Dear Source:
The Calabash Boom community-housing model could have been better planned. The need is unquestionable. The placement of this dense 72 unit project is too close to our ocean. It will impact many things: environmental issues; in and out traffic at that intersection; increase traffic from Coral Bay to Cruz Bay substantially-remembering we only have one access road now. Overall the infrastructure is fragile at best. I can only guess that 72 units will mean approximately 220 people more in one small 8 acres area. Too many! How will the already poor telephone service, Wapa service and sewage be impacted?
Belle View is a fine housing model they have lots of green space between the buildings. Calabash Boom buildings seems to be "piled" together in one too small area. I would have preferred seeing smaller, individual "caribbean cottages" reflecting our cultural heritage and pride built throughout Coral Bay area so people could have gardens…a real sense of "my home". "Low-income" housing models have changed, and I believe this model is out-dated. It actually reflects the thinking process in which our former Governor thought and planned.
There is a valuable and resourceful community of caring and professional citizens; environmentalists; planners and architects all willing to contribute great ideas. They were not invited to be involved with their ideas and concerns. This issue somehow became infused with untrue comments about the rich not wanting poorer people there. Nothing could be further from the truth! All of us are in total support of housing especially for our native brothers and sister who I believe are entitled to a lovely home on St. John.
I just wish that there could have been a "win/win" approach to planning so that all of our environmental and practical issues could have been thought out better. I believe that Governor de Jongh would have approached the entire issue with more insight and community involvement. I just hope that we all don't end up with a lot of problems because, again, decisions were made on St. Thomas about a project on St. John- especially by Senators who do not know Coral Bay.
Bonny Corbeil
Coral Bay
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