Senators breezed through the approval of nine zoning changes Friday morning, with senators not even using their two minutes of debate time.
Sen. Franklin Johnson pointed out that five of the nine zoning changes were to allow more housing in the territory. Sen. Milton Potter said the territory’s housing stock was “anemic” and could use all the help it could get. Sen. Samuel Carrion said the zoning changes were “needed.” Three of the changes were to help small businesses expand.
One of the measures forwarded to the governor would allow the rezoning of plots on Strand Street in Frederiksted so that The Fred Hotel could add 30 or more rooms.
Another request would allow a local family to follow through on a plan to build affordable housing on St. John, in Estate Susannaberg. Preliminary plans are for six cottages.
Ezra and Atarah Garib have requested a zoning change in Estate Williams Delight, allowing six apartments to be built on a third of an acre zoned for low-density residential use. By switching to medium-density residential, twin, two-story buildings could be built, each with a pair of one-bedroom apartments and a single two-bedroom apartment available for long-term rental. The site is at 1068 Estate Williams Delight, Prince Quarter.
Another zoning request would allow the construction of a mixed-use commercial area alongside a new tiny-homes neighborhood in Mount Pleasant, St. Croix. The 16 tiny homes could be brought to the area, which would be accessible by golf cart. The site is 8 Estate Mount Pleasant, Prince Quarter.
Still, another proposed zoning change would allow four three-story buildings with 36 two-bedroom units and a commercial building in Estate Smith Bay, East End Quarter, St. Thomas.
Another measure forwarded to the governor would modify a Minor Coastal Zone Permit to allow Teague Paradise to redesign an existing dock for personal use in Teague Bay, Christiansted, St. Croix.
All the senators except Kenneth Gittens, who was absent, attended the morning session, during which the zoning requests were approved.
