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

April 16, 2024

Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein

Commissioner Craig Cates

Commissioner Michelle Lincoln

Commissioner David Rice

Mayor Pro TemJim Scholl

RE: Agenda Item J2 - County-Wide Impacts of Goal 113

Dear Mayor and Commissioners,

Last Stand would like to object to the proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendment that would award 86 early evacuation (“EE”) ROGOs to CEMEX Construction Materials, Florida, LLC.  The County’s stated policy per Ordinance 005-2021 (the “exchange policy”) requires a recipient of EE ROGOs to provide Monroe County with affordable ROGOs.  Under that policy, these newly received affordable ROGOs would be placed into an administrative relief bank to reduce potential takings and Bert Harris Act liabilities. The exchange policy was created to accept the 300 EE ROGO allocations granted by former Governor Rick Scott and still maintain our 24-hour hurricane evacuation time frame while providing protection from potential liabilities. 

The applicant proposes that Monroe County grant them 86 EE ROGOs without returning any affordable ROGO allocations. This is advantageous to the developer but places a financial burden on the Monroe County taxpayers by reducing the potential for receipt of affordable ROGOs that would decrease the potential takings liabilities. 

The exchange policy had a lot of support when adopted as is reflected in the attached memorandum. Three Commissioners who advocated for this policy are still on the Board of County Commissioners today. We ask that you continue to support the exchange policy.

This memorandum contains indications that Wrecker’s Cay and Quarry Apartments would be open to participating in such an exchange. 

The availability of ROGOs is of much concern throughout the county as we work towards a resolution to the Florida Keys Hurricane Evacuation Modeling Report and reasonable limits on future growth. There continues to be significant pressure to continue overdeveloping the Keys. We look to you to stay the course and withstand these demands that jeopardize the financial resources and safety of all Monroe County residents.

Last Stand asks that you maintain the exchange policy and do not make this or any other exceptions.

Sincerely,

Ann Olsen

For the Last Stand Board

Last Stand is a non-profit organization of volunteer citizens who are interested in preserving the Florida Keys' unique quality of life and our fragile, beautiful natural environment.  We have worked tirelessly since 1987 to protect Key West and the Florida Keys.

Last Stand  •  P.O. Box 146  •  Key West, FL 33041      www.keyslaststand.org