The Village purchased the “Machado Property” at about MM88.6 bayside in 2021 and it has been sitting vacant ever since.  In January the Village advertised for proposals to find a developer to enter a 99-year lease with the Village and build and manager 16 affordable housing units at the site.  

And then May 12 the Council rejected both proposals received with a vote of 4-1, Council member Deb Gillis dissenting.

Was the Council concerned about compatibility with the neighboring community? Protection of the tropical hardwood hammock on the property?

The Council comments and the comments from the public demonstrated there are more questions than answers regarding workforce housing and exactly what is needed in Islamorada.  

Buses run continually throughout the day transporting the workforce to and from the mainland.  Given the opportunity, would those workers move to Islamorada?

With the high cost of land and construction, what options are available?  The Machado  property cost the Village $1.8 million. The recommendation from staff last Tuesday was to give a huge for profit corporation the land with a 99-year ground lease for 16 units of affordable housing - free of charge, a $112,500/unit gift.

Is there a better way to subsidize affordable housing?  We have a first-time homeowner program that provides buyers with a $10,000 down payment subsidy - significantly less than the $112,500/unit we were geared up to provide an out of town for profit corporation.

Since incorporation 25 years ago, the Village has approved approximately 140 deed restricted affordable homes - some rentals, some home ownership.  Others are in the works - all rentals, mostly 1 bedroom rentals.

The Council decided to put on the brakes and figure out how Islamorada can best address workforce housing.  Another study coming up.