On Monday, the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee approved a new long-term lease for WSTA radio but held three other major government property deals.
Lawmakers debated how best to manage public land for economic growth, weighing fiscal responsibility, local business opportunity, and transparency in leasing government-owned parcels
Officials and lawmakers said the combined projects could reshape the Sub Base area’s industrial corridor and influence the territory’s development for years to come.
“Collectively, these projects will bring approximately 45,000 square feet of badly needed warehouse and office spaces back into the market, helping to strengthen the commercial and industrial capacity of Subbase,” said Vincent Richards, assistant commissioner of the Property and Procurement Department.
“These investments will create opportunities for local businesses and help address the shortage of quality commercial space in the St. Thomas district,” Richards said. “Just as importantly, they will improve the look and the feel of the area, while supporting the growing numbers of disaster recovery and reconstruction projects we expect to see over the next decade.”
PEO Productions LLC
The committee voted unanimously to advance Bill 36-0089, granting a 20-year lease with renewal options to PEO Productions LLC, operator of WSTA radio, across three government-owned parcels at the submarine base in St. Thomas. The agreement sets annual rent at $30,000 and requires at least $100,000 in property improvements to support continued radio operation and facility upgrades, including roofing, hurricane shutters, and security.
Founded as “the people’s station,” WSTA was described as having long played a vital role in relaying news, community services, and public safety information, particularly during emergencies. Station president Peter Ottley emphasized the broadcaster’s legacy: “WSTA has served the community for decades and has rightfully earned the reputation of being the people’s station in time of celebration and in time of crisis,” he told the committee.
Senators supported the measure for both practical and symbolic reasons, pointing to WSTA’s resilience during hurricanes and its accessibility for residents who may not use online media. “WSTA radio has always been there, not only when things are going well for entertainment, but during those challenging times that we’ve all experienced,” said bill sponsor Sen. Milton E. Potter. “This lease formalizes their continued operations on government property and ensures the territory receives fair compensation for the use of public assets.”
The bill now moves to the Senate Rules and Judiciary Committee for further consideration, a key step for a station regarded as part of the social infrastructure of the territory. “We educate our community,” Ottley said.
Accent Property Management LLC
Bill 36-0199 was held in committee due to concerns about the proposed $144,000 annual rent for Accent Property Management LLC’s 30-year lease on two hurricane-damaged industrial buildings near the former submarine base.
Lawmakers questioned whether the rent reflected fair market value and noted the differences in pricing compared to other government leases reviewed the same day.
Some pointed out inconsistencies in how rent and required investment levels were set across deals, and called for a specific timeline for repairs and upgrades so the government could track progress.
With major details still unclear, including a full explanation of rent calculations and compliance mechanisms, senators opted to delay the measure.
Commercial Investments LLC
Bill 36-0204 would grant Commercial Investments LLC a long-term lease on a single Sub Base building for warehouse operations at an annual rent of $48,000. Senators asked for clearer details on the company’s planned investment, renovation timeline, and sublease arrangements, saying the financial structure remained too vague to advance. The measure stayed in committee while lawmakers requested a clearer breakdown of costs and obligations.
Submarine Base Warehouse LLC
Bill 36-0205 proposed leasing two waterfront parcels near Crown Bay to Submarine Base Warehouse LLC for $12,000 a year. No rent would be collected during the first year, and monthly payments of $500 would begin in months 13 through 36 during the permitting and construction period before rising to the full annual rate.
Senators worried the low starting rent might not be fair to the public. “I cannot see the justification for $12,000. That’s probably one month’s rent for one tenant after they’re finished. $12,000 to me is totally ridiculous. This is prime St. Thomas property. This is prime Sub Base property,” said Sen. Kurt A. Vialet. The bill remains in committee.
The WSTA radio lease now heads to the Senate Rules and Judiciary Committee for further approval. The remaining St. Thomas property leases will undergo additional review as senators seek greater certainty on public value and investment details.
