While the Prosser deal is one which I perceive as a negative development there are things which could be done to ameliorate its impact.
Much discussion has been made of the use of the 1000 acres for housing or investment lots for the 7000 VI Government employees on whose pay there are arrears.
Clearly such a dense residential use for the Carambola land considering its current green condition, slope and remove from the main utility core would be bad planning. A more reasonable alternative would be to look at existing government properties in terms of a comparison of their current use and density and centrality of location. Uses could then be relocated according to best advantage.
One example is the use of Annas Hope ground, previously local Department
of Agriculture by the Department of Public Works which is on the Highway
and sewer lines. The proximity of access and to utility would seem to call for a more intensive use lie housing while Public Work could be sited at Lower Love moving the Department of Agriculture with its garden plots to Carambola. I'm sure that there are other examples.
The baseball field would benefit by proximity to the Central High School or University of the Virgin Islands. There is appropriate ground across from Villa La Reine or on property currently occupied by the Department of Agriculture. Whether in private or public hands a recreational use, that would preserve green space, support tourism and provide a diversion for the people of the islands would be horse back riding. I'd love to see some of the 1000 acres be used for that.
