An update on Islamorada’s comprehensive plan, recognition of a local artist and a public plea for the village to keep a local environmental nonprofit at Green Turtle Hammock Preserve were among the highlights at a Feb. 10 village council meeting.
Planning director Jennifer DeBoisbriand said the village was fielding questions regarding the status of a new comprehensive plan, which is under development with help from Able City East. Last March, Islamorada residents voiced their opinions to the Miami-based firm on everything from development and vacant parcels to traffic during a series of meetings.
The year 2001 was the last time the village adopted a comprehensive plan, which provides the residential and business community, as well as the village council, staff and other advisory boards a tool to guide decision-making and development. DeBoisbriand said village staff received a draft for review last September. She said Able City East was supposed to get her a final draft for review by the public and council in the coming week.
“Once I receive that draft it will be posted to the website, and council will receive a copy as well,” DeBoisbriand said. “We will move forward with scheduling a public workshop for public input on that draft with Able City. They will then take that feedback and create another.”
From there, the updated comprehensive plan draft would go to the village Local Planning Agency for review before going to the council.
“There’s still a lot of public input and public information gathering to happen,” she said.
Village Attorney John Quick said the village is still waiting for state legislators to fix a bill passed last year preempting local municipalities from adopting regulations on development after natural disasters.
In other matters, residents spent a portion of the public comment period voicing their support for Florida Bay Forever (FBF) at the Russell Cottage at Green Turtle Hammock Preserve. FBF’s lease expires in March, and village officials want to see if there are other nonprofits that may want to use the facility.
FBF says it has led environmental education from the Russell Cottage, consistently meeting its obligations while expanding access, interpretation and learning. Since last year, FBF has welcomed more than 3,800 visitors and operated a staffed visitor center seven days a week.
Jodie Cerra, FBF executive director, said the organization has helped keep the village property active and educational. It’s also a place where many students and visitors connect with the environment. In addition, she said, FBF has a restoration project involving mangroves approved and ready to go. She asked the council to support a renewed agreement for FBF’s use of the Russell Cottage.
Councilwoman Anna Richards said she’s been working with Emily Rother, village arts and cultural coordinator, for the past month to dress up the Founders Park Community Center with artwork from local creators. Recently, artist Pasta Pantaleo donated a “Keys to Life” painting depicting a mangrove. Pantaleo said he came to the Keys and opened his first gallery, Keys to Life, across from the Ocean View Inn & Sports Pub some 20 years ago.
Pantaleo said he named his painting after his journey to the Keys and the way mangroves protect and support the environment. The painting will be on permanent display in the community center.
