last stand opposes the rezoning of 811 and 715 seminole street from residential to commercial
March 28, 2025
Via email
Mayor Henriquez
Vice-Mayor Carey
Commissioner Haskell
Commissioner Kaufman
Commissioner Lee
Commissioner Hoover
Commissioner Castillo
Dear City of Key West Commissioners,
Subject: City Commission Agenda Items 44 and 45: Rezoning of 811 and 715 Seminole Street
Last Stand of the Florida Keys is a non-profit organization established to preserve the Florida Keys and ensure a sustainable future for all. We advocate for promoting, preserving, and protecting the quality of life in the Florida Keys, with particular emphasis on the natural environment.
Last Stand has been closely monitoring the proposed redevelopment project in Key West regarding the application for a zoning change of two lots comprising over 3 acres from Historic Residential to Historic Commercial in the Casa Marina District. The two blocks are bounded by Seminole, Alberta, Waddell, and Reynolds Street in the Casa Marina District of Key West. The matter revolves around the City of Key West's decision on the zoning change—a straightforward "yes" or "no" determination.
Keys Last Stand opposes the applicants' request to rezone 811 and 715 Seminole Street from residential to commercial use. This rezoning request threatens the integrity of a quiet, historic neighborhood, compromising the community's character and the quality of life for its residents.
Park Hotels & Resorts, a large real estate investment trust, seeks to transform these residential parcels into 40-foot transient rental hotel villas. This change would introduce significant density, increased traffic, and additional strain on already overburdened infrastructure. The addition of commercial development in this residential area would disrupt the peaceful nature of the neighborhood, affecting residents’ daily lives and their property values.
Additionally, approving this rezoning would set a dangerous precedent, opening the door for further encroachment into Key West’s residential neighborhoods. Other developers may soon seek similar rezonings to maximize profits. This shift would erode the very essence of Key West, where residential areas should remain protected from commercial exploitation.
This proposal serves the interests of Park Hotels & Resorts, a multi-billion-dollar corporation. The rezoning could potentially boost the company’s stock value by $100 million. In return, Key West would lose a cherished neighborhood that would now be besieged by the constant noise of scooters, electric bikes, golf carts, partying tourists, and perhaps the influx of bars and restaurants. Key West's residents deserve a safe, quiet environment where they can live, work, and thrive. Developers should not be allowed to jeopardize that stability for corporate profit.
We urge the City of Key West Commissioners to reject the 811 and 715 Seminole Street rezoning request. Once our residential neighborhoods are lost, they are gone forever. Please stand with us to preserve our community.
Sincerely,
Keys Last Stand Board
Last Stand is a non-profit organization of volunteer citizens interested in preserving the Florida Keys' unique quality of life and fragile, beautiful natural environment. We have worked tirelessly since 1987 to protect Key West and the Florida Keys.
Last Stand • P.O. Box 146 • Key West, FL 33041 www.keyslaststand.org
