Key West City Commission Denies Casa Marina Hotel’s Rezoning Request Amidst Community Opposition
In a decisive 5-2 vote on April 1, 2025, the Key West City Commission rejected a rezoning application from the Casa Marina Hotel’s owners, Park Hotels & Resorts. The proposal sought to change the zoning of certain residential properties to allow for the construction of 21 new luxury hotel villas. This decision underscores the commission’s alignment with local residents who voiced strong opposition to the project.
The properties in question, located along Seminole Street, currently house 25 derelict apartments that have remained uninhabited since Hurricane Wilma in 2005. While the hotel owners indicated plans to renovate these units into workforce housing, they tied this initiative to the approval of the new hotel villas, suggesting that the latter would financially support the former. However, the city’s planning department noted that the redevelopment of the existing apartments could proceed without necessitating a zoning change.
During the commission meeting, numerous residents expressed concerns about the potential impact of increased commercial activity on their neighborhood. Former Key West mayor Sheila Mullins highlighted the city’s longstanding efforts to prevent the encroachment of transient rentals into residential areas, emphasizing that such developments could transform homes into mere commodities. Additionally, representatives from the environmental group Keys Last Stand questioned the hotel’s motives, pointing out the prolonged neglect of the existing structures and suggesting that corporate profitability was being prioritized over community well-being.
Commissioners Dee Dee Henriquez and Mary Lou Hoover were the sole supporters of the rezoning request. Hoover cited the longstanding complaints from residents about the dilapidated state of the existing buildings as a reason for her support. Nevertheless, the majority of the commission sided with the planning staff’s recommendation and the community’s sentiments, leading to the denial of the zoning change.
The decision reflects a broader commitment by Key West officials to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods and address housing concerns without compromising community integrity. The future actions of Park Hotels & Resorts regarding the redevelopment of the existing apartments remain uncertain following this ruling.
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