The city ought to be looking for ways to reduce the costly burden of maintaining historic structures, rather than increasing fees for applications, whose proposed improvements result in higher valuations and subsequent increases in ad valorem taxes.

The plan now is to increase fees on individual homeowners for maintaining the historic integrity of the district, but doesn't the entire community benefit from Key West's most attractive draw?

There's a reason why Conch Trains and Trolleys don't drive at a snail's pace around the streets of New Town. Residents of the historic district already put up with a debasing amount of tourism "externalities" including noise, parking, traffic, etc.

Adding one more burden to home ownership in the historic district is just another slap in the face to residents for whom the commission already holds little regard. On the other hand, it will probably provide a boost to the real estate industry, as yet even more locals decide that the "value" Mr. Craig contends that HARC offers the homeowner, isn't really worth the cost[s].

Can't the city find a more creative way to cover the increased administrative costs associated with heaping additional burdens onto the cost of renovation? Perhaps a preservation grant is available, but what's wrong with using general funds to tell homeowners that they can't do what they want to do with their homes?