Public should watch for ROGO hearings

The recent legal decision that granted the Southernmost House a number of transient licenses to operate a guesthouse, in addition struck down Key West's Rate of Growth Ordinance (ROGO) as nonexistent. As a result, the city now has a moratorium on new building projects, with the exception of affordable housing structures.

The moratorium was instituted (for six months) to allow the city to renew its ROGO law, which is supposed to guide and limit development to an eventual build-out that is sustainable. This process is also a good time for the city to clear up other problems associated with growth management, such as who owns unused transient licenses, how many ROGO building units and transient licenses now exist, and whether these licenses constitute "new construction" or "reconstruction" when they are finally used.

Last Stand's board of directors recently voted to attend and participate in the public hearings and workshops that the city plans to hold to discuss these ideas.

As of April 5, no date has been set for the public sessions. Last Stand encourages Key West residents who are concerned about future development to watch for these meetings, and if possible, attend them and give your opinion.

As an alternative, feel free to phone the Last Stand office at 305-296-3335, or e-mail us at admin@last-stand.org, so we can document your concerns about the future of our city.

Albert Sullivan, president

Last Stand