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One Rezoning Bid Opposed; No Votes Taken

Aug. 30, 2004 – Four St. Croix rezoning requests were heard by the Committee of the Whole meeting Monday evening on St. Croix, but no action was taken on them. All will be put to a vote by the full Senate during a session announced for Sept. 14-16.
Six St. Croix senators attended the meeting; because of the approach of Hurricane Francis, no St. Thomas-St. John lawmakers were present.
One request met with opposition at the hearing as well as partial opposition by the Planning and Natural Resources Department. Elmer O. Walcott is seeking to have Plots Nos. 34, 51 and 53 in Estate Tan Tan Terrace rezoned so he can construct apartment buildings. At least 10 of his neighbors testified against the rezoning.
They said the road is so narrow that cars cannot pass side by side, that it cannot accommodate more vehicles and that there is not enough off-road parking. They cited concerns about noise, loss of privacy, traffic hazards to pedestrians and children, and loss of quality of life.
Bien Brignoni, a 30-year resident of Tan Tan Terrace, recalling living in the area before it was so congested. "I never thought it would be like this," he said.
DPNR officials recommended that Plots 51 and 53 be denied both rezoning and a zoning variance, and that the existing two dwelling units thereon remain the maximum allowed. They also recommended that a variance be granted for Plot 34 to allow a maximum of three dwelling units with the condition that all other requirements of the existing R-2 (residential-low density-one and two family) zoning remain in effect.
The other requests:
Anita David — for rezoning Plot No. 4 L-A in Estate Sion Farm, Queens Quarter, from R-2 to B-3 (business-scattered), to construct and operate an automobile repair shop.
AP Holding LLP — for rezoning or a variance for Plot No. 13 in Estate Little Princess, Company Quarter, from R-1 (residential-low density) to R-3 (residential-medium density), to utilize the existing structures for multiple dwellings.
EMAX Financial Group LLC — for Plots Nos. 7A, 7B and 8B Hospital Street, Christiansted, from R-3 to B-1 (business-central business district), to develop the waterfront property into office space, a restaurant and bar, retail shops, apartments and parking.
DPNR approved all three rezonings and there were no objections from area residents.
Present at the meeting were Sen. David Jones, the chair; and Sens. Douglas Canton Jr., Emmett Hansen II , Norman Jn Baptiste, Luther Renee and Usie Richards. Excused from the meeting were Sens. Lorraine Berry, Roosevelt David, Carlton Dowe, Louis Hill, Almando "Rocky" Liburd, Shawn-Michael Malone, and Ronald Russell. Sens. Adlah "Foncie" Donastorg and Celestino A. White Sr. were absent.

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