Key West voters will decide Jan. 18 whether the city can lease 3.2 acres to a private developer for up to 99 years for affordable housing.
The city charter only allows leases of 20 years, unless voters approve a longer time.
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The land is part of the 33-acre Truman Waterfront parcel the Navy gave the city in 2002. Most of it has been developed into a city park with an amphitheater, splash pad and dog run.
City Commissioner Clayton Lopez represents the neighborhood.
"It is the last piece to go in. However, it was the first piece that started the whole deal. The whole conveyance was based on conversations that began talking about affordable housing on that property," Lopez said.
He said the city needs to provide housing as sky-high rents and sale prices force island natives and longtime residents to leave. A 103-unit development called Garden View, on city land on Stock island, is already under construction.
"It becomes another affordable housing presentation, something else that we've done, that will allow for more people to stay here," he said.
On Nov. 16, commissioners directed staff to reach an agreement with a team planning to build a complex on the property with 102 rental units, 16 units for sale and 9,000 square feet of commercial space.
The rents would range from $476 a month for a one-bedroom unit to about $3,000 a month for three bedrooms, depending on income.
Lopez, along with Mayor Teri Johnston, voted against pursuing an agreement with the developers. They preferred another proposal, that would have included fewer units overall but more available for private ownership.
Lopez said even if people aren't happy with the city's highest-ranked developer for the project, there could be room for negotiation, and that the longterm lease approval is necessary — no matter who winds up building there.
"The issue is that no one is going to lend money if the developer does not have control of the land," he said.
And despite concerns about low voter turnout — a referendum to allow the city to buy a property in 2019 got 14% turnout — the city had to forge ahead now because of an upcoming deadline to apply for state funding that could pay a large part of the development costs.
Mail-in ballots have already gone out to voters and there's a drop-off box outside the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections office in Key West, at 530 Whitehead St.
Early voting will take place Jan. 3 through Jan. 15 at the elections office from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. — every day except Sunday, Jan. 9.
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