The 23 pages for the Housing element in the proposed “Blueprint for Balance” Comp Plan has 60 Housing Policies, about double what the existing plan has.  

What is the community vision of future housing in Islamorada? Does the “Blueprint for Balance” draft do an adequate job of establishing goals for the Village’s residential community, providing for a balance of housing sizes and types for expected and desired current and future populations?

Extreme Housing Costs - a windfall or a disaster?

The rapidly escalating cost of Islamorada real estate has created an extreme windfall for some - developers, realtors, and those homeowners cashing out and moving to less expensive areas.

But where will we get the teachers, firefighters, and maintenance workers to replace our departing friends? Those leaving are being replaced by wealthy homeowners and investors; not with electricians, plumbers and teachers.  

Small homes, apartments and mobile homes all are in jeopardy of being sold and demolished just for their building rights! Or converted into a lucrative short term rental.

Example 1:1/2 acre oceanfront vacant lot on Lower Matecumbe, for sale for $2.8 million with a building right (from a 500 sq ft dwelling). With typical construction costs, expect a 5000 sq ft home costing $3 million on top of the $2.8 land cost.

Result: an estimated $6 million home, or more, replacing a tiny affordable 500 sq ft one bedroom home.

More and more examples pop up all the time where small homes, apartments and mobile homes are replaced with mansions! In a few years will Islamorada have any small homes left?

How does the draft “Blueprint” deal with this issue?  Are there policies provided to promote some balance?