Old Town is under siege by developers and their minions
in Sherman's-march-through-Georgia proportions. If they
continue to have their way, we can kiss what's left of
our Historic District good-bye. Ditto the countless
numbers of tourists who, at least in good part, come
here to admire it.
It's a well-known fact that most developers don't
concern themselves with the long-term effects of their
projects. Increasingly, the financial backing for these
ventures comes from out of town, out of state, or even
foreign sources. They're in a hit-and-run business,
leaving us, the residents, to deal with the aftermath;
skewing of the economic base, over-crowding, added
stress on an already failing infrastructure, lack of
housing for those with average or low incomes, and — as
a result of increased gentrification — a shortage of
jobs as the tourism industry wanes and eventually dries
up.
What do you suppose will draw people here when the
Historic District is no longer historic? When the reef
is dead and the oceans too polluted to swim or fish in?
Studies have confirmed that it's already happening, and
this gung-ho development and condo-i-zation is
compounding the problem. Residents and visitors alike
complain about the noise, the crowds, the poor quality
of their dive or snorkeling experience. Like it or not,
we are financially dependent upon tourism, and we are
ruining the very things that have long made Key West an
attractive vacation destination.
Members of [the Historical Architectural Review
Commission] ... are the stewards of our Historic
District, and by default the stewards of Key West
itself. The ongoing assault by developers threatens the
economy of our entire island. I urge [them] to take a
stand now to ensure that the rules and regulations
intended to protect this unique and priceless community
asset remain strong and intact. If possible, strengthen
them even further. Close any loopholes and make sure no
other ones appear. Old Town Key West is a treasure that
belongs to all of us. Stop, once and for all, this
shameless sellout to the highest, the cleverest, the
most devious bidder.
Janet Hartwell
Key West
