.
Suggestion: Make bus stops a joint project with employers, the Chamber and the Village.
We have an obligation, as good citizens, to protect a precious commodity - our workforce.
Protecting our workforce from the sun and rain trumps “guard duty” on DOT property. This is doable and can be completed quickly.
I challenge the involved parties to put this on top of their “to do” list. Any delays would be disrespectful. It is what our council was elected to do… make obvious changes for residents, property owners and our workforce.
Remember elections have consequences!
Do you have any ideas or complaints? Please let us know.
As always,
Tom Raffanello
Reply to: ICA.in.Keys@gmail.com
