HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem L1 L1
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE Mayor James K.Scholl,District 3
The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Lincoln,District 2
Craig Cates,District 1
David Rice,District 4
Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
May 21, 2025
Agenda Item Number: L1
2023-3994
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: District 3
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Sue Burke 305-292-3430
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: MAYOR SCHOLL: Approval of a resolution endorsing a request by
the City of Key West to the U.S. Navy to consider granting the City a long-term sole source lease for
the vacant 18 acre parcel of land on Sigsbee Park for housing and authorizing the County Administrator
or her designee to work with Navy Personnel and the Federal delegation to coordinate on planning, and
developing policies and procedures to provide workforce housing at Sigsbee.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
The resolution endorses a request by the city of Key West to the U.S. Navy to consider granting a long-
term sole source lease for the vacant eighteen acre parcel of land on Sigsbee. The resolution also
authorizes county staff to work with the Navy and the federal delegation to coordinate planning, and
determining acceptable criteria,policies, and procedures for building additional housing at Sigsbee Park
on Naval Air Station Key West.
The U.S. Navy owned and operated 166 units of townhouse-style housing on the western 18-acre
parcel at the Sigsbee Park facility within the City of Key West. The units sustained significant damage
because of Hurricane Wilma in 2005, which rendered many, if not all of the 166 units uninhabitable.
The units sat in disrepair for 16 years until the Navy demolished the 166 units in May 2021. Between
the demolition of Sigsbee Housing in 2021 and the closure of two (2)barracks on Truman Annex,Navy
personnel were issued military housing allowance to secure rental housing in the civilian market.
On 10 October 2024, the City Commission of the City of Key West approved Resolution#24-253 that
requested redevelopment of the western 18 acres of Sigsbee Annex for housing. On 11 December 2024,
the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County approved Resolution#433-2024 which
encouraged the Navy to make those units available to both military and civilian personnel and families
for workforce housing. On 4 February 2025, the City Commission approved Resolution 25-03
requesting a long term lease with the Navy for the property for housing purposes.
If constructed, the new base housing would incentivize current Navy personnel to move back to Sigsbee
Park, thereby vacating existing non-military housing throughout Key West. This can result in increased
rental inventory for the non-military residents of Key West.
3404
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
On 12/11/24 (Item L2), the BOCC approved Resolution 433-2024 in support of Sigsbee housing.
INSURANCE REQUIRED:
No
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of resolution.
DOCUMENTATION:
Draft_
Resolution Supporting_County_Sigsbee_Housing.pdf
1111W Res 24-253 re Sigsbee Housing.pdf
City of Key West - Res. 25-013
Monroe County Executed Resolution 433-2024.pdf
Article - Sigsbee Housing Crisis
16-8751 - City of Key West Affordable Housing at Sigsbee Park Resolution.pdf
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
3405
Resolution No. - 2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, ENDORSING A REQUEST BY THE CITY OF KEY WEST TO THE
U.S. NAVYTO CONSIDER GRANTING THE CITY A LONG-TERM SOLE SOURCE LEASE
FOR THE VACANT EIGHTEEN ACRE PARCEL OF LAND ON THE WESTERN PORTION
OF SIGSBEE PARK ANNEX; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR OR
DESIGNEE TO WORK WITH NAVY PERSONNEL AND THE FEDERAL DELEGATION
TO COORDINATE ON PLANNING, AND DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO
PROVIDE WORKFORCE HOUSING AT SIGSBEE PARK; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, over decades the Board of County Commissioners has commissioned studies
and passed numerous resolutions, including one in December 2024, with the goal of increasing
the availability of affordable and workforce housing in unincorporated Monroe County and its
incorporated cities, particularly the City of Key West; and
WHEREAS, there are approximately 18 acres of undeveloped land at Sigsbee Park, which
was the site of 166 units of former Navy housing that were demolished in May 2021 after being
largely uninhabited for 16 years after sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Wilma in
2005; and
WHEREAS, the City of Key West approved Resolution #24-253 in October 2024 that
requested redevelopment of the western 18 acres of Sigsbee Annex for housing, and approved
Resolution #25-013 that requested the U.S. Navy grant a long-term sole source lease to the City
of Key West; and
WHEREAS, the City of Key West and the U.S. Navy have had a successful history of
Public Benefit Leases for the benefit of the community for many years; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners find that it would be mutually beneficial
if additional housing is constructed within Sigsbee Park and made available for rent to military
and government civilian personnel within Key West and the Lower Keys; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners endorses resolutions adopted by the
City of Key West, specifically Resolutions 25-013 and 24-253, which encourage the U.S. Navy to
use (and now develop) housing at Sigsbee Park for the military and civilian workforce in Key
West.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The Board of County Commissioners encourages the U.S. Navy and the County's
federal legislative delegation work with the City of Key West and the County (as appropriate)to develop
an intergovernmental support agreement or Public Benefit Lease that will result in housing for military
4916
and government civilian employees and their families on the vacant western parcel of land at Sigsbee
Park in Key West.
Section 2: The County Administrator or designee is authorized to work with the U.S. Navy and
the federal delegation for Key West to coordinate on planning, and to assist with determining
acceptable criteria, policies, and procedures for the construction of additional housing at Sigsbee Park in
Key West.
Section 3: The County Mayor or designee will continue to pursue this resolution's objectives
through the Florida Defense Support Commission and direct engagements with Commander Navy
Installations Command, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), and Naval Air Station Key
West.
Section 4: This resolution shall go into effect immediately upon its adoption.
Section 5: The Clerk is directed to send copies to:
Senator Ashley Moody Senator Rick Scott
B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building 716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510
Rep. Carlos Gimenez
448 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular
meeting of said Board held on the 21"day of May 2025.
Mayor James K. Scholl
Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln
Commissioner Craig Cates
Commissioner David Rice
Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein
(SEAL) BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Attest: KEVIN MADOK, Clerk OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: By:
As Deputy Clerk Mayor James K. Scholl
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency
Robert B. Shillinger,Jr., Monroe County Attorney
4917
RESOLUTION NO. 24-253
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF KEY WEST, FLORIDA, REQUESTING THAT THE
U.S. NAVY AND THE CITY' S FEDERAL DELEGATION TO
CONSIDER DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW
HOUSING ON THE VACANT WESTERN PARCEL OF LAND
AT SIGSBEE PARK FOR USE BY MILITARY MEMBERS
AND/OR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES; AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER OR DESIGNEE TO WORK WITH NAVY
PERSONNEL AND THE FEDERAL DELEGATION TO
IDENTIFY FUNDING, DETERMINE CRITERIA, AND
DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO PROVIDE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AT SIGSBEE PARK; PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE
WHEREAS, over decades, the City Commission has commissioned
studies and passed numerous resolutions with the goal of increasing
the availability of affordable and workforce housing in the City
of Key West; and
WHEREAS, there is approximately 18 acres of undeveloped land
at Sigsbee Park, that was the site of 166 units of former Navy
housing that was demolished in May 2021 after being largely
uninhabited for 16 years after significant damage sustained during
Hurricane Wilma in 2005 .
WHEREAS, the vacant Sigsbee parcel could be developed as
housing for Navy personnel and civilian employees, without impact
on certain building/development criteria such as BPAS that limit
the construction of new housing on private or municipal properties
Page 1 of 4
3408
in Key West; and
WHEREAS, Navy personnel, and civilians who are employed by
the Navy, comprise a substantial segment of the population in Key
West that occupy or require long-term workforce housing, and by
providing new and improved housing on base, the inventory of
available long term rentals in the City of Key West may become
more readily available to non-military families; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that it would be mutually
beneficial if additional housing is constructed within Sigsbee
Park and made available for rent to military and civilian workers
within Key West; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF KEY WEST, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1 : That the City Commission requests that the U. S.
Navy and the federal delegation for Key West to work with the City
to develop and construct affordable housing for military and
civilian employees on the vacant western parcel of land at Sigsbee
Park in Key West.
Section 2 : That the City Manager or designee is
authorized to work with the U. S. Navy and the federal delegation
Page 2 of 4
3409
for Key West to identify funding and development resources, and to
determine acceptable criteria, policies and procedures for the
construction of additional housing at Sigsbee Park in Key West.
Section 3: That the City Commission respectfully requests
that the city be provided a feasibility study that was conducted
for the Sigsbee Park vacant parcel that indicated housing is its
best use.
That this Resolution shall go into effect immediately upon
its passage and adoption and authentication by the signature of
the Presiding Officer and the Clerk of the Commission.
REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
Page 3 of 4
3410
Passed and adopted by the City Commission at a meeting held
this ..1 0th..............m.... day of October..................._.. 2024 .
Authenticated by the Presiding Officer and Clerk of the
Commission on 11th day of October 2024 .
Filed with the Clerk on October11 2024 .
Mayor Danise Henriquez Yes
Vice Mayor Clayton Lopez Yes
Commissioner Lissette Carey Yes
Commissioner Monica Haskell Yes
Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover es
Commissioner Sam Kaufman Yes
Commissioner Donald "Donie" Lee Yes
E r
1 , 10 ...,-
DANISE HEH ,.IQUEZ, C 'Y RATTEST:
KERI (I-' ' BRIEN, CITY CLERK
Page 4 of 4
3411
II
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MEMORANDUM
Date: October 10, 2024 City Commission meeting
To: The City Commission for the City of Key West
From: Ron Ramsingh, City Attorney
Subject: A Resolution Requesting that the U.S.Navy and the Federal Delegation Consider
Developing the Western Vacant Parcel at Sigsbee Park for Base Housing of its
Military Personnel and Civilian Employees
Sponsors: Commissioner Lee
Back round
The U.S.Navy owned and operated 166 units of townhouse-style housing on the western 18-acre
parcel at the Sigsbee Park facility within the City of Key West. The units sustained significant
damage as a result of Hurricane Wilma in 2005, which rendered many, if not all of the 166 units
uninhabitable. The units sat in disrepair for 16 years until the Navy demolished the 166 units in
May 2021.Between the demolition of Sigsbee Housing in 2021 and the recent closure of 2 barracks
on Truman Annex, Navy personnel were issued enhanced housing allocations to secure rental
housing in the civilian market. Attached is a breakdown of the Navy housing allowance for NAS
Key West personnel.
In 2015, the City Commission passed Resolution 16-015, which encouraged the Navy to make
those units available to both military and civilian personnel and families for workforce housing.
The current Resolution differs slightly in that it requests that the Navy and the federal delegation
construct new base housing and incentivize current Navy personnel to move back to Sigsbee Park,
thereby vacating existing non-military housing throughout Key West. This can result in increased
rental inventory for the non-military residents of Key West. With more residential rental units
becoming available,the likelihood of more competitive rental rates is probable.
Cost
The current Resolution will not result in any costs to the City.
3412
O ations:
1. Deny the proposed Resolution. The Navy and our federal delegation will not have an
official position from the City of Key West regarding the vacant 18-acre site for housing.
2. Approve the proposed Resolution. The Navy and our federal delegation will be reminded
not only of the City's continued struggle to establish affordable housing,but also that there
exists a parcel ripe for the reconstruction of former housing, which will make a positive
impact on housing in Key West.
Recommendation:
To pass the proposed Resolution.
3413
RESOLUTION 1
RESOLUTIONCITY COMMISSION
C , FLORIDA, REOUESTING THAT
VACANT RENTAL HOUSING UNITS LOCATED WITHIN
U.S. III SIGSBEE PARK IN KEY
WEST BE MADE AVAILABLEHOUSING
FOR MILITARY MEMERS OR CIVILIAN ;
AUTHORIZING CITY MANAGER TO WORKI
PERSONNEL TO IDENTIFY G, DETERMINE
CRITERIA, AND DEVELOP POLICIESPROCEDURES
TO PROVIDE O C O I G AT SIGSBEE PARK;
PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTI T
WHEREAS, the City Commission has commissioned studies and
passed numerous resolutions with the goal of increasing the
availability of affordable and workforce housing in the City of
Key West; and
WHEREAS, there are up to 166 units of vacant housing within
U.S. Navy Facilities at Sigsbee Park in Key West, that could b
put to use to ease the current affordable housing crisis in Key
West and Monroe County; and
WHEREAS, Navy personnel., and civilians who are employed by
the Navy, comprise a substantial segment of the population in Key
West that occupy or require workforce housing; and
Page 1 of 3
3414
WHEREAS, the City Commission finds that it would be mutually
beneficial if vacant housing within Si se Park is made available
for rent to military and civilian workers within Key West; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF KEY WEST, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: That the City Commission requests that the 'U S .
Navy work with the City to make available for military employee
and civilian employee use up to 166 rental housing units within
Sigsbee Park in Key West.
Section 2 : The City Manager or his designee is authorized
to work with the U, S. Navy to identify funding resources, and to
determine acceptable criteria, policies and procedures for the
lease of vacant housing at Si e Park to families and individuals
who meet specific criteria for workforce housing.
Section 3 : That this Resolution shall go into effect
immediately upon its passage and adoption and authentication by
the signature of the Presiding Officer and the Clerk of the
Commission.
Page 2 of 3
3415
Passed and adopted by the City Commission at a meeting held
this 5th day of January 2016.
Authenticated by the Presiding Officer and Clerk of the
Commission on 6th day of January 2016.
Filed with the Clerk on r 2016 ,
Mayor Craig Cates Yes
Commissioner Sam Kaufman Yes
Commissioner Clayton Lopezes
Commissioner Richard Payne Yes
Commissioner Margaret Romero Yes
Commissioner Billy Wardlow Yes
Commissioner Jimmy Weekley Yes
CRAtG E MAYOR
X
CHERYL SMITH, C�J`Y CLERK
Page 3 of 3
3416
P
p�WOM9W�
oo
b r"�Kaufman er '" WEST
� 31 6 F vmu
3
,� P„°M,
District 2 P.O. 80X 1409 ��-flStTM
KEY WEST, FL 33041-1409
,2015
Tle Honorable Carlos Curbelo
United Suus Hottse of Rqxtsentatives
1100 S' Suite 1213
33040
c,Siggn,Dew Mr. P • V i Urxi for `�¢
o,
As you y know Swbcc Park a a land am within the City of Key WeO which is
operated and cm1mllod by the U.S. Naval Air Statkm Sipbee Pat iwJudes many fiscilities
operated bry the U.S.Mihtwy whkh Vn*benat
visitors to the islaM of Key WesL 7br fibdUtiesV park child care centers,
residentialreereatiorW facilities,and houang.During s room tour,I observed a larr sectiou of
over 160 vacW housing units with no kwwn Plans for the AMM.
I LnquuW about mabng these umu available to
civilian ! , I was surprised thai no clear plan to do so is in y, Key
Weg is tuffuring.a wv=crisis of a Ia&of affardable housing. I am attacling a memorarAnm
prodtioad by the City of Key West Mamma Dqwtment documcitmg the ams. Tbe federal
government can nAe a positive impm on our Wand by maliang these urdt&availabk to aulitary
mcmbcn and other Civilian .
Hundreds of a would have affordable housing in the City of Key West if them units
we= made avaiLoble. I am rcwldng out to you to ask you for your assisitance on this moo
imporumt subjecL Plew Jet me know when we can speak and devise a plan to mow forward
I truly e yoz"'? 'aim ".
r e-
sa
9,
F L'n
City of
City Commissioner,District 7
cc City of Key West C4umissionm
Mayor City of Key Wev
Senstor Dwight
Representative Holly Raschein
Key to the Caribbean m Average yearly temperature 77° F.
3417
NEW NAVY COMMANDER INHERITS HOUSING CRISIS
By Mandy Miles - May 19,2022
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The Navy demolished 166 housing units at Sigsbee Park in May 2021 after they flooded in Hurricane Wilma in 200S and sat
empty for 16 years.CONTRIBUTED
o much for a learning curve.
Capt. Beth Regoli, the new commander of Naval Air Station Key West,
ff
barely had time to unpack before running headlong into Key West's
housing crisis.
3418
Regoli took the helm from Capt. Mark Sohaney on May 12 and immediately had plenty
on her plate, with a May 15 news article on military.com about the lack of housing for
junior sailors at NAS Key West.
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The island's already critical housing shortage, which affects both military personnel
and civilians, was exacerbated in recent weeks by the Navy's closure of two barracks
buildings that can house up to 100 unmarried sailors.
The decision to close the barracks buildings for renovations occurred months ago
under Sohaney's command. Regoli was not involved in the discussions or decision, and
the military.com article published the day before her first official day on Monday.
But she is now tasked with finding solutions.
"Housing solutions are important as the health and safety of our sailors is a top
priority," Regoli told the Keys Weekly on Wednesday. "I'm looking forward to
continuing a great working relationship with the Public Private Venture office, and
finding solutions to upgrading and renovating homes for our sailors and families."
y ��IIIIU%G%1 ate' EEKL
MONDAY
OCTOBER 7TH
riaum'1Uiirrr�Ur//fiiliJ�J1'I 11rU /rd l i[Y 1 oonus
6-9PM
MARAYHON GOVERNMENT CENTER
�I1
UND FLOOR,BOCC ROOM)
The closure forced about 60 junior sailors, recently stationed to Key West, to compete
for limited on-base housing options or for private rental apartments. In the wildly
expensive Key West housing market, rents typically exceed the $2,364 monthly
housing allowance that junior sailors with no dependents receive in Key West.
With average rents for a one-bedroom apartment in Key West hovering around
$3,000, sailors willing to pay the difference between their allowance and their rent still
3419
must find an available unit — and come up with first and last months' rent and a
security deposit.
"The next option — privatized base housing — is also a nonstarter for young, single
sailors,"the article states.
Naval Air Station Key West spokeswoman Danette Baso Silvers acknowledged to
military.com that the current wait-list for privatized housing `can be up to four
months.
"In the interim, Silvers added, the Navy is making available vacation-rental style
trailers on military property, but sailors are charged the same rate as vacationing
military personnel — $127 a day or$3,810 per month. Split between two sailors, the
rent falls within their housing allowance. Of the 60 sailors impacted by the barracks
closure, only 19 have yet to find alternative housing, Silvers told military.com."
Navy demolished, but didn't replace 166 units at Sigsbee,
" � � Trending
A1A RENAMED JIMMY BUFFETT MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
Closure of the two barracks buildings isn't the only housing issue at Naval Air Station
Key West, where 166 townhomes at Sigsbee Park sat empty and unused for more
than a decade after being flooded by Hurricane Wilma in 2005.
The Key West city commission in 2016 asked Navy personnel to expedite the repair or
replacement of those units. Returning those 166 units to active use for military
personnel would alleviate the competition between military members and civilians for
private rental housing, City Commissioner Sam Kaufman said at the time.
Five years later, in May 2021, the Navy demolished those 166 townhomes at Sigsbee
Park, and has yet to replace them. The Naval Facilities Command Southeast, which
manages navy properties, solicited proposals from interested developers. Those
proposals were due in December 2021.
"Now there are 18.13 acres of green space. We are awaiting a feasibility study and
then leadership will be able to determine options for the property," Silvers said on
Wednesday, but did not have a timeline for the feasibility study.
"I'm looking forward to the next steps for the 18.13 acres on Sigsbee Park so we can
determine options for use of that property," Regoli added.
3420
/"i
. un INNIII 11
MANDY MILES
Mandy Miles drops stuff,breaks things and falls down more than any adult should.An award-winning writer,
reporter and columnist,she's been stringing words together in Key West since 1998."Local news is crucial,"
she says."It informs and connects a community.It prompts conversation.It gets people Involved,holds
people accountable.The Keys Weekly takes its responsibility seriously.Our owners are raising families in
Key West&Marathon.Our writers live in the communities we cover-Key West, Marathon&the Upper
Keys.We respect our readers. We question our leaders.We believe in the Florida Keys community.And we
like to have a good time."Mandy's married to a saintly—and handy—fishing captain,and can't imagine
Ilving anywhere else.
3421
RESOLUTION NO. 25-013
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF KEY WEST, FLORIDA, REQUESTING THAT
THE UNITED STATES NAVY GRANT A LONG-TERM SOLE
SOURCE LEASE TO THE CITY OF KEY WEST FOR THE
VACANT EIGHTEEN ACRE PARCEL ON THE WESTERN
PORTION OF NAVAL AIR STATION KEY WEST' S
SIGSBEE PARK ANNEX; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE
DATE
WHEREAS, the City of Key West continues to experience a severe
shortage of affordable housing inventory; and
WHEREAS, the United States Navy previously had approximately
166 units on the western portion of Sigsbee Annex for housing of
its personnel that was vacated in 2005 due to damage from Hurricane
Wilma; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission approved Resolution #24-253 on
October 10, 2024 that requested redevelopment of the western 18
acres of Sigsbee Annex for housing; and
WHEREAS, the City of Key West and the United States Navy have
had a successful history of a Public Benefit Lease at the Outer
Mole Pier for many years,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF KEY WEST, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1 : That the City of Key West declares its desire to
have the 18 vacant acres on Naval Air Station Key West' s Sigsbee
Park Annex (Dredgers Key) to pursue entering into an
Page 1 of 3
3422
intergovernmental support agreement or Public Benefit Lease for 18
acres on Naval Air Station Key West' s Sigsbee Park Annex (Dredgers
Key) (former military family housing area) with the United States
Navy, on a sole source basis. The purpose of the support agreement
is to provide workforce housing supporting the Military on a
priority basis, with support to Federal/State and Local
governments and public on a space available basis thereby
increasing military mission effectiveness, creating efficiencies
in housing support, and economies of scale to provide the lowest
possible housing rates while meeting required housing standards .
Section 2 : That the City Clerk is directed to transmit this
Resolution to U. S . Sen. Rick Scott, U. S. Sen. Ashley Moody, U.S .
Rep. Carlos Gimenez, as well as to Commander Installations
Command Vice Admiral Scott Gray, Rear Adm. Dean VanderLey-
Commander of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command
(NAVFAC) , Rear Adm. Jorge Cuadros-Commander NAVFAC Atlantic,
Capt . Miguel Dieguez-Commander NAVFAC Southeast, Capt. Beth
Regoli-Commander NAS Key West, and the Florida Defense Support
Commission.
Section 3: That this Resolution shall go into effect
immediately upon its passage and adoption and authentication by
Page 2 of 3
3423
the signature of the Presiding Officer and the Clerk of the
Commission.
Passed and adopted by the City Commission at a meeting held
this 4th day of February , 2025 .
Authenticated by the Presiding Officer and Clerk of the
Commission on 4th day of February 2025 .
Filed with the Clerk on February 4 2025.
Mayor Danise Henriquez Yes
Vice Mayor Lissette Carey Yes
Commissioner Aaron Castillo Yes
Commissioner Monica Haskell Yes
Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover Yes
Commissioner Sam Kaufman Yes
Commissioner Donald "V, ie" Lee Yes
r
DANISE HENRI :JEZ, M
ATTES°' AY
K E R L,m....�..... ..............n___ ...�__._.m.., ...__............................................._
' IEN, CITY CLERK
Page 3 of 3
3424
Resolution No. 433 - 2024
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, OF
MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, REQUESTING THAT THE U.S. NAVY
AND THE LOCAL FEDERAL DELEGATION CONSIDER
DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOUSING ON THE
VACANT WESTERN PARCEL OF LAND AT SIGSBEE PARK FOR USE
BY MILITARY MEMBERS AND/OR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES;
AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR OR DESIGNEE TO
WORK WITH NAVY PERSONNEL AND THE FEDERAL DELEGATION
TO IDENTIFY FUNDING, DETERMINE CRITERIA, AND DEVELOP
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO PROVIDE WORKFORCE HOUSING
AT SIGSBEE PARK; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, over decades, the Board of County Commissioners has
commissioned studies and passed numerous resolutions with the goal of increasing the
availability of affordable and workforce housing in unincorporated Monroe County and
its incorporated cities, particularly the City of Key West; and
WHEREAS, there are approximately 18 acres of undeveloped land at Sigsbee
Park, that was the site of 166 units of former Navy housing that was demolished in May
2021 after being largely uninhabited for 16 years after significant damage sustained
during Hurricane Wilma in 2005; and
WHEREAS, the vacant Sigsbee parcel could be developed as housing for Navy
personnel and civilian employees, without impact on certain building/development
criteria such as Rate of Growth Ordnance (ROGO)/ Building Permit Allocation System
(BPAS) that limit the construction of new housing on private or municipal properties in
Monroe County and Key West; and
WHEREAS, Navy personnel and civilians who are employed by the Navy and
supporting Federal agencies, comprise a substantial segment of the population in Key
West that occupy or require long-term workforce housing, and by providing new and
improved housing on base, the inventory of available long-term rentals in the City of Key
West and the Lower Keys may become more readily available to non-military families;
and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners finds that it would be mutually
beneficial if additional housing is constructed within Sigsbee Park and made available
for rent to military and government civilian personnel within Key West and the Lower
Keys; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners endorses resolutions adopted
by the City of Key West in 2015 and 2024 which encourage the U.S. Navy to use (and
now develop) housing at Sigsbee Park for the military and civilian workforce in Key
West.
3425
NOW, THEREFORE,.BE.IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The Board of County Commissioners requests that the U.S. Navy
and the County's federal legislative delegation work with the City and County to develop
and construct affordable housing for military and civilian employees on the vacant
western parcel of land at Sigsbee Park in Key West.
Section 2: The County Administrator or designee is authorized to work with
the U.S. Navy and the.federal delegation for Key West to identify funding and
development resources, and to determine acceptable encena, poucies, anU procedures
for the construction of additional housing at Sigsbee Park in Key West.
Section 3: The Board of County Commissioners respectfully requests that the
County be provided.a.feasibility study that was conducted for.the Sigsbee Park vacant
parcel that indicated housing is its best use.
Section 4 This: resolution shall go into effect immediately upon adoption.
Section 5: The;Clerk is directed to send copies to:
Senator Marco Rubio Senator Rick Scott
28..4 Russell Senate Office Building 716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510 Washington, DC 20510
Rep. Carlos Gimenez
448 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County,
Florida, at a regular meeting of said Board held on the 91 t" day of December 2024.
Mayor James K. Scholl Yes
Mayor Pro Tem.Michelle Lincoln Yes - _
Commissioner Craig Cates Yes
Commissioner David Rice Yes
Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein Yes ,
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISS&ER,
_t °t -Atkesi: "' VIN MADOK, Clerk OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
31t 9t jam/ /tj/,
B
y.
ayg, �As D .putt' Clerk Mayor/Chairperson
MONROE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
Approved for form and legal sufficiency
' bigt IIy Ig ed.byR b rt8 Sh IIIng
Robert B. ShiIIingerCo Rbberty Shilfinger, County Mnroe
County Attorney,e A Mlltnger-b b@monrcemunty Fl.gov,-US
By- Date 2025A1.0621.16G7-05'00'
Robert Shillinger, Jr., County Attorney
3426
NEW NAVY COMMANDER INHERITS DOUSING CRISIS
By Mandy Mitts- May 19,2022
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The Navy demolished 166 housing units at Sigsbee Park in May 2021 alter they Hooded in Hurricane Wilma in 2005 and sat
empty for 16 years.CONTRIBUTED
o much for a learning curve.
Capt. Beth Regoli, the new commander of Naval Air Station Key West,
barely had time to unpack before running headlong into Key West's
housing crisis.
3427
Regoli took the helm from Capt. Mark Sohaney on May 12 and immediately had plenty
on her plate, with a May 15 news article on military.com about the lack of housing for
junior sailors at NAS Key West.
0
The island's already critical housing shortage, which affects both milltary personnel
and civilians, was exacerbated in recent weeks by the Navy's closure of two barracks
buildings that can house up to 100 unmarried sailors.
The decision to close the barracks buildings for renovations occurred months ago
under Sohaney's command. Regoli was not involved in the discussions or decision, and
the military.com article published the day before her first official day on Monday.
But she is now tasked with finding solutions.
"Housing solutions are important as the health and safety of our sailors is a top
priority," Regoli told the Keys Weekly on Wednesday. "I'm looking forward to
continuing a great working relationship with the Public Private Venture office, and
finding solutions to upgrading and renovating homes for our sailors and families."
WEER
MONDAY
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The closure forced about 60 junior sailors, recently stationed to Key West, to compete
for limited on-base housing options or for private rental apartments. In the wildly
expensive Key West housing market, rents typically exceed the $2,364 monthly
housing allowance that junior sailors with no dependents receive in Key West.
With average rents for a one-bedroom apartment in Key West hovering around
$3,000, sailors willing to pay the difference between their allowance and their rent still
3428
must find an available unit— and come up with first and last months' rent and a
security deposit.
"The next option — privatized base housing — is also a nonstarter for young, single
sailors,"the article states.
Naval Air Station Key West spokeswoman Danette Baso Silvers acknowledged to
military.com that the current wait-list for privatized housing'can be up to four
months:
"In the interim, Silvers added, the Navy is making available vacation-rental style
trailers on military property, but sailors are charged the same rate as vacationing
military personnel — $127 a day or$3,810 per month. Split between two sailors, the
rent falls within their housing allowance. Of the 60 sailors Impacted by the barracks
closure, only 19 have yet to find alternative housing, Silvers told military.com."
Navy demolished, but didn't replace 166 units at Sigsbee,
'', Trending
➢, A1A RENAMED JIMMY BUFFE77 MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
�„
Closure of the two barracks buildings isn't the only housing issue at Naval Air Station
Key West, where 166 townhomes at Sigsbee Park sat empty and unused for more
than a decade after being flooded by Hurricane Wilma in 2005.
The Key West city commission in 2016 asked Navy personnel to expedite the repair or
replacement of those units. Returning those 166 units to active use for military
personnel would alleviate the competition between military members and civilians for
private rental housing, City Commissioner Sam Kaufman said at the time.
Five years later, in May 2021, the Navy demolished those 166 townhomes at Sigsbee
Park, and has yet to replace them. The Naval Facilities Command Southeast, which
manages navy properties, solicited proposals from interested developers. Those
proposals were due in December 2021.
"Now there are 18.13 acres of green space. We are awaiting a feasibility study and
then leadership will be able to determine options for the property,"Silvers said on
Wednesday, but did not have a timeline for the feasibility study.
"I'm looking forward to the next steps for the 18.13 acres on Sigsbee Park so we can
determine options for use of that property," Regoli added.
3429
ity
City of Key V West, FL 1300CWhit Hall
� Key West FL 33040
y M€h a �1� ;rywi
Legislation Details (With Text)
File#: 16-8751 Version: 1 Name: Affordable Housing at Sigsbee Park
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 12/29/2015 In control: City Commission
On agenda: 1/5/2016 Final action: 1/5/2016
Title: Requesting that vacant rental housing units located within U.S. Navy Facilities at Sigsbee Park in Key
West be made available as Affordable Housing for military members or civilian employees; Authorizing
the City Manager to work with Navy Personnel to identify funding, determine criteria, and develop
policies and procedures to provide Workforce Housing at Sigsbee Park.
Sponsors: Sam Kaufman
Indexes:
Code sections:
Attachments: 1. Resolution, 2. Letter to Congressman Curbelo
Date Ver. Action By Action Result
1/5/2016 1 City Commission Passed Pass
Requesting that vacant rental housing units located within U.S. Navy Facilities at Sigsbee Park in
Key West be made available as Affordable Housing for military members or civilian employees;
Authorizing the City Manager to work with Navy Personnel to identify funding, determine criteria, and
develop policies and procedures to provide Workforce Housing at Sigsbee Park.
City of Key West, FL Page 1 of 1 Printed on 5/6/2C -
p ov"Pered Illy 11 1ry�!4 a
Liz Yongue
From: Gomez-Krystal <Gomez-Krystal@MonroeCounty-FL.Gov>
Sent: Friday, May 16, 2025 2:07 PM
To: Ballard-Lindsey; County Commissioners and Aides; Kevin Madok; Pamela Hancock;
Senior Management Team and Aides; Liz Yongue; InternalAudit
Cc: Shillinger-Bob; Williams-Jethon; Cioffari-Cheryl; Livengood-Kristen; Rubio-Suzanne;
Pam Radloff; County-Attorney; Allen-John; Danise Henriquez; Hurley-Christine; Rosch-
Mark; Gambuzza-Dina; Beyers-John; InternalAudit; Kevin Madok; Valcheva-Svilena;
Powell-Barbara; Guerra-Cynthia; Powell-Barbara
Subject: Item L1 BOCC 05/21/2025 REVISED ITEM BACK-UP.
Attachments: AIS 3994.pdf, Draft-Resolution Supporting_County_Sigsbee_Housing.docx
Categories: Orange Category
Good afternoon,
Please be advised that the agenda item back-up has been revised for item Ll.
"MAYOR SCHOLL:Approval of resolution endorsing a request by the City ofKey West to the U.S. Navy to
consider granting the City a long-term sole source lease for the vacant 18 acre parcel of land on Sigsbee Park
for housing and authorizing the County Administrator or her designee to work with Navy Personnel and the
Federal delegation to coordinate on planning, and developing policies and procedures to provide workforce
housing at Sigsbee. "
Sincerely,
Executive Administrator
Monroe County Administrator's Office
1100 Simonton Street, Suite 2-205
Key West, FL 33040
(305)292-4441 (Office)
(305)850-8694(Cell)
Courier Stop#1
Notary Public
w.r o n r y e c_ u�n1y:�:V_e.gpy
i».c z..- Y .�.. _rn nroecou�_n�.Y..-.�..:.i» .Y.
PLEASE NOTE: FLORIDA HAS A VERY BROAD RECORDS LAW. MOST WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS TO OR FROM THE COUNTY REGARDING COUNTY BUSINESS
ARE PUBLIC RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AND MEDIA UPON REQUEST. YOUR EMAIL COMMUNICATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO PUBLIC DISCLOSURE.
1
LI
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY of MONROE Mayor James K.Scholl,District 3
The Florida Keys Mayor Pro Tern Michelle Lincoln,District 2
Craig Cates,District 1
David Rice,District 4
Holly Merrill Raschein,District 5
Board of County Commissioners Meeting
May 21, 2025
Agenda Item Number: L1
2023-3994
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: District 3
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Sue Burke 305-292-3430
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: MAYOR SCHOLL: Approval of a resolution endorsing a request by
the City of Key West to the U.S. Navy to consider granting the City a long-term sole source lease for
the vacant 18 acre parcel of land on Sigsbee Park for housing and authorizing the County Administrator
or her designee to work with Navy Personnel and the Federal delegation to coordinate on planning, and
developing policies and procedures to provide workforce housing at Sigsbee.
ITEM BACKGROUND:
The resolution endorses a request by the city of Key West to the U.S. Navy to consider granting a long-
term sole source lease for the vacant eighteen acre parcel of land on Sigsbee. The resolution also
authorizes county staff to work with the Navy and the federal delegation to coordinate planning, and
determining acceptable criteria,policies, and procedures for building additional housing at Sigsbee Park
on Naval Air Station Key West.
The U.S. Navy owned and operated 166 units of townhouse-style housing on the western 18-acre
parcel at the Sigsbee Park facility within the City of Key West. The units sustained significant damage
because of Hurricane Wilma in 2005, which rendered many, if not all of the 166 units uninhabitable.
The units sat in disrepair for 16 years until the Navy demolished the 166 units in May 2021. Between
the demolition of Sigsbee Housing in 2021 and the closure of two (2)barracks on Truman Annex,Navy
personnel were issued military housing allowance to secure rental housing in the civilian market.
On 10 October 2024, the City Commission of the City of Key West approved Resolution#24-253 that
requested redevelopment of the western 18 acres of Sigsbee Annex for housing. On 11 December 2024,
the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County approved Resolution#433-2024 which
encouraged the Navy to make those units available to both military and civilian personnel and families
for workforce housing. On 4 February 2025, the City Commission approved Resolution 25-03
requesting a long term lease with the Navy for the property for housing purposes.
If constructed, the new base housing would incentivize current Navy personnel to move back to Sigsbee
Park, thereby vacating existing non-military housing throughout Key West. This can result in increased
rental inventory for the non-military residents of Key West.
1
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
On 12/11/24 (Item L2), the BOCC approved Resolution 433-2024 in support of Sigsbee housing.
INSURANCE REQUIRED:
No
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of resolution.
DOCUMENTATION:
Draft_
Resolution Supporting_County_Sigsbee_Housing.docx
1111W Res 24-253 re Sigsbee Housing.pdf
City of Key West - Res. 25-013
Monroe County Executed Resolution 433-2024.pdf
Article - Sigsbee Housing Crisis
16-8751 - City of Key West Affordable Housing at Sigsbee Park Resolution.pdf
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
N/A
2
Resolution No. - 2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, OF MONROE
COUNTY, FLORIDA, ENDORSING A REQUEST BY THE CITY OF KEY WEST TO THE
U.S. NAVYTO CONSIDER GRANTING THE CITYA LONG-TERM SOLE SOURCE LEASE
FOR THE VACANT EIGHTEEN ACRE PARCEL OF LAND ON THE WESTERN PORTION
OF SIGSBEE PARK ANNEX; AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR OR
DESIGNEE TO WORK WITH NAVY PERSONNEL AND THE FEDERAL DELEGATION
TO COORDINATE ON PLANNING, AND DEVELOP POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO
PROVIDE WORKFORCE HOUSING AT SIGSBEE PARK; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, over decades the Board of County Commissioners has commissioned studies
and passed numerous resolutions, including one in December 2024, with the goal of increasing
the availability of affordable and workforce housing in unincorporated Monroe County and its
incorporated cities, particularly the City of Key West; and
WHEREAS, there are approximately 18 acres of undeveloped land at Sigsbee Park, which
was the site of 166 units of former Navy housing that were demolished in May 2021 after being
largely uninhabited for 16 years after sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Wilma in
2005; and
WHEREAS, the City of Key West approved Resolution #24-253 in October 2024 that
requested redevelopment of the western 18 acres of Sigsbee Annex for housing, and approved
Resolution #25-013 that requested the U.S. Navy grant a long-term sole source lease to the City
of Key West; and
WHEREAS, the City of Key West and the U.S. Navy have had a successful history of
Public Benefit Leases for the benefit of the community for many years; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners find that it would be mutually beneficial
if additional housing is constructed within Sigsbee Park and made available for rent to military
and government civilian personnel within Key West and the Lower Keys; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners endorses resolutions adopted by the
City of Key West, specifically Resolutions 25-013 and 24-253, which encourage the U.S. Navy to
use (and now develop) housing at Sigsbee Park for the military and civilian workforce in Key
West.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1: The Board of County Commissioners encourages the U.S. Navy and the County's
federal legislative delegation work with the City of Key West and the County(as appropriate)to develop
an intergovernmental support agreement or Public Benefit Lease that will result in housing for military
and government civilian employees and their families on the vacant western parcel of land at Sigsbee
Park in Key West.
Section 2: The County Administrator and staff are authorized to support the efforts of the City
of Key West to work with the U.S. Navy and the federal delegation to coordinate on planning,
determining acceptable criteria, policies, and procedures for the construction of additional housing at
Sigsbee Parkin Key West.
Section 3: The County Mayor or designee will continue to pursue this resolution's objectives
through the Florida Defense Support Commission and direct engagements with Commander Navy
Installations Command, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), and Naval Air Station Key
West.
Section 4: This resolution shall go into effect immediately upon its adoption.
Section 5: The Clerk is directed to send copies to:
Senator Ashley Moody Senator Rick Scott
B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building 716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510 Washington, D.C. 20510
Rep. Carlos Gimenez
448 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Board of County Commissioners of Monroe County, Florida, at a regular
meeting of said Board held on the 21"day of May 2025.
Mayor James K. Scholl
Mayor Pro Tem Michelle Lincoln
Commissioner Craig Cates
Commissioner David Rice
Commissioner Holly Merrill Raschein
(SEAL) BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Attest: KEVIN MADOK, Clerk OF MONROE COUNTY, FLORIDA
By: By:
As Deputy Clerk Mayor James K. Scholl
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency
Robert B. Shillinger,Jr., Monroe County Attorney