Do we even know where to start? Do we even know what type of affordable/workforce housing would help the situation? What can we learn from the County - 9 months ago they acquired 12 one-bedroom deed restricted affordable housing units in Key Largo.  None have been rented. Many new projects are pending with hundreds of affordable deed restricted units proposed.

Perhaps Habitat for Humanity is correct that in the Upper Keys the most needed housing is stand-alone 3 bedroom/2 bath family ownership opportunities.

As a proponent of Habitat stated to us “These end up being essential permanent residents of the community who benefit from their proximity to their jobs, high quality schools and the opportunity to create and grow their equity while contributing to the vibrancy of the community.”

Our proximity to the mainland makes it practical for many workers to commute.  The typical renters might rather live on the mainland due to the lower cost of living, availability of housing and proximity to a community of family and friends.

Unfortunately, bringing our workforce from the mainland may increase our local traffic challenges.

Affordable Housing Study: An up-to-date Housing Study is desperately needed! We cannot just guess about how to spend critical affordable housing funds. Or use 20-year-old data.  What do we really need? What decisions do we make as a Village that improve or hurt the goals.

The Islamorada statistics are readily available and need analysis as to the best approach to improving affordability.

Monroe County just approved an Affordable Housing Study. County Administrator Christine Hurley commented: “We are seeing a change of usage that we’ve never seen before in the County”

District 5 County Commissioner, Holly Rascheim, an Islamorada resident, stated: “We are getting a little saturated up here.  We need to make sure we are putting affordable housing where it actually needs to go.”

Does anyone else in Islamorada think we are “a little saturated?”

Click Here to read a Free Press story about the Monroe County study.  Why was Marathon included but not Islamorada?