DCA deal moving ahead
But letter from Castille shakes county up
By Alyson Matley
amatley@keynoter.com
The Monroe County Commission chambers are likely to be filled to the
rafters Wednesday, when the County Commission discusses an agreement
with the state that would bring about a short-term building moratorium
for the Keys’ most precious lands.
An agreement hammered out Jan. 6 in Key West pledged further
protection for endangered habitat in exchange for money to eventually
purchase those lands.
County commissioners agreed to impose a temporary building moratorium
on sensitive parcels of two acres or more, and the state Department of
Community Affairs promised $93 million in land acquisition funding. In
addition, the agreement contained pledges by both sides to invest in
funding for wastewater treatment upgrades.
This week, DCA Secretary Colleen Castille questioned the language of
the agreement. In a letter to county Mayor Murray Nelson, she wrote, "I
believe that we must apply the moratorium countywide to ensure the
habitat protection consistent with the directions of the governor and
Cabinet."
Under her interpretation, the moratorium would address all
undeveloped Keys land, not just those defined as Tier One in the
county’s mapping system. Tier One lands are considered the most
environmentally fragile. Tier Two lands are considered partially
developed and partially buildable. Tier Three lands are where
significant development has taken place, and where there are scarified
lots.
Since that letter arrived, Nelson said he has been unable to talk
with Castille.
"We’re going to move forward as if we have a deal," said Nelson. "If
the state thinks otherwise, they’ll have to let us know."
The moratorium resolution is set to be discussed at 3:30 p.m.
Wednesday. Also on line for the meeting, which starts at 9 a.m. at the
Harvey Government Center in Key West:
- Approval to increase the number of beds at Bayshore Manor from 16
to 20. As the only county-run assisted-living facility, the facility in
the past has provided beds for as many as 40. Although the need is
great, Social Services Director Louis LaTorre says the increase would
not have a financial impact on the county budget.
- Approval to receive a $250,000 grant from the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Commission to help offset the county’s cost of boat pumpout
facilities.
- A proposal to commit $1.3 million in infrastructure funds to offset
the costs of wastewater projects at Conch Key and Bay Point. This money
was initially earmarked for a decentralized sewer system. In April, the
commission decided to abandon that project.
- A settlement with the property owners of what has, over the years,
earned the name of "stairway to heaven." The unfinished oceanside
Summerland Key house has been stalled in litigation for years, as the
county fined the owners for the unsafe structure. Now the owners have
agreed to donate the parcel – stairs and all – to the county in
settlement of the $187,000 judgment against them. |
