There's more to consider with island's annexation

On July 17, the Key West City Commission will vote on the annexation of Wisteria (aka Christmas Tree) Island from Monroe County. The only reason this annexation is being considered is a plan by the developers of Sunset Key (aka Tank Island) to build up to 168 market-rate homes on Wisteria.

By contrast, the county regulations allow for the construction of only two — yes, two — homes. Annexation by the city is, therefore, the first step developers are taking to allow for the development of 84 to 168 residences there.

Last Stand urges the City Commission to turn down annexation of Wisteria Island. If not a total rejection, the commission needs to take the pulse of the citizens on this issue by voting for placing Commissioner [Bill] Verge's non-binding referendum on the October ballot.

Here's why citizens need to be concerned about this matter. A recent Harris Poll in Key West identified "quality of life" as citizens' major concern. Among the things that a majority felt were negatively affecting our QOL were: (1) continued development and (2) problems affecting the environment. Clearly the proposed Wisteria Island annexation development plan is a flat-out rejection of these concerns. It will allow for continued development in a major way and it will have major effects on the ecology and environment of this undeveloped island and the harbor. No wonder the developers are courting City Commission members in hopes they will overlook these impacts.

Some members of the City Commission support Wisteria's annexation and development as a source for additional tax revenue. In reality, the potential tax return of the proposed development is small compared with possible costs in servicing residences there. The developers claim that they will provide for sewage treatment, water desalinization and generator-powered electricity. Has the city considered whether self-contained facilities are even feasible there? Has anyone seen the developers' utility plans? Will the EPA approve them? What pollution from self-contained utilities will Key West residents have to deal with? If they become necessary, what economic and environmental impacts will electric and water connections have? We are already on water restrictions — where will additional potable water come from? How will the city provide fire/police protection without significant costs? These are just a sample of the unanswered questions.

Citizens in public forums have raised other possibilities for this island — most prominently a public park for the benefit of all the people. It could also be left as is. The proposed annexation and development eliminates both of these options. Certainly the city should not facilitate the proposed massive development of this natural space without an objective analysis of what the potential costs and benefits are for the citizens of Key West. Right now, there are more questions than answers. Make your voices heard on this development plan by contacting the commission and/or appearing at the July 17 meeting.

Albert Sullivan, president, Last Stand, Key West