March 6, 2003 – St. Thomas's West End could be in for a small but dramatic change in ambience if a rezoning request to be considered at a public hearing next week is approved.
The rezoning sought is from R-2 (residential – low density, one- and two-family) to B-3 (business – scattered), to allow for the operation of a gas station, convenience store and small office in Estate Hope.
The hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Planning and Natural Resources Department conference room on the second floor of the Cyril E. King Airport terminal.
Applicant Michael Dixon, owner of Courtesy Garage in Sub Base, said he owns property in Estate Hope, a storm-damaged house which only needs a roof. He is proposing to put a convenience store and small office in the house, and a gas station in front of the structure.
Dixon said on Thursday that "if the residents want advancement and would allow it, I want to help." He said there is no commercial establishment within five miles of the location. "I see people walking with a can of gas; there's nowhere there to get it filled," he said. "It's almost five miles from any business area."
The property, at 10 Estate Hope, is about a quarter mile before the Massack Nursing Home on the left side of the road, Dixon said. Sue Higgins, senior planner in DPNR's Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning Division, said the neighbors refer to the site as the "Enid Baa" property.
The public hearing is the first step in obtaining a rezoning. DPNR must approve the application, after which it would go to the Senate and, if passed, then to the governor for approval.
Four other rezoning requests also will be heard Tuesday:
– By Old Wireless and Telegraph, from R-3 (residential – low density, one- and two-family) to B-3 (business – secondary, neighborhood) for Parcel No. 36, Estate Nisky.
– By the Estate of Robert Joseph Questel, from R-1 (residential – low density) to R-2 (residential – low density, one- and two-family) for Parcel No. 7, Estate Agnes' Fancy.
– By Lloyd Norford, from B-4 (business – residential) to B-3 (business – scattered) for Parcel No. 32-B, Estate Frydenhahl.
– By Spencer L. Browne, from R-2 (residential – low density, one- and two-family) to B-3 (business – scattered) for Parcel No. 2-1, Estate Mariendahl.
Higgins said copies of the applications are available for review at the DPNR planning division office on the second floor of the airport terminal.
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