Our Infrastructure Can’t Handle More Development—Don't Let Them Fool You
Last Week the Monroe County Board of Commissioners held a special ROGO workshop where they brought in utility and school department heads to discuss whether our current infrastructure can handle additional development. This workshop was aimed at helping the BOCC decide how many ROGOs they should request from the State in December.
Not surprisingly, most department heads claimed that their systems could handle up to 8,000 additional ROGOs. But let's be honest—these are businesses. Of course, they're going to say they can handle more business. They're not fooling anyone about the real strain on our infrastructure.
After digging into the details, it became painfully obvious that their reassurances were far from accurate. The FKAA admitted that while getting water wouldn’t be an issue, wastewater absolutely would be. A faulty sewage system isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a serious public health and environmental risk. For example, at Mile Marker 92 in Islamorada, the wastewater line has burst eight times in the very location where they want to build a Publix and affordable housing units. Is this really an area ready for more development? Absolutely not.
FDOT also reported that several road segments are already below acceptable service levels. And to be clear, our Comprehensive Plan prohibits adding more lanes, so with additional development, evacuation times will only get worse. Imagine what that means for public safety during a hurricane.
Traffic on US 1 evacuating during a hurricane
The takeaway from this workshop is crystal clear: while utility heads may try to reassure the BOCC that our infrastructure can mostly handle additional growth, the truth is that continuing to build will have far-reaching consequences on our ecosystem, housing affordability and overall quality of life. We don’t know how great those costs will be until it’s too late.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the decisions we make today will shape the future of the Keys for the next 20 years. We must stand up for smart, sustainable development that puts the well-being of our community first, not the profits of big developers. Unfortunately, the current five BOCC members are doing everything they can to clear the way for more reckless building. It’s time for a change. Help me become the voice of reason on the BOCC and push back against these harmful development projects before it’s too late.
Our campaign is officially in full swing! If you'd like to help make a difference, please donate or get involved as time is running out! To contact me directly, email me at chris@chrisformonroe.com or call me at 305-394-1108. For yard signs, car magnets, volunteer opportunities, or to learn more about my campaign, visit Chris For Monroe.
Together, we can protect the future of the Keys.
Best regards,
Chris Massicotte
Candidate for Monroe County Commissioner
