Workshop: Discussion about Village properties, all purchased without a planned use.One of the properties… a church. The workshop was scheduled to see if members of the community had any ideas about possible uses for the prior Islamorada Community Church and several other costly properties owned by the Village, sitting unused.  

Village Manager, Ron Saunders, suggested that in an effort to keep property taxes down and preserve critical fund balances that perhaps the church should be sold. Some in attendance, preferred improving efficiency and reducing Village operating costs as a more appropriate way to control property tax levels instead of the sale of valued real estate. “What will we sell next year?”

Purchased a year ago for $3.995,000, the church property was leased back to the church for the past year ($0 rent). The Village took official possession August 11.   

The church property at MM82.8. is 110’ x 330’ on U.S. One, just south of Publix, 8/10 of an acre.  The building is almost 16,000 sq ft with a sanctuary that can seat over 300.  Originally built in 1972 as a movie theater, it was acquired by the church more than 20 years ago. In addition to the sanctuary, the building has classrooms and offices, previously part of a school operated by the church.  Click here for photos from the appraisal done a year ago.

Another property discussed was the former Island Silver and Spice property that has been sitting vacant in the heart of Islamorada since being purchased by Islamorada December of 2021 for $2.75 million.

It was concluded that the third property, purchased in May, 2021, for $1.8M and referred to as the “Machado Property” should be used for affordable housing.  

If you have ideas, the Village Manager is anxious to listen.