On Thursday, the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance moved four government leases to the Rules and Judiciary Committee with favorable recommendations. One lease, if granted, would allow a soccer stadium with concession built in Estate Nazareth, No. 1 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas. A second would allow a firearm training facility and shooting range in Estate Bovoni, Frenchmans Bay Quarter, St. Thomas.
The committee also moved forward a lease that would allow HKT Energy Consulting Group to operate an office and establish a warehouse in Submarine Base, No. 4 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas. The fourth and final lease is an extension of the lease that allows the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration to continue operating a Locator Outer Marker, which helps planes land in foul weather.
Michael Bornn, a council member of the VI Soccer Federation, testified that the federation had a vision that the five-acre site would enable not just a soccer facility but also areas for cricket, the VI Olympic facility, and possibly other sports.
Committee Chair Donna Frett-Gregory commented that the Senate had appropriated funds to help develop the site, and all parties should work together to ensure adequate common areas and parking. She questioned whether an amendment to the lease could include a memorandum of understanding with the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department. She said she did not want to see “history repeat itself” and mentioned the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project on St. Croix, which has been bumping along for almost 20 years.
Bornn testified the soccer facility would include fencing, bleachers, lighting, concession, bathrooms, team facilities, referee facilities, training rooms, parking, and dorms. He added that construction would probably take three to five years.
Deputy Commissioner of Property and Procurement Vincent Richards said the lease would be for 30 years at $3,600 per year. The federation would have two 10-year renewal options.
The lease for the shooting range of 1.7 acres is $48,000 annually.
Levi MacSheen, manager of Star Time Firearms, testified, “Our facility will feature a variety of shooting lanes, training areas, and safety courses to meet the needs of all levels of expertise. As a small business, we are projected to create seven to 10 jobs in the construction phase at approximately $250,000 to $300,000. Our annual operation is projected to create approximately seven to 10 full-time and two to three part-time jobs.”
Hugo Hodge Jr., president and chief executive officer of HKT Energy Group Consulting, represents the firm requesting warehouse and office space. He said his firm already has a temporary lease.
This agreement has a 20-year term and an option for ten more. The annual rent would be $45,000.
Hodge said HKT Energy Group is an energy consulting firm offering professional, technical, and engineering.
Senators present included Frett-Gregory, Novelle Francis Jr., Javan James, Dwayne DeGraff, Marvin Blyden, Ray Fonseca, Samuel Carriόn, and Carla Joseph.
