The Senate Committee of the Whole did not vote on four zoning requests it heard Thursday, but most senators indicated support for them. Senate President Novelle Francis expressed his pride in seeing Virgin Islanders "who own a piece of the rock" taking initiatives to develop housing and commercial projects. The full Senate will vote on the requests in its next session.
One of the zoning requests came from a local family seeking to rezone plots in Estate Susannaberg on St. John to allow for the construction of six cottages. During both a previous public hearing and Thursday's session, this request received no public opposition. Shemura Nicholson, representing the family, testified, "While we currently do not have specific plans in place, we are committed to utilizing this land to address the growing demand for affordable housing options."
In contrast, a zoning request for Smith Bay East End Quarter, St. Thomas, aimed at developing four residential buildings and a commercial structure, faced public opposition and drew scrutiny from the senators. Krystal Todman, who has been involved in caretaking animals in the area since 2013, voiced her concerns in a letter to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources in June. She described the area as rich in natural resources, with a history of farming and grazing, and expressed fears that development would destroy the "breathtaking spiritual sanctuaries" that have been part of the community for generations.
James Jones Jr., the property owner planning the development, which includes four three-story buildings with 36 two-bedroom units and a commercial building, responded indirectly to Todman's concerns. Without naming her, he acknowledged the existence of a critic who did not live in the area but had been using his land for grazing horses. He noted that this individual had even damaged crops he had planted on the property. Jones' proposed development also includes a parking lot, a laundromat, a car rental agency, and storage for heavy equipment.
Another rezoning request came from Raphael Bostic, who is seeking to bring into compliance a property at 4 Estate Charlotte Amalie, New Quarter, which has been operating as a business for several decades. Like the other three requests, Bostic's received a favorable recommendation from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
The final request was presented by Errol Baker on behalf of Able Investments. He is seeking to rezone 61-3 Estate Thomas, 6A New Quarter, St. Thomas, from residential to business. Baker plans to construct two multi-level office buildings, with parking spaces and elevators, designed to accommodate professionals such as doctors, attorneys, and accountants, as well as restaurants and other similar businesses.
Besides Francis, Sens. Dwayne DeGraff, Samuel Carrion, Diane Capehart, Javan James Sr., Franklin Johnson, Marvin Blyden, Angel Bolques Jr., and Carla Joseph attended the meeting.