Free scuba diving classes will be offered to young people aged 12 to 18 who live in V.I. housing communities. The classes were made possible through a joint effort of the V.I. Housing Authority and St. Thomas Dive Club.
The classes were made possible by a Community Development Block Grant and are coordinated by St. Thomas Dive Club, VIHA Police and Planning and Natural Resource.
It is hoped that the program will discourage violence, gangs and drug use.
A release from VIHA said the young people will be exposed to the marine environment.
Twelve or more young people will participate beginning Saturday March 18.
In order to be part of the program participants must be comfortable in the water and possess basic swimming skills, be in good health, maintain a mature attitude, good judgement and self discipline – which are attributes required for safe diving.
The Professional Association of Dive Instructors program can lead to certification either as a Open Water Diver or a Scuba diver.
St. Thomas Dive Club is an authorized PADI 5-star facility.
LONG-DEFUNCT GRAPETREE HOTEL COULD SELL SOON
A sale could be closed by the end of the month on the long-defunct Grapetree Hotel that sits across the bay from the newly refurbished Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino on St. Croix’s east end.
Although details are limited, Julie San Martin, owner-broker of Remax Realty on St. Croix, said a contract has been drawn but the deal has yet to close. The Remax broker for the deal, Roland Groder, declined to comment.
Because of provisions in the contract, San Martin said she could disclose neither the name of the potential buyer nor terms of the deal.
"The second this sucker closes it’s public record," she said.
Individuals familiar with the St. Croix real estate market said that Korrey Family Investments LLC of Minnesota is the prospective buyer of the 45- to 50-room hotel and some 25 adjacent cottages. Representatives from Korrey couldn’t be reached for comment.
One estimate has placed the sale price of the hotel, which sits on about 45 acres, at $1 million. But Greg Hamilton of Hamilton Real Estate said such a figure sounded high.
"That price would really surprise me," he said, mainly because of the extensive state of disrepair at the site.
Hamilton said the "heyday" of the Grapetree Hotel was in the late 1960s. San Martin said the property has been on the market for at least 15 years that she knows of.
The interest in the old Grapetree Hotel can likely be attributed to the renaissance of the area by the remodeled Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino. Grapetree Shores Inc. reopened the derelict Divi Divi Resort in November after it was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Grapetree Shores Inc. owns the new 130-room resort, which includes 20 one-bedroom suites.
Last August, St. Croix by the Sea Hotel, west of Christansted, was sold at auction for $700,000. The 65-room hotel in Estate St. John was purchased at a bankruptcy auction by J.R. Neal after closing its doors in 1996 and going up for sale a year later. According to the former owner, Eric Lawaetz, the decline of the hotel began around 1975 when the government built low-income housing next to the property. Hurricanes also did damage.
Although details are limited, Julie San Martin, owner-broker of Remax Realty on St. Croix, said a contract has been drawn but the deal has yet to close. The Remax broker for the deal, Roland Groder, declined to comment.
Because of provisions in the contract, San Martin said she could disclose neither the name of the potential buyer nor terms of the deal.
"The second this sucker closes it’s public record," she said.
Individuals familiar with the St. Croix real estate market said that Korrey Family Investments LLC of Minnesota is the prospective buyer of the 45- to 50-room hotel and some 25 adjacent cottages. Representatives from Korrey couldn’t be reached for comment.
One estimate has placed the sale price of the hotel, which sits on about 45 acres, at $1 million. But Greg Hamilton of Hamilton Real Estate said such a figure sounded high.
"That price would really surprise me," he said, mainly because of the extensive state of disrepair at the site.
Hamilton said the "heyday" of the Grapetree Hotel was in the late 1960s. San Martin said the property has been on the market for at least 15 years that she knows of.
The interest in the old Grapetree Hotel can likely be attributed to the renaissance of the area by the remodeled Divi Carina Bay Resort and Casino. Grapetree Shores Inc. reopened the derelict Divi Divi Resort in November after it was destroyed by Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
Grapetree Shores Inc. owns the new 130-room resort, which includes 20 one-bedroom suites.
Last August, St. Croix by the Sea Hotel, west of Christansted, was sold at auction for $700,000. The 65-room hotel in Estate St. John was purchased at a bankruptcy auction by J.R. Neal after closing its doors in 1996 and going up for sale a year later. According to the former owner, Eric Lawaetz, the decline of the hotel began around 1975 when the government built low-income housing next to the property. Hurricanes also did damage.
FIRED SECURITY OFFICER ALLEGES ICC WRONGDOING
Former police officer Andre Hector has alleged he was forced to give false evidence in order to keep his job as a security officer with Jeffrey Prosser's Innovative Communication Corp.
According to Saturday's V.I. Independent, Hector, in a lawsuit filed against ICC, also charged that:
– ICC used government employees and property for security at a New Year's Eve millennium bash.
– ICC hired Sen. Adelbert M. Bryan's daughter as a $65,000-a-year security guard while the Senate was considering the so-called Prosser bill to give Prosser's companies huge tax breaks in exchange for land. Bryan voted for the bill.
– Hector was told he would be paid by Prosser's V.I. Telephone Corp., a regulated public utility that has near-total tax breaks, for work he did for ICC and Prosser's Emerging Communications Co. (EmCom).
– ICC's security guards provided security for Roy L. Schneider while he was still governor.
Hector's suit alleges that after an incident on July 3, 1998, where ICC security guards strong-armed Sen. Bryan at an Emancipation Day celebration, ICC's New York attorney, Carl Hartman, directed him — Hector — to "provide a false statement" about the incident or lose his job.
ICC attorney Kevin Rames told the Source, "We reject (Hector's) allegations outright."
According to the Independent report, Hector, who had worked as a police officer for six years, said he was recruited to provide security for Prosser's family by Oakland Benta, head of security for ICC and EmCom. Hector said he was offered a salary of $50,000 a year, which was quickly increased after he was promoted to "supervisor of the security department."
In a related story, the Independent reported that ICC hired Bryan's daughter, Andrea McIntosh, at a salary of $65,000 — far more than other guards made — at the same time that Prosser's company was negotiating with the government for millions, perhaps even billions, of dollars in tax breaks –– a move Bryan supported.
The bill, which would have traded 1,000 acres at Carambola on St. Croix for 30 years of tax breaks for 10 ICC companies, was vetoed by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull after it squeaked through the Senate on an 8-7 vote.
Calling Hector a disgruntled former employee, Rames said, "This type of scurrilous pleadings is typical of the unprofessional pleadings that all too customarily emanate out of the law offices of Lee J. Rohn. The defendants fully anticipate that if this matter is ever tried, they will be fully vindicated."
Attorney Rohn, who is representing Hector in the suit, said he was never told why he was fired from ICC.
When asked why by the Source, Rames would say only "for unspecified violations of company policy."
Hector's suit accuses ICC, EmCom and Vitelco of breach of contract, wrongful discharge, discrimination, fraud, defamation and slander. Rohn told the Independent her client cannot return to the Police Department at his previous rank but would have to return as a "rookie." Due to a hiring freeze, she said, it is unlikely Hector could return at all.
"Jeffrey Prosser can't just hire people away from other jobs, use them, then spit them out without paying them," Rohn said.
The suit also alleges that ICC withdrew money illegally from Hector's Banco Popular account. Hector worked for ICC from April 1998 until he was fired last Feb. 4.
According to Saturday's V.I. Independent, Hector, in a lawsuit filed against ICC, also charged that:
– ICC used government employees and property for security at a New Year's Eve millennium bash.
– ICC hired Sen. Adelbert M. Bryan's daughter as a $65,000-a-year security guard while the Senate was considering the so-called Prosser bill to give Prosser's companies huge tax breaks in exchange for land. Bryan voted for the bill.
– Hector was told he would be paid by Prosser's V.I. Telephone Corp., a regulated public utility that has near-total tax breaks, for work he did for ICC and Prosser's Emerging Communications Co. (EmCom).
– ICC's security guards provided security for Roy L. Schneider while he was still governor.
Hector's suit alleges that after an incident on July 3, 1998, where ICC security guards strong-armed Sen. Bryan at an Emancipation Day celebration, ICC's New York attorney, Carl Hartman, directed him — Hector — to "provide a false statement" about the incident or lose his job.
ICC attorney Kevin Rames told the Source, "We reject (Hector's) allegations outright."
According to the Independent report, Hector, who had worked as a police officer for six years, said he was recruited to provide security for Prosser's family by Oakland Benta, head of security for ICC and EmCom. Hector said he was offered a salary of $50,000 a year, which was quickly increased after he was promoted to "supervisor of the security department."
In a related story, the Independent reported that ICC hired Bryan's daughter, Andrea McIntosh, at a salary of $65,000 — far more than other guards made — at the same time that Prosser's company was negotiating with the government for millions, perhaps even billions, of dollars in tax breaks –– a move Bryan supported.
The bill, which would have traded 1,000 acres at Carambola on St. Croix for 30 years of tax breaks for 10 ICC companies, was vetoed by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull after it squeaked through the Senate on an 8-7 vote.
Calling Hector a disgruntled former employee, Rames said, "This type of scurrilous pleadings is typical of the unprofessional pleadings that all too customarily emanate out of the law offices of Lee J. Rohn. The defendants fully anticipate that if this matter is ever tried, they will be fully vindicated."
Attorney Rohn, who is representing Hector in the suit, said he was never told why he was fired from ICC.
When asked why by the Source, Rames would say only "for unspecified violations of company policy."
Hector's suit accuses ICC, EmCom and Vitelco of breach of contract, wrongful discharge, discrimination, fraud, defamation and slander. Rohn told the Independent her client cannot return to the Police Department at his previous rank but would have to return as a "rookie." Due to a hiring freeze, she said, it is unlikely Hector could return at all.
"Jeffrey Prosser can't just hire people away from other jobs, use them, then spit them out without paying them," Rohn said.
The suit also alleges that ICC withdrew money illegally from Hector's Banco Popular account. Hector worked for ICC from April 1998 until he was fired last Feb. 4.
FIRED ICC EMPLOYEE ALLEGES WRONGDOING
Former police officer Andre Hector has alleged he was forced to give false evidence in order to keep his job as a security officer with Jeffrey Prosser's Innovative Communication Corp.
According to Saturday's V.I. Independent, Hector, in a lawsuit filed against ICC, also charged that:
— ICC used government employees and property for security at a New Year's Eve millennium bash.
— ICC hired Sen. Adelbert M. Bryan's daughter as a $65,000-a-year security guard while the Senate was considering the so-called Prosser bill to give Prosser's companies huge tax breaks in exchange for land. Bryan voted for the bill.
— Hector was told he would be paid by Prosser's V.I. Telephone Corp., a regulated public utility that has near-total tax breaks, for work he did for ICC and EmCom.
— ICC's security guards provided security for Roy L. Schneider while he was still governor.
Hector's suit alleges that after an incident on July 3, 1998, where ICC security guards strong-armed Sen. Bryan at an Emancipation Day celebration, ICC's New York attorney, Carl Hartman, directed him to "provide a false statement" about the incident or lose his job.
Hector, who had worked as a police officer for six years, said he was recruited to provide security for Prosser's family by Oakland Benta, head of security for ICC and Emerging Communications. Hector was offered a salary of $50,000 a year, which was quickly increased after he was promoted to "supervisor of the security department."
In a related story, the Independent reported that ICC hired Byran's daughter, Andrea McIntosh, at a salary of $65,000 — far more than other guards made — at the same time that Prosser's company was negotiating with the government for millions, perhaps even billions, of dollars in tax breaks –– a move Bryan supported. The bill, which would have traded 1,000 acres at Carambola on St. Croix for 30 years of tax breaks for 10 ICC companies, was vetoed by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull after it squeaked through the Senate on an 8-7 vote.
ICC attorney Kevin Rames told the Source, "We reject (Hector's) allegations outright."
Calling Hector a disgruntled former employee, Rames said, "This type of scurrilous pleadings is typical of the unprofessional pleadings that all too customarily emanate out of the law offices of Lee J. Rohn. The defendants fully anticipate that if this matter is ever tried, they will be fully vindicated."
When asked why Hector was fired from ICC, Rames would only say, "for unspecified violations of company policy."
Rohn, who is representing Hector, said he has never been told why he was fired.
Hector's suit charges ICC, Emerging Communications and Vitelco with breach of contract, wrongful discharge, discrimination, fraud, defamation and slander.
Rohn told the Independent her client is unable to return to his old job at the Police Department at his previous rank. He would have to return as a "rookie," according to Rohn. In fact, due to a hiring freeze, Rohn said it is unlikely Hector could return at all.
"Jeffrey Prosser can't just hire people away from other jobs, use them, then spit them out without paying them," Rohn said.
The suit also alleges that ICC withdrew money illegally from Hector's Banco Popular account. Hector worked for ICC from April 1998 until he was fired Feb. 4.
According to Saturday's V.I. Independent, Hector, in a lawsuit filed against ICC, also charged that:
— ICC used government employees and property for security at a New Year's Eve millennium bash.
— ICC hired Sen. Adelbert M. Bryan's daughter as a $65,000-a-year security guard while the Senate was considering the so-called Prosser bill to give Prosser's companies huge tax breaks in exchange for land. Bryan voted for the bill.
— Hector was told he would be paid by Prosser's V.I. Telephone Corp., a regulated public utility that has near-total tax breaks, for work he did for ICC and EmCom.
— ICC's security guards provided security for Roy L. Schneider while he was still governor.
Hector's suit alleges that after an incident on July 3, 1998, where ICC security guards strong-armed Sen. Bryan at an Emancipation Day celebration, ICC's New York attorney, Carl Hartman, directed him to "provide a false statement" about the incident or lose his job.
Hector, who had worked as a police officer for six years, said he was recruited to provide security for Prosser's family by Oakland Benta, head of security for ICC and Emerging Communications. Hector was offered a salary of $50,000 a year, which was quickly increased after he was promoted to "supervisor of the security department."
In a related story, the Independent reported that ICC hired Byran's daughter, Andrea McIntosh, at a salary of $65,000 — far more than other guards made — at the same time that Prosser's company was negotiating with the government for millions, perhaps even billions, of dollars in tax breaks –– a move Bryan supported. The bill, which would have traded 1,000 acres at Carambola on St. Croix for 30 years of tax breaks for 10 ICC companies, was vetoed by Gov. Charles W. Turnbull after it squeaked through the Senate on an 8-7 vote.
ICC attorney Kevin Rames told the Source, "We reject (Hector's) allegations outright."
Calling Hector a disgruntled former employee, Rames said, "This type of scurrilous pleadings is typical of the unprofessional pleadings that all too customarily emanate out of the law offices of Lee J. Rohn. The defendants fully anticipate that if this matter is ever tried, they will be fully vindicated."
When asked why Hector was fired from ICC, Rames would only say, "for unspecified violations of company policy."
Rohn, who is representing Hector, said he has never been told why he was fired.
Hector's suit charges ICC, Emerging Communications and Vitelco with breach of contract, wrongful discharge, discrimination, fraud, defamation and slander.
Rohn told the Independent her client is unable to return to his old job at the Police Department at his previous rank. He would have to return as a "rookie," according to Rohn. In fact, due to a hiring freeze, Rohn said it is unlikely Hector could return at all.
"Jeffrey Prosser can't just hire people away from other jobs, use them, then spit them out without paying them," Rohn said.
The suit also alleges that ICC withdrew money illegally from Hector's Banco Popular account. Hector worked for ICC from April 1998 until he was fired Feb. 4.
MUDSLINGING INAPPROPRIATE
Dear Source,
I read Mr. Ortega's op-ed and Mr. Prendergrast's open forum response today. Regardless of the merits of each opinion, I find Mr. Ortega's article to be focused on the issue; however, I find Mr. Prendergast's response lacks focus and involves excessive personal attacks and mudslinging.
I suggest that prior to placing anything in print, a standard is followed that excludes personal attacks. Reputable newspapers do not allow personal attacks to be printed — they require editorials and responses to be focused on issues, situations, and facts. Otherwise, journalism standards become set by the "National Enquirer, Jerry Springer, etc."
Joe Elmore
I read Mr. Ortega's op-ed and Mr. Prendergrast's open forum response today. Regardless of the merits of each opinion, I find Mr. Ortega's article to be focused on the issue; however, I find Mr. Prendergast's response lacks focus and involves excessive personal attacks and mudslinging.
I suggest that prior to placing anything in print, a standard is followed that excludes personal attacks. Reputable newspapers do not allow personal attacks to be printed — they require editorials and responses to be focused on issues, situations, and facts. Otherwise, journalism standards become set by the "National Enquirer, Jerry Springer, etc."
Joe Elmore
IT'S NOT JUST THE RITZ-CARLTON ROAD AT QUESTION
The League of Women Voters of the Virgin Islands believes that it is high time that the whole story of Ritz-Carlton’s inadequate application and the response to it by the St. Thomas Committee is revealed to the public. It is a long story and not limited to the road question, but at this time we will stick mainly with that, responding first to statements attributed to Attorney James Hindels in the St. Thomas Source article of February 23, 2000: "ROADWAY ISSUE COULD HALT RITZ EXPANSION," by Jean P. Greaux Jr.
Attorney James Hindels maintains that the opinion by the Legislature’s Chief Deputy Legal Counsel, Yvonne Tharps, is not accurate, that it is not based on fact. According to him, the road in question is not and never was a primary access to Bluebeard’s Beach.
Furthermore, he is quoted as saying that the "roadway stops about 250 feet off the shoreline."
In 1965, Henry Reichhold conveyed a section of the road (now designated Route 322) by deed of dedication to the Government of the Virgin Islands for public use. In the same year, the road was accepted (Act No. 1400) as part of the public road system. Counsel Tharpes’ opinion addresses the road as a public road and as a donation of trustland, not only as an access road to the old Bluebeard’s Beach.
The only site map in the application (the Environmental Assessment Report) that shows Route 322 marked as "Public Road to be Vacated" (in tiny letters) places it no further than 100 feet from the mean high water mark. If it is 250 feet from the shoreline as Hindels claims, either the map must be wrong, or he has an unique idea of what "shoreline" is.
Attorney Hindels is quoted as saying that the opinion concludes that the government may dispose of the road segment using "proper procedures."
In the 37-page opinion, there is indeed mention of the possibility of the diversion of the road to so-called "foreign purposes" – in this case to the private use of The Ritz-Carlton Club. The opinion, however, by means of numerous citations of case law and portions of the V. I. Code, finds this to be an extremely remote possibility.
In fact, the opinion concludes: "When land is dedicated for street, roadway or highway purposes by the owner and accepted by the Government, such action is equivalent to a taking, albeit voluntary, and the property so taken may not lawfully be applied to another purpose by the government, unless it be a public use not inconsistent with its use as a street, a roadway or highway."
The issue over the ownership of Route 322 has created a delay in the ability of Ritz-Carlton to use its permit. Ritz-Carlton should have settled the question of the public road before making application to the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Commission, or during the pre-hearing process. Not doing so has resulted in an invalid permit. That is not just our opinion — it is the law that no permit shall be issued without proof of ownership of the property upon which the development is to be placed.
The Ritz-Carlton created this delay all by itself, and it ought not to be blaming others. In fact, it ought to be apologizing for creating such a messy situation.
"If it is determined that the roadway cannot be used, there is little room to expand," Hindels said.
It is true that, given the restrictions (both local and federal) placed on the development of beaches and wetlands, there is little room for Ritz-Carlton to expand.
However, the final plans show a new extension of Route 322 past the entrance to the existing hotel, behind the buildings, and all the way to
the Cabrita Point Road. This proposed new road could be substituted for the section of Route 322 that has to be vacated. The problem is that The Ritz-Carlton Club is being marketed as strictly private, and the management has, thus far, declined to consider any compromise.
Another compromise that the Ritz-Carlton has refused to consider is any reduction in the size of the units on the beach. After the hearing, the four five-story buildings were re-designed so that each has levels of three to six stories. This may render them more aesthetically pleasing, but the number of units was not reduced, and the footings of the buildings are spread out more, pushing them further back towards the wetland.
Attorney Hindels stated that "either the community wants the hotel
or it doesn’t."
The league recognizes the need for additional hotel rooms in St. Thomas, as well as the excellent reputation earned by the Ritz-Carlton as a popular vacation choice by higher income level tourists. We welcomed the expansion of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The community wants the hotel, but not, we trust, by compromising the law of the land. The hotel chose to present an application that was inconsistent with the CZM Act and failed to follow the Rules and Regulations set forth by the CZM Commission. Some improvements were made between the hearing and the decision to grant the permit, most notably the
dedication of a public access to the beach at Great Bay. (The original access was to be limited to the vastly inferior Muller Bay.)
Most of the changes made between the hearing and the decision were not improvements, and more importantly, were not opened for public review and comment.
There are two other clearly illegal things about the permit, and the League has compiled a list of 17 deficiencies in the application that remain unaddressed, and which support the League’s original contention that the application should not have been accepted as ready for public hearing.
In addition, the league has identified seven significant changes that were made after the hearing, the impacts of which were inadequately assessed. The public has been denied an opportunity to respond to those changes.
In a later article, the League of Women Voters will describe the deficiencies and illegalities of the project in detail.
The St. Thomas Committee of the CZM Commission seriously erred in approving Permit CZT-2-99L for the Ritz-Carlton expansion. The permit should be revoked, the road issue resolved, and a new application submitted that addresses all of the deficiencies.
If allowed to stand as is, the existing permit will set a dangerous precedent for future development in the coastal zone. Marriott Hotel Services has an obligation to handle its very special St. Thomas property with the sensitivity it deserves, and the CZM Commission has an obligation to see that all of the elements of the expansion project are consistent with the V. I. Coastal Zone Management Act.
Editor's note: Helen W. Gjessing is a retired biology professor and member of the League of Women Voters.
Attorney James Hindels maintains that the opinion by the Legislature’s Chief Deputy Legal Counsel, Yvonne Tharps, is not accurate, that it is not based on fact. According to him, the road in question is not and never was a primary access to Bluebeard’s Beach.
Furthermore, he is quoted as saying that the "roadway stops about 250 feet off the shoreline."
In 1965, Henry Reichhold conveyed a section of the road (now designated Route 322) by deed of dedication to the Government of the Virgin Islands for public use. In the same year, the road was accepted (Act No. 1400) as part of the public road system. Counsel Tharpes’ opinion addresses the road as a public road and as a donation of trustland, not only as an access road to the old Bluebeard’s Beach.
The only site map in the application (the Environmental Assessment Report) that shows Route 322 marked as "Public Road to be Vacated" (in tiny letters) places it no further than 100 feet from the mean high water mark. If it is 250 feet from the shoreline as Hindels claims, either the map must be wrong, or he has an unique idea of what "shoreline" is.
Attorney Hindels is quoted as saying that the opinion concludes that the government may dispose of the road segment using "proper procedures."
In the 37-page opinion, there is indeed mention of the possibility of the diversion of the road to so-called "foreign purposes" – in this case to the private use of The Ritz-Carlton Club. The opinion, however, by means of numerous citations of case law and portions of the V. I. Code, finds this to be an extremely remote possibility.
In fact, the opinion concludes: "When land is dedicated for street, roadway or highway purposes by the owner and accepted by the Government, such action is equivalent to a taking, albeit voluntary, and the property so taken may not lawfully be applied to another purpose by the government, unless it be a public use not inconsistent with its use as a street, a roadway or highway."
The issue over the ownership of Route 322 has created a delay in the ability of Ritz-Carlton to use its permit. Ritz-Carlton should have settled the question of the public road before making application to the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Commission, or during the pre-hearing process. Not doing so has resulted in an invalid permit. That is not just our opinion — it is the law that no permit shall be issued without proof of ownership of the property upon which the development is to be placed.
The Ritz-Carlton created this delay all by itself, and it ought not to be blaming others. In fact, it ought to be apologizing for creating such a messy situation.
"If it is determined that the roadway cannot be used, there is little room to expand," Hindels said.
It is true that, given the restrictions (both local and federal) placed on the development of beaches and wetlands, there is little room for Ritz-Carlton to expand.
However, the final plans show a new extension of Route 322 past the entrance to the existing hotel, behind the buildings, and all the way to
the Cabrita Point Road. This proposed new road could be substituted for the section of Route 322 that has to be vacated. The problem is that The Ritz-Carlton Club is being marketed as strictly private, and the management has, thus far, declined to consider any compromise.
Another compromise that the Ritz-Carlton has refused to consider is any reduction in the size of the units on the beach. After the hearing, the four five-story buildings were re-designed so that each has levels of three to six stories. This may render them more aesthetically pleasing, but the number of units was not reduced, and the footings of the buildings are spread out more, pushing them further back towards the wetland.
Attorney Hindels stated that "either the community wants the hotel
or it doesn’t."
The league recognizes the need for additional hotel rooms in St. Thomas, as well as the excellent reputation earned by the Ritz-Carlton as a popular vacation choice by higher income level tourists. We welcomed the expansion of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The community wants the hotel, but not, we trust, by compromising the law of the land. The hotel chose to present an application that was inconsistent with the CZM Act and failed to follow the Rules and Regulations set forth by the CZM Commission. Some improvements were made between the hearing and the decision to grant the permit, most notably the
dedication of a public access to the beach at Great Bay. (The original access was to be limited to the vastly inferior Muller Bay.)
Most of the changes made between the hearing and the decision were not improvements, and more importantly, were not opened for public review and comment.
There are two other clearly illegal things about the permit, and the League has compiled a list of 17 deficiencies in the application that remain unaddressed, and which support the League’s original contention that the application should not have been accepted as ready for public hearing.
In addition, the league has identified seven significant changes that were made after the hearing, the impacts of which were inadequately assessed. The public has been denied an opportunity to respond to those changes.
In a later article, the League of Women Voters will describe the deficiencies and illegalities of the project in detail.
The St. Thomas Committee of the CZM Commission seriously erred in approving Permit CZT-2-99L for the Ritz-Carlton expansion. The permit should be revoked, the road issue resolved, and a new application submitted that addresses all of the deficiencies.
If allowed to stand as is, the existing permit will set a dangerous precedent for future development in the coastal zone. Marriott Hotel Services has an obligation to handle its very special St. Thomas property with the sensitivity it deserves, and the CZM Commission has an obligation to see that all of the elements of the expansion project are consistent with the V. I. Coastal Zone Management Act.
Editor's note: Helen W. Gjessing is a retired biology professor and member of the League of Women Voters.
VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATION ACTIVE IN DISASTER MEETING
The American Red Cross St. Thomas/St. John Chapter invites all organizations and businesses to a meeting of VOAD at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 7, at VITEMA's office.
The purpose of the meeting is to form a coalition that coordinates disaster services before, during and after an event.
To reserve a spot, call Franke Hoheb at 774-0375.
The purpose of the meeting is to form a coalition that coordinates disaster services before, during and after an event.
To reserve a spot, call Franke Hoheb at 774-0375.
VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATION ACTIVE IN DISASTER MEETING
The American Red Cross St. Thomas/St. John Chapter invites all oranizations and businesses to a meeting of VOAD at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 7, at VITEMA's office.
The purpose of the meting is to form a coalition that coordinates disaster services before, during and after an event.
To reserve a spot, call Franke Hoheb at 774-0375.
The purpose of the meting is to form a coalition that coordinates disaster services before, during and after an event.
To reserve a spot, call Franke Hoheb at 774-0375.
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION IN V.I.
A congressional delegation will tour the Virgin Islands this weekend, accompanied by Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen.
Reps. Don Young of Alaska, Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota and Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega of American Samoa met briefly Friday with Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
Young made a commitment to support the Virgin Islands' efforts to get its fiscal house in order, according to a release from Government House. He also offered his support to assist in completing the airport on St. Croix.
Young, chairman of the House Committee on Resources, is also the second-ranking Republican on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He has served in the U.S. Congress for 28 years. He is also a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Peterson, a Democrat, is a member of the Committee on Agriculture, ranking member on the Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture and member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Health Subcommittee.
Faleomavaega, a 12-year veteran of the House of Representatives, is on the Committee on Resource and the House Committee on International Relations.
The delegation will visit St. John, Water Island and St. Croix over the weekend.
The congressmen, who are accompanied by their spouses and members of their staffs, leave the territory Monday.
Reps. Don Young of Alaska, Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota and Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega of American Samoa met briefly Friday with Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
Young made a commitment to support the Virgin Islands' efforts to get its fiscal house in order, according to a release from Government House. He also offered his support to assist in completing the airport on St. Croix.
Young, chairman of the House Committee on Resources, is also the second-ranking Republican on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. He has served in the U.S. Congress for 28 years. He is also a member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and the Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.
Peterson, a Democrat, is a member of the Committee on Agriculture, ranking member on the Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture and member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Health Subcommittee.
Faleomavaega, a 12-year veteran of the House of Representatives, is on the Committee on Resource and the House Committee on International Relations.
The delegation will visit St. John, Water Island and St. Croix over the weekend.
The congressmen, who are accompanied by their spouses and members of their staffs, leave the territory Monday.
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION VISITING V.I.
Delegate Donna Christian-Christensen is hosting a visit to the territory this weekend by a delegation of her congressional colleagues.
Reps. Don Young of Alaska, Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota and Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega of American Samoa met briefly Friday with Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
Young, who chairs the House Resources Committee, made a commitment to support the V.I. government's efforts to get its fiscal house in order, according to a release from Government House. He also offered his support toward completing the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport expansion on St. Croix.
A 28-year member of Congress, Young is also the second-ranking Republican on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a member of the Subcommittees on Aviation, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and on Water Resources and Environment.
Peterson, a Democrat, is a member of the Agriculture Committee, ranking member on the Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture, and member of the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Health Subcommittee.
Faleomavaega, a 12-year congressman, is on the Resources and International Relations Committees.
The delegation's schedule includes visits to St. John, Water Island and St. Croix over the weekend. The lawmakers, accompanied by spouses and staff members, are to leave the territory Monday.
Reps. Don Young of Alaska, Collin C. Peterson of Minnesota and Delegate Eni F.H. Faleomavaega of American Samoa met briefly Friday with Gov. Charles W. Turnbull.
Young, who chairs the House Resources Committee, made a commitment to support the V.I. government's efforts to get its fiscal house in order, according to a release from Government House. He also offered his support toward completing the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport expansion on St. Croix.
A 28-year member of Congress, Young is also the second-ranking Republican on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and a member of the Subcommittees on Aviation, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and on Water Resources and Environment.
Peterson, a Democrat, is a member of the Agriculture Committee, ranking member on the Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture, and member of the Veterans Affairs Committee and the Health Subcommittee.
Faleomavaega, a 12-year congressman, is on the Resources and International Relations Committees.
The delegation's schedule includes visits to St. John, Water Island and St. Croix over the weekend. The lawmakers, accompanied by spouses and staff members, are to leave the territory Monday.
