Affordable wORKFORCE housing

Last Stand has supported and will continue to support affordable housing and workforce housing in the Florida Keys when a proposed new development meets appropriate criteria that balances the impacts of new construction with neighbors’ quality of life and the environment. A 1990s report confirmed the Florida Keys had already exceeded the quantity of structures that were sustainable, given the land available. For that reason, we do not support the goal of building our way out of the workforce housing crisis. We encourage the preservation of existing workforce housing, minimizing the use of current housing for short term vacation rentals, and the conversion of existing housing to appropriate affordability or workforce restrictions.

Our Commitment to Affordable workforce Housing

Last Stand’s commitment to affordable workforce housing remains unwavering and we support regulatory measures that promote real affordable workforce housing. Last Stand encourages employers to provide adequate compensation, housing subsidies, or the housing itself. We also see local government as a partner in fostering these efforts, encouraging businesses, and removing any unnecessary barriers.

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last stand address bocc regarding 86 early evacuation rogos for cemex

Last Stand recently spoke at the April 17th BOCC meeting, expressing opposition to granting 86 early evacuation ("EE") ROGOs to CEMEX Construction Materials, Florida, LLC. Originally, this pool of EE ROGOs was designated for Beneficial Use Only (also known as Takings Cases) or for exchange with other ROGOs. However, the applicant is seeking to acquire all 86 EE ROGOs without providing any affordable allocations in return. This places a burden on Monroe County taxpayers and increases potential liabilities.

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Last Stand opposes the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment granting 86 early evacuation ('EE') ROGOs to CEMEX Construction Materials, Florida, LLC

Last Stand opposes granting 86 early evacuation ("EE") ROGOs to CEMEX Construction Materials, Florida, LLC. The county's exchange policy, established to maintain hurricane evacuation standards, requires recipients of EE ROGOs to provide affordable ROGOs. However, the applicant seeks to obtain 86 EE ROGOs without returning any affordable allocations, burdening Monroe County taxpayers and increasing potential liabilities. Last Stand urges support for the exchange policy, which has historical backing and potential participants. Amidst concerns over ROGO availability and overdevelopment pressures, Last Stand urges the County to maintain the exchange policy and resist exceptions that endanger residents' financial resources and safety.

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Last stand opposes the expansion of pier b

Last Stand urges denial of the proposed expansion of the Pier B cruise port due to its detrimental impact on local water quality and its location in environmentally sensitive areas. Despite lack of inspection by the Department of Environmental Protection since 2019, evidence suggests adverse effects without an environmental impact assessment. The expansion contradicts the wishes of Key West citizens, who have consistently voted to limit cruise ship sizes. Denial of the lease would not harm the applicant's business, as they could continue operations under the existing lease.

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