in our Jan 12, 2026 newsletter, we suggested the Village needs to do a better job of managing the 128 Village owned real estate parcels.   There is no specific plan for the use of many of them. We highlighted a few … maybe someone at the Village was listening. There is “progress” to report.  Yes, but without public participation!

1. MM88.6 or more commonly called the Machado Property: A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued last Friday, Jan 23, suggesting the Village will provide a 99-year lease to a contractor willing to build and manage 16 deed restricted units on the property.  

   
   

   We are disappointed that specific details of the plan were not publicly discussed with the community and the neighbors first.  With current zoning 4 affordable homes can be built on each of the 4 lots.  

   
   

   Our recommendation: If it is determined that 16 units are acceptable and they don’t create an even worse traffic nightmare getting onto U.S. One, limit them all to 1 bedroom or efficiency units, probably the size most needed.  Re-zone lots we’ve marked 1 and 2 (on aerial below) to allow 15 affordable units/acre: 16 small units on the 2 lots would be allowed. Lots marked 3 & 4 can be left undeveloped, saving and improving the tropical hardwood hammock by removing the exotic vegetation and restoring native trees.

   
   

   Based on the Comprehensive Plan policies, Islamorada maintains a program to remove invasive exotic vegetation from Village owned lands and then plants native vegetation.  At the January Council meeting, a work authorization was approved with Conch Tree for invasive plant management. These two lots could be added to the work authorization to be restored to assure an improved hammock. Lot shown as 3 is waterfront with a seawall. A small portion that is scarified could possibly be used as a neighborhood park with some dockage.  

1. Church Property, purchased 8/12/24 for $3,995,000 with no particular plan for its use by the Village.  Shouldn’t we have a public meeting to discuss what to do with this major taxpayer asset?  

   
   

   What would it cost for repairs for a future use? If the cost is not reasonable and selling is the best option - market it openly.

   
   

   Problem is - we hear so many rumors! Are there already interested buyers and perhaps even a deal negotiated behind closed doors, awaiting a public vote for a decision already made.  We really hope this is just a rumor, not fact. A $4 million investment of taxpayers’ money necessitates serious public involvement not just a few phone calls and a thumbs up.