Stonehouse Junction LLC is seeking a zoning change to allow construction of a new 68-room hotel at Mount Welcome on St. Croix, a project the company says would expand the island’s lodging options while creating jobs and generating additional tax revenue.
The proposal was presented during a public hearing on proposed zoning held Tuesday by the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, where the applicant requested that Parcel No. 1 Mount Welcome be rezoned from W-2 (Waterfront) to B-2 (Business-Secondary/Neighborhood).
Representing the applicant, Alicia V. Barnes said the requested rezoning would permit the responsible development and operation of a hotel that is compatible with surrounding land uses and makes efficient use of the property.
“We are requesting your favorable consideration and recommendation to rezone No. 1 Mount Welcome from W-2 to B-2 to allow for the construction and operation of a hotel that will be designed in a responsible manner,” Barnes said during the hearing.
According to the presentation, the development is expected to support the local economy by creating jobs during both construction and hotel operations, strengthen St. Croix’s tourism product, increase commercial activity in the surrounding area, and generate additional tax revenue for the Government of the Virgin Islands. Barnes also stated that the proposal is consistent with the territory’s Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan.
During the hearing, DPNR staff questioned representatives about the site’s design, including parking access and how the proposed hotel would integrate with nearby properties.
Project representative Chris Pardo explained that the development will include a partially underground parking area accessed by a driveway leading down from the rear of the property. Because of the site’s natural topography, the parking structure will open at ground level on the north side.
DPNR Territorial Planner Leia LaPlace also asked about the applicant’s ownership of an adjacent property that has already received permits for hotel renovations.
A representative for Stonehouse Junction LLC confirmed that the new hotel is intended to complement that existing development, creating a larger hospitality complex. Once completed, the existing east and west buildings and the proposed hotel would provide a combined total of approximately 96 guest rooms.
The hearing was chaired by Planning Technician Keshoi Samuel of DPNR’s Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning. Samuel explained that, under Virgin Islands law, the department has 30 days following the close of the public hearing to prepare a recommendation report evaluating the request.
After the report is signed by the DPNR commissioner, it will be forwarded to both the applicant and the Virgin Islands Legislature. Lawmakers will then schedule a Committee of the Whole hearing, during which DPNR will present its recommendation. If a senator sponsors legislation for the zoning change, the measure will later be considered during a legislative session.
No members of the public offered comments during Tuesday’s hearing.
The public comment period will remain open through Aug. 2, after which DPNR will prepare its recommendation. The department’s report may recommend approval, modification, or denial of the rezoning request before it advances to the Legislature for further consideration.
