Last stand supports bcd’s request for administrative relief

Mayor Holly Merrill Raschein

Commissioner Michelle Lincoln

Commissioner Jim Scholl

Commissioner David Rice

Commissioner Craig Cates

09-10-24

Via email

RE: Agenda Item Q5 & Q6 – BCD of the Keys, LLC request for Administrative Relief

Dear Mayor and Commissioners,

Last Stand supports the staff recommendation to provide administrative relief for the two Tier I lots owned by BCD of the Keys, LLC by having the Land Authority purchase them. The lots in question are correctly designated Tier I as they consist of hardwood hammock and are adjacent to a large area of publicly owned Tier 1 conservation land. 

Per our Land Development Code, a purchase offer is the preferred option for administrative relief if the requested permit is for development located within a designated Tier I area. These two lots meet that criteria. 

Staff recommends that administrative relief be awarded in the form of an offer to purchase the property at its fair market value. The Monroe County Land Authority has confirmed that the subject property would be eligible for purchase. You have followed this course of action with previous requests for administrative relief when the subject Tier I property was located adjacent to conservation lands. It is a well-established policy that applies here as well. 

Thank you for your continued commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of our community.

From the Board of Last Stand