Commission approves land‑use map change for 8 Parrot Lane in Geiger Key despite Navy concerns

The Monroe County Planning Commission voted to approve an amendment to the county Land Use District map that rezones three parcels at 8 Parrot Lane, Geiger Key, from "sparsely settled" to "suburban residential." County staff presented the change as a graphic and code correction and recommended approval, saying the property's future‑land‑use designation and allocated density would not increase.

During the staff presentation, the planner said the proposal primarily updates permitted uses and corrects mapping artifacts; staff noted surrounding parcels include Navy‑owned land and the Geiger Key RV Park. "As proposed...there is no increase" in allocated density, the planner said, and staff recommended approval.

Ex‑officio member Jim Brownlee urged denial, citing military compatibility and noise/accident potential near Naval Air Station Key West. Brownlee said permitting the rezoning "not only jeopardizes the safety and well‑being of our community, but also threatens the installation's vital aviation training operations through encroachment." County staff responded that the future‑land‑use map designation is unchanged and that the code prohibits changing FLUM in a way that would raise allocated density within the military impact area.

Several public speakers and the applicant's representative confirmed that an Airstream and ancillary materials noted at an earlier hearing had been removed and that photographs documenting removal were submitted. The chair and commissioners discussed the area's history with the Navy and said that the map amendment is not expected to add permanent residential units; one commissioner moved approval and it was seconded. With no recorded 'no' votes, the motion passed.

The commission recorded the motion to approve the map amendment and noted corrections to maps would be made before transmittal to the Board of County Commissioners and the state land planning agency. The decision will be part of the public record for any future appeals under the county's resolution on appeal transcript requirements.