By KONK Life Staff Writer
Key West, FL — In a bold move to address Key West’s growing housing crisis, City Commissioner Donie Lee has unveiled a proposal to form a groundbreaking partnership with the U.S. Navy aimed at creating affordable housing options for local residents. The initiative, which would leverage underutilized military land and resources, seeks to tackle the city’s severe shortage of affordable housing while supporting both military personnel and civilians.
“Key West is facing a housing crisis like never before,” said Commissioner Lee during a recent city commission meeting. “We have limited space, skyrocketing rents, and too many families struggling to find a place to live. It’s time for creative solutions, and the Navy is one of the island’s most important partners. By working together, we can find a way to help alleviate this issue.”
The proposal centers around the idea of creating a public-private partnership between the city, the Navy, and private developers to build mixed-use housing developments on Navy-owned land that is currently underutilized. Lee’s plan suggests that portions of this land could be made available for affordable housing projects, with priority given to military families, local service workers, and teachers—groups that have been particularly affected by the lack of affordable housing in the area.
“Military personnel and their families often face the same housing challenges as our civilian workforce,” explained Lee. “This partnership would not only support our local community but also help Navy families, who are a vital part of the fabric of Key West.”
Commissioner Lee’s proposal has garnered early support from several city officials and local advocacy groups. With the island’s limited geography and ever-increasing real estate prices, finding land to develop affordable housing has been a significant challenge. The Navy, as one of the largest landowners in Key West, could play a pivotal role in offering space that otherwise would not be available.
The proposal is still in its early stages, but Lee envisions a phased approach, beginning with a feasibility study to determine the best locations and the scope of housing needs for both military and civilian populations. If successful, the partnership could serve as a model for other communities facing similar housing shortages near military installations.
Early reactions to the proposal have been positive. Mayor Teri Johnston praised the innovative thinking behind the initiative, noting that partnerships like this are key to solving the island’s most pressing issues.
“We’ve always had a strong relationship with the Navy, and this proposal strengthens that bond while addressing one of the greatest needs in our community,” Johnston said. “It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
However, there are still hurdles to overcome. The partnership would require approval from both the city and the Department of Defense, as well as buy-in from private developers willing to work within the constraints of building on military property. Commissioner Lee remains optimistic, noting that the project would benefit all parties involved, particularly by offering new housing to people who are currently priced out of the Key West market.
The next phase of the proposal involves discussions with Navy officials, who will need to review the plan and assess the feasibility of opening up their land for civilian use. Commissioner Lee is scheduled to meet with representatives from Naval Air Station Key West in the coming weeks to outline the details of the proposal and explore the potential for collaboration.
If successful, the Key West model could pave the way for similar initiatives in other military towns across the country where affordable housing is a growing concern.
“We’ve got a long way to go,” said Lee. “But this could be a transformative project for Key West, and I’m confident we can make it work. Our community needs this, and I believe the Navy will see the benefits too.”
As the housing crisis continues to impact Key West’s workforce and military families, Lee’s proposal may offer a much-needed solution, bringing together public, private, and federal resources for the betterment of the island’s future.
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