Last Stand changes hands

By BRIDGET McDONALD Keynoter Contributor
Posted-Friday, February 11, 2005 7:27 PM EST

"There's no such thing as success in this business," says Amy Lachat Lynch, three-term president of Last Stand. "The bad guys and the same issues keep coming back at you."

The issues that threaten the quality of life in the Keys, as identified by Last Stand and its 16-member board, range from water pollution and habitat protection to cruise ships and traffic jams; sewage and wastewater treatment to the best use of tourist-tax dollars; the 18-Mile Stretch to backcountry protection.

Lachat Lynch, who leaves her post this week, joined Last Stand in 1992, about the same time the city acquired the Key West Bight.

"I was already a member of the [schooner] Wolf family and the bight community was my second home. I wanted to be sure the city was responsible regarding the long-term tenants there."

Many developments occurred at the bight over the years - including the displacement of boatbuilders and sailmakers to make room for an establishment presented as an educational conch farm; the loss of affordable housing when a trailer park was converted to a parking lot; the Wolf losing its lease; and more recently, the development of the former Jabour's Trailer Court.

Lachat Lynch, 41, is not resigned, just realistic.

"It's not a 100 percent success, but it could have been worse," she says.

And it's not over yet.

Among other things, Last Stand and several other neighborhood organizations are supporting some Key West Bight residents in their legal action trying to stop Jabour's from redeveloping into the Watermark condo complex. The residents cite the proposed height and density in their opposition.

Last Stand also recently received more than $15,000 in grants from the Elizabeth Ordway Dunn Foundation "which will go straight to lawyers" to challenge an increase in building permits proposed for Marathon and unincorporated Monroe by the state Department of Community Affairs.

That issue is now the subject of a state administrative hearing.

The first woman to serve as president of the 400-plus-member organization, Lachat Lynch has a low-key manner and dry wit that make her approachable. She doesn't like the limelight.

"It's not about me," she said. "My job has been to create an organization where a group of individuals can shine. I let them do what they are really good at. The board comprises of successful people who are used to working hard. They are bright, interested, involved people who want to give back to the community,"

Among the hard-working is Vice President Dennis Henize of Cudjoe Key, who will follow Lachat Lynch as president. His special area of interest is growth management in Monroe County.

Other Last Stand board members - who, like the organization's stances, now extend beyond Key West - are No Name Key resident Mick Putney, who works on environmental and growth issues; treasurer Bill Verge, a member of the Key West Planning Board; George Halloran, a former city commissioner; Martha DuPont, who brings national nonprofit experience to the table; longtime Key West resident Marjorie Butko, whose focus is parks and bird habitat; architect Sullins Stewart, city issues; Margaret Domanski, secretary and transient-rental expert; past president and founding member Elliot Baron, city issues; habitat protector and "pure environmentalist" Joan Borel; Richard Hatch, Truman Waterfront development watchdog; Rosie Ware, who organizes special events; and local actress Robin Deck, who stays on top of city issues. Two new board members are Annette Liggett and Al Sullivan, both of Key West.