Your Input is Critical to the Number of ROGOs our BOCC Will Request!
The topic of how many ROGOs the Monroe County BOCC are going to ask for from the State at the end of the year has become an all important subject of interest for everyone in the Florida Keys. Because the Florida Keys is declared an Area of Critical State Concern by the Legislature, the Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) was implemented to provide safety for our residents in the event of a hurricane evacuation and to protect our significant natural resources. The number of ROGOs that we request from the State will determine how many more building permits will be issued, ever. It is an incredibly important decision. When I say the decisions we make today are going to determine what the Keys are like in 20 years, this is what I am talking about.
I attended the ROGO workshop held in March and have attended 2 presentations by Kimberly Matthews, Sr. Director of Strategic Planning. During the 2 presentations I was shocked at how the risk for Takings Cases was presented. It felt biased toward exaggerating the liability risk to the county. That we needed to do everything we could to avoid the County being sued for an enormous sum of money. However, during the ROGO workshop, the Takings Cases were presented in a much different light. In the workshop it was clear, of the amount sought by those seeking monetary compensation because their land was no longer available to build on, that only a fraction of that amount was actually paid out. And there are several factors that have to be proven in order for those to successfully win a Takings Case. So, why the theatrics?
At the most recent BOCC meeting, several residents spoke about this concern as well. I am happy the Commissioners listened to their constituents about these sentiments. The County staff were directed to see if they can further reduce the 2997 buildable lots to a more realistic number, taking out those due to zoning issues or ones that are unlikely to be developed into residential properties. This will allow Kimberly Matthews to include more accurate information during her presentations. While nothing is ever for sure, residents deserve more accurate data to give their input to the BOCC for this important decision.
“What is equally, if not more important, to the number of ROGOs requested, is HOW those ROGOs are distributed. As your County Commissioner, I would seek a low number of ROGOs distributed over a longer time frame to help prevent over development, protecting our fragile environment and maintaining a 24 hour evacuation model during a hurricane. ”
I highly encourage all residents to take the surveys that are currently available by the County, attending ROGO workshops and watching the monthly BOCC meetings to stay informed. Make your voices heard as this decision will impact our islands for decades to come. If you would like to speak directly with me on this issue, request a yard sign or car magnet, email me at chris@chrisformonroe.com or call me at 305-394-1108. To donate to my campaign, visit https://www.chrisformonroe.com/donate. Please forward this email to anyone interested in joining our campaign.
