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HomeNewsArchivesDeny the Permit for the Inner Brass Cay Dock

Deny the Permit for the Inner Brass Cay Dock

Dear Source:
I am a 5th generation Virgin Islander who lives on the hillside above Dorethea Beach. My views, which I love, encompass the Inner and Outer Brass Islands. I am writing in order to add my support against the CZM permitting approval of the proposed dock to Island Green LLC, Randy Kell, Sarah Haynes and Corby Parfitt. CZM has already received a petition with 2000 signatures against this proposed dock.
From my deck, I have watched the enormous seas created by passing weather systems and winter ground swells that crash relentlessly onto these islands rendering accessibility to limited use throughout the year.
The fact that they wish to build an 83 ft. (Phase 1) dock in the middle of an endangered species breeding/turtle nesting ground as well as the certain destruction of other endangered coral species, bird breeding and nesting areas, whale migration lanes, greatly disturbs me. The idea that the means of removal of the goats from the island, by killing them whether it be by poison or gun is aborrent and greatly disturbs me. The fact that Island Green. LLC's plans for Phase 2 is an additional 105 ft. to total a dock of 188 feet, greatly disturbs me. The potential damage to the environment, at large, from this dock, which is larger than what the Yacht Haven Grand has in use for their mega yachts, greatly disturbs me. It should greatly disturb all of us!
I fail to see the need for such a large dock for what the applicants refer to as being necessary to access a small, 400 sq. ft. cottage, solely intended for their and their families/friends "personal use." This is overkill! What's the cost of the dock vs. the cost of this "little 400 sq. ft cottage?" Why go to the expense if all that's wanted is a small cottage.
What comes after the dock is built? Am I and all the other people who love the quiet and serenity of our homes and neighborhoods going to be forced to listen to the noise from helicopters due to a helicopter pad that they'll want next because they cannot access the dock during the many times of the year due to our weather and sea conditions?
They can use a small landing craft to bring in and offload the small amount of building supplies and materials they may require for such an "inconsequential structure." They can install a couple of moorings, if they are not already in place, to moor their vessel(s) and dinghy into the beach as most people normally do in these situations, anchor their dinghy out with a stern line to the beach or to a well placed pole, thereby continuing to protect the coral and beach nesting sites.
They can come to some compromise with the Bryan's who own the small dock that has been long in existence and who own the rest of the island in conjunction with them. They can sort out their differences and proceed to live in harmony since they're going to be neighbors for a long time to come. Both sets of owners could be amenable to placing non-revokable deed restrictions on their respective properties on Inner Brass and Sandy Beach, in particular, which would limit its use, possibly create a marine and wildlife sanctuary in order to preserve the island's integrity for future generations. This would go a long way in allaying the present and future concerns of our community. It would show us that Island Green LLC, Randy Kell, Sarah Haynes and Corby Parfit have "no hidden or yet to be disclosed agendas." This would prove that they have the integrity that they say they do.
However, I believe that they have been and are being disingenuous with the public and the CZM Committee.
The reason I continue to live here is because I love the ocean and island views and the people that I encounter daily. We have already lost so much of our way of life, our shorelines, our beaches, our seagrass beds and nesting sites to over development. Development, that is in communities that the majority of the people cannot afford to vacation at, buy into or live in.
We desperately need a comprehensive land use and zoning plan, in place, if these islands, their outlying cays and waters surrounding them are to survive, be properly protected, fully sustainable and ecologically developed for future generations of people and God's creatures.
We need our senators to stop allowing spot zoning and monstrosities such as Sirenusa and that other Cruz Bay white elephant!
I hope CZM shall listen to the public outcry, deny this application and others like it!

Alana Mawson
St. Thomas

Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.

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