Environmental policy, water quality testing and the future of parking infrastructure dominated the latest Sunday Sitdown installment on Above the Fold, featuring Chris Massicotte, president of Last Stand of the Florida Keys and a candidate for the Key West City Commission in District V.
During the wide-ranging conversation, Massicotte detailed Last Stand’s concerns over water quality monitoring in nearshore waters, arguing that existing testing regimes lack sufficient frequency, transparency and public accessibility to adequately protect residents and marine resources. He said stronger data collection standards and clearer public reporting are increasingly critical as development pressures intensify across the island.
Massicotte also addressed proposed parking garage projects, including plans near the Simonton Street fire station, framing them as part of a broader land-use and quality-of-life debate rather than a narrow transportation solution. He questioned whether large-scale garages are compatible with neighborhood character and long-term environmental resilience, while urging city leaders to consider alternatives that reduce congestion without compounding density and infrastructure strain.
Speaking as a resident, Massicotte also raised concerns about proposals involving the Casa Marina Resort, including plans to convert deteriorated employee housing into a commercial laundry facility and additional hotel rooms. He said the proposal underscores persistent tensions between workforce housing needs, commercial expansion and neighborhood impacts, particularly in already dense residential areas.
As a District V candidate, Massicotte said his campaign centers on environmental accountability, neighborhood-scale planning and increased scrutiny of major infrastructure and development decisions. He emphasized that water quality, parking policy, housing and growth management are interconnected issues that will shape Key West’s future.
The discussion also previewed Last Stand’s next public meeting, scheduled for Feb. 3 at Williams Hall, where members and residents are expected to receive updates on water quality advocacy efforts and ongoing policy initiatives.
The full Sunday Sitdown episode is available through Above the Fold’s digital platforms.
