The council’s consideration of additional residential building permits ignited a debate among members and the public. Concerns were raised about the implications of approving 250 new allocations, with one council member arguing that this would increase local traffic, citing an estimated 1,500 additional daily trips from new homes. The member stressed that traffic issues, particularly at Upper Matecumbe Key, were already problematic, and further development could exacerbate these challenges.

Public sentiments were divided on the proposal. Some community members, like Ty Harris, argued that rejecting the additional allocations could push the county to redistribute them elsewhere, which could lead to increased pressures on Islamorada’s infrastructure.

Conversely, Van Cadenhead and others voiced concerns about the necessity of increasing allocations when population density and traffic were already concerns. They questioned the need for more permits, highlighting that many appeals related to takings claims rarely progressed to court due to their complexity. This sentiment was echoed by Sue Miller, who tied the proposed growth to hurricane evacuation challenges and climate change threats.

The council also considered the historical context of housing policies, recognizing that past decisions had contributed to the current housing crisis. The shift from affordable to market-rate units in previous years was criticized for exacerbating a deficit in affordable housing. The council acknowledged the need for a plan to address these issues, with hopes pinned on a newly hired planning firm to provide strategic guidance.

Further complicating matters was the issue of transferable development rights (TDRs), with concerns that larger corporations were converting small properties into expansive developments, thus intensifying traffic and resource demands. The council recognized the need to reform the allocation system, considering both the immediate needs of applicants and the long-term impacts on the community.

In addition to the housing and development debates, the meeting addressed a proposal related to commercial fishing on Plantation Shores Drive. The council voted to approve the proposal with a narrow three to two margin. The decision was met with mixed reactions, with supporters highlighting the importance of maintaining waterfront access for commercial fishermen and opponents raising concerns about the area’s vulnerability to storm damage.

As the meeting drew to a close, departing council members reflected on their tenure and contributions. Elizabeth Jolin, Mark Gregg, and Henry Rosenthal shared gratitude for their experiences on the council, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs faced during their time in office. They emphasized the importance of collaboration and expressed optimism for the future of Islamorada.