install a 150 foot communications tower. (Screenshot from CZM Zoom meeting)
Around 40 residents attended a virtual Coastal Zone Management public hearing Tuesday to learn about and comment on a proposed 150-foot monopole communications tower that Blue Sky Towers III, LLC plans to build uphill from Smugglers’ Cove on St. Croix’s East End. Most landowners expressed concerns and opposition to the project.
Liberty Mobile and the V.I. government initiated the project as part of the First Responder Network (FirstNet). Funding comes from a combination of public and private sources, including the federal government, FirstNet, and the Virgin Islands government.
Attorney Kevin Rames presented the project to the CZM board and staff, noting that 11 sites were initially considered, but 10 were eliminated. The remaining location, Plot 3, Estate Long Point and Cotton Garden, was the only parcel not restricted or owned by the V.I. government, he said. The build-out includes a 30-kilowatt generator, road easements, and a chain-link fence.
Residents raised concerns about potential stormwater runoff from the site. One person noted that water would flow freely down from the tower to North Shore Road, while another said his property, 200 feet from the road, would be affected by runoff. Another property owner questioned the noise impact. Rames responded that the generator would only operate during power outages and would produce noise similar to other generators in the area. He also cited the American Cancer Society in stating there are “no health issues” associated with the tower. Additionally, he noted that the Department of Planning and Natural Resources had compiled an 800-page report, available to the public, that addresses environmental considerations.
Other comments from the public included concerns that “tree towers look out of place everywhere,” the structure would “deface a pristine area,” and “the tower is too tall and will disrupt a tranquil neighborhood.”
After hearing public comments, board members agreed that a site visit was necessary. Board member May Adams Cornwall suggested exploring alternative locations, while Chair Masserae Webster recommended discussions with the owners of the restricted land. Webster and Kai Nielsen, board member, also questioned why a higher ridge had not been considered. The board agreed that no decision would be made until those recommendations were addressed.
Closing the public hearing, Webster said the board would inspect the site and would have additional questions for Rames in the coming week.
During the four-hour session, the CZM board also discussed and approved a request from Trans America Fiber US LLC to install a communications fiber cable connecting Vero Beach, Florida, to Butler Bay, St. Thomas, Tortola, Puerto Rico, and South America.
Trans America has an agreement with AT&T to take over its abandoned North Shore facility, using the existing underwater manholes and conduit. Company spokesperson Ben Keulart said there would be no offshore drilling and that the project is privately funded.
Julio Bran, CEO of Trans America, said the company had not yet calculated the financial return for the Virgin Islands but noted that residents should see lower cell service costs.
“We are working at market prices, but you can expect changes in prices — down,” Bran said.
CZM board members expressed disappointment that there was no apparent financial benefit for the V.I. government. They noted that AT&T had previously paid an annual fee to the government under a 20-year contract with a review every five years. Since Trans America has not yet finalized its permit agreement with the government, the CZM board will withhold its final approval until both parties reach a deal.
The CZM staff recommended approval of the project, citing consistency with CZM codes and policy. Two board members voted in favor, while two abstained. Since there were no votes against the measure, the permit was approved, Webster said.
