Dealing with the Loss of Waterfront Land in South Florida: The Monroe County Marine Management Strategic Plan

Transcription

1 Dealing with the Loss of Waterfront Land in South Florida: The Monroe County Marine Management Strategic Plan presented by Lenore Alpert, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Research Center for Urban & Environmental Solutions, Florida Atlantic University Fort Lauderdale, FL Thursday, May 10, 2007 Working Waterways and Waterfronts 2007 Conference Norfolk, Virginia

2 Loss of Marine Facilities in Florida Conversion of Working Waterfronts to private and residential use Escalating property values Regulatory impediments to new marina development Increases in imported seafood Increased regulation of commercial fishing

3 2005 Florida Legislation: : Waterway and Waterfront Improvement Act (HB 955) Effective July 1, 2005 State recognizes an important interest in facilitating boating access: To Preserve recreational and commercial Working Waterfronts To Provide a definition of recreational and Working Waterfronts Waterfronts Florida Program created to provide technical assistance and support in revitalizing waterfront areas in Florida

4 2005 Florida Legislation: : Waterway and Waterfront Improvement Act (HB 955) Instructs State to conduct a study to identify opportunities to increase recreational boating access in the State park system Provides $1 from vessel registration fees to be deposited into the Marine Conservation Trust Fund for public launching facilities Creates a tax deferral program for owners of recreational and commercial Working Waterfronts Requires comprehensive plans to include waterway access and the preservation of recreational and commercial Working Waterfronts

5 The Florida Keys in Monroe County

6 Monroe County Marine Management Plan: Protecting Working Waterfronts & Community Character

7 Monroe County Marine Management Plan Monroe County s current trend: Waterfront property for non water dependent uses and privatization Experiencing loss of Working Waterfronts: Commercial marinas, boatyards, storage, fish houses, boat dealers, repair and maintenance, tourism facilities Limiting public water access Contract to provide a comprehensive strategy to protect and preserve Monroe County s Working Waterfronts.

8 History of the Florida Keys Early Emergence of the fishing industry Late Dominance of tourism By mid 1970s, tourism was 78% of the Keys economy State declared the Keys an Area of Critical State Concern in 1975

9 Changes in Commercial Fishing Monroe County Landings of Finfish, Invertebrates, and Shrimp ( ) 10,000,000 Pounds 8,000,000 6,000,000 4,000,000 2,000,000 Finfish Invertebrates Food Shrimp Years 1994 Net Ban banning the use of entangling nets in Florida waters

10 Monroe County Commercial Fishing Licenses for Saltwater Products ( ) Licenses Years Saltwater Products Licenses It would not surprise me if, in the future, you saw condos along the waterfront instead of fishing boats and ice factories. And all the seafood you eat here will come from Taiwan. -A Keys Fisherman

11 The Working Waterfront Today Limited land available and redevelopment pressure Tourism economy Unique laid-back lifestyle The challenge: Balance development with the natural world and improve quality of life for residents and visitors

12 Strategies to Implement Goals Provide for expansion of existing marinas Create flexible land use regulation Create No Net Loss policy Encourage partnerships with the state and cities Maintain public access by preserving publicly owned pathways or ends of roads

13 Plan Implementation Product List Comprehensive Plan Amendments Future Land Use Element Conservation and Coastal Element Amendments to the Land Development Regulations Implementation of a no net loss policy Marina Siting Plan

14 Comprehensive Plan Amendments Future Land Use Element Mixed Use/Commercial Fishing Land Use Purpose includes the maintenance and enhancement of commercial fishing and other traditional water dependent and water related uses Employee housing is encouraged

15 Comprehensive Plan Amendments Conservation & Coastal Management New goal: Community Character and Preservation of Recreational and Commercial Working Waterfronts Protects waterfront from non water dependent uses and from privatization and reduction of public access Strategies and regulatory incentives to encourage preservation of recreational and commercial Working Waterfronts

16 Amendments to the Land Development Regulations New definitions for commercial and recreational waterfronts, and water dependent and water related uses Flexible policies for re-establishing establishing and rebuilding non conforming uses and structures in areas zoned for commercial fishing Employee housing added to Maritime Industries Zoning District as a use of right New land use regulation establishing a no net loss policy

17 No Net Loss Policy A tool to balance preservation of public access and maritime services if the property owner's desire is to redevelop property to non water dependent uses Application of the Policy Developer must find suitable land for a new public waterfront facility to privatize an existing public waterfront facility Replacement of waterfront facility must be located near original location New location must be equally desirable to the public

18 Marina Siting Plan Applies criteria required for the expansion and development of marinas Access to deep water Minimal impact on marine life and natural resources Site Suitability Analysis Exclusionary Zones Preferred Zones Conditional Zones

19 Next Steps Marine Ports Advisory Committee Monroe County Planning Board Monroe County Commission Florida Department of Community Affairs