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VI UPDATE U.S. Virgin Islands Public Records TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session Legislature USVI July 22, 2024 · 4.9 hours · gov Source recording https://youtu.be/g-3pPbj1dpo Status This is a working transcript produced by machine from a recording of a public proceeding. It is a finding aid, not an official record of the Legislature. Transcribed by VI Update, using OpenAI Whisper large-v3-turbo, run locally. Not reviewed by a person. Reliability Automatic transcription, UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording before relying on it. Speech recognition splits spoken digits and wraps figures mid-number, so a dollar amount, a vote count or a bill number can be wrong in a way that reads as correct. Speakers are not identified: automatic speaker labelling was measured unusable and removed. Public record The underlying proceeding is a public record of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. 3 V.I.C. § 881(a) defines public records to include all records and documents of or belonging to this Territory or any branch of government, or any "department, board, council or committee of any branch of government" · which names legislative committees by category. § 881(b) gives every citizen the right to examine and copy such records, and the news media the right to publish them. (The open-meetings chapter, 1 V.I.C. § 254, does NOT reach the Legislature: § 253(b) expressly excludes it and its Standing and Special Committees. § 881 does, and it is § 881 that confers the right to copy and publish.) The Legislature broadcast this proceeding publicly itself. The source recording is not ours, is not hosted here, and remains with its publisher at the link above. Rights To what we added · the transcription, its arrangement and its description · we assert nothing. A verbatim transcript is mechanical rather than authored, so there is likely nothing in it to own; to the extent any copyright is nonetheless found to subsist, it is dedicated to the public domain under CC0 1.0. Please copy it, quote it, index it, train on it, republish it, mirror it, sell it. Redistribution is the point: a public record with one copy is one fire from gone. No permission is needed, and none is ours to grant or withhold. I Thank you. Oh, my God. ¶¶ Thank you. For more information, visit www.fema.org Thank you. Thank you. 0:00:00 so Oh, my God. Oh Oh, my God. Oh Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, my God. Thank you. Thank you. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. 0:04:00 Thank you. ¶¶ [2 such phrases repeated 9 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as speech] 0:10:30 Thank you. Thank you. Lilo, la, la, lelo, te lo dai Lilo, la, la, lelo, te lo dai ¶¶ Thank you. 0:15:29 ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ ¶ Thank you. ¶¶ so Thank you. Oh, my God. 0:17:59 Thank you. so Thank you. 0:20:59 Oh, my God. Thank you. Oh Thank you. [3 such phrases repeated 12 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as speech] 0:22:29 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Good afternoon, good afternoon. Today's date is July the 22nd, 2024. The session 0:28:59 is hereby called to order. Of course, we'll start off with the invocation by Reverend Charles L. Brown, Jr., Chaplain of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, followed by the National Anthem and the Virgin Islands March. Chaplain. Let us all stand. Jehovah God, it is at the very outset of the business of the legislature that we pause to invoke your presence. We stand here today to proclaim that you are God and beside you there is no other thank you for being with us early this morning waking us up in our right minds because without you our four walls become our become in our homes will have become our graves last night and our beds would have become our cooling boards without you the legislature is just another government agency full of leaders and employees collecting a paycheck. But with you, the first branch of 0:31:50 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 1 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session government is armed with divine power to confront the difficult issues of the day with creativity, wisdom, courage, and tenacity. Without you, this body is merely performing before cameras to curry votes. But with you, they can create bills, pass legislation, confirm nominations, and approve leases that usher us away from apathy and stagnation and shift us towards hope and progress. Without you Father, Senators are prone to engage in bickering and fighting that mirrors the strife found in our neighborhoods, but with you they can personify speech and actions that model creative problem solving, teamwork, and perseverance. Lord help our leaders to always keep top of mind the suffering of Virgin Islanders who are still navigating trauma. Continue to be with Nicole Bolentini from Senator Kenneth Giddings office who is recovering from knee surgery. Fix it such that the decisions rendered from these chambers today reflect this body's consideration of the cries of our people struggling to make ends meet economically, the pain of caring for relatives battling sickness be it physical or mental, or the death of loved ones all of which rip open wounds that do not heal quickly. God give the senators supernatural vision that penetrates through the fog of governmental bureaucracy and uncovers resolutions hidden from natural perception. Enable them to hear your still small voice amid the clamor and uproar associated with frustration and despair. Empower them to speak and legislate with your anointing because through it all, despite all that is going on on St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island, we still believe we can do all things through you. But without you, we can do nothing. I pray in the name of the one whose name is Emmanuel, meaning God with us. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen. 0:33:43 Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you very much, Chaplin, and good afternoon, colleagues, good afternoon. Good afternoon to the viewing and listening public and of course this is the second half of today. Earlier today we did have the Committee of Budget Appropriations and Finance who had the hearing and of course now there's a continuation where we intend to go into session. I want to say good afternoon to all present listening and viewing. 0:35:25 Today the Senate has a full agenda as we consider an act on nominations, bills, leases, zoning requests and resolutions our first order of business of course we'll be acting on the nominations and then we'll be dissolving into the committee of the whole uh to receive testimony on three zoning requests for the st thomas st john district let me remind the listening and viewing public that there is no votes taken in the committee of the whole at the conclusion of the committee of the whole the body will return to legislative session to vote on the zoning requests and all other items on today's session agenda. Before we proceed I'd like to congratulate the Anonymous West Girls and his successful first annual Tart Wars. It was wonderful to see our community come together to support this event and while the Team Coconut may have won this year I'm sure that Team Pineapple, Team Guava and Team Guava Berry are working hard to make a better showing next year personally i'm team all of them congratulations again to west girls i would be remiss if i did not mention the historical event that unfolded yesterday with president joseph r biden withdrawing from the 2024 presidential race president biden is a great friend to this territory we are always happy and proud to welcome him during his visits and have benefited from his leadership which include his initiative to provide pandemic aid that stabilize our economy and the critical infrastructure of funds that will support our progress now and into the future thank you president biden for your service of over 50 years to united states of america i asked my colleagues to stand and join me in a moment of silence for congresswoman sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away this weekend. Congresswoman Jackson Lee represented her Texas district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1995 and was a longstanding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. I was fortunate to meet her during one of her visits to the territory. She was an advocate for racial justice and led the effort for the Juneteenth to become a federal holiday. Our condolences extended to her family, friends, and colleagues. Moment of silence. 0:39:18 Thank you very much. Thank you, colleagues. At this time, I'd like to remind those us in the audience, as well as my colleagues to please turn your cell phones off or put them in silent as to not interrupt today's proceedings and to ask the Madam Clerk to So please call the roll. Senator Marvin A. Blyden? Present. Senator Blyden? Present. Senator Angel Bocas, Jr.? Present. Senator Bocas, Jr.? Present. Senator Dianne T. Capehart? Present. Senator Capehart? Present. Senator Osama Carillon? 0:41:43 Present. Senator Carillon? Present. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff? Here. Senator DeGraff, present. Senator Ray Fonseca. I'm here. Senator Fonseca, present. Senator Novelli Francis Jr. I'm here. Senator Francis Jr., present. Senator Alma Francis Heidegger. Present. Senator Francis Heidegger, present. Senator Donna A. Fred Gregory. Senator Fred Gregory, absent. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins. Here. Senator Gittins, present. Senator Maurice C. James, here. 0:42:31 Senator James, present. Senator Javon E. James Sr. Present. Senator James Sr., present. Senator Franklin D. Johnson, here. Senator Johnson, present. Senator Carla J. Joseph, Senator Joseph, absent. Senator Milton E. Potter, here. Senator Potter, present. Mr. President, 13 members present, two absent. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. We do have a quorum and prepare to proceed. Madam Clerk, please record Senator, well, do we have any correspondence to be read 0:43:09 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 2 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session into the record? Yes, Mr. President. You may proceed in reading the correspondence. July 18th, 2024. The Honorable Novell E. Francis Jr., Senate President, 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Dear Senate President Francis, please accept this letter as a formal notice that I will be absent from the Monday, July 22nd, 2024, legislative session scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. in the Earl B. Otley Legislative Hall. This absence is due to a family emergency on the mainland. Kindly be sure to forward all documents and information shared at the legislative session to my office. Thank you for your consideration on this matter. Respectfully, Carla J. Joseph, Legislative Secretary, 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. This concludes the reading of correspondence Mr. President. Thank you very much please mark Senator Carla J. Joseph as excused and we continue to wish her well and her family situation. We also know that Senator Gregory was here but she had to go over to the hospital so we wanted to again we recognize her as soon as she come back but she continued to struggle with some family issues and we want to wish her well on her visit and she will recognize her as soon as she rejoin us us today um madam clerk please go ahead and proceed with reading of the today's agenda into the record the 35th legislature will convene in the into the committee of the whole to receive testimony on the following bill number 35-0259 an act amending the official zoning map number stz-4 for the island of st thomas to change the zoning designation of plots number 104 105 106 107 108 and 109 estate nisky sub base st thomas virgin islands from c commercial to p public zoning invited testifiers honorable jean-pierre l orio commissioner department of planning and natural resources leah laplace matthew territorial planner department of planning and natural resources winnie testamark director vi bureau of corrections bill number 35-0281 an act amending the official zoning map number sjz-1 for the island of st john to change the zoning designation of parcels numbers 17 f dash 2 and 17 f dash remainder estate adrian number 18 cruise bay quarter saint john virgin ireland from r-1 residential low density to r-4 residential medium density invited testifiers honorable john pierre l orio commissioner department of planning and natural resources leah laplace matthew territorial planner department of planning and natural resources Jershwayne Sprough, applicant, Chanel Calwood, representative. 0:43:42 bill number 35.0308, an act amending official zoning map number SJZ-7, St. John, Virgin Island, to rezone parcel number 294, Estee Contact and Enid, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, from R-4, Residential Medium Density, to B-2, Business Secondary Neighborhood. Invited testifiers, Honorable Jean-Pierre L. Aureole, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Leah Laplace-Matthew, Territorial Planner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Roosevelt St. C. David, Applicant. 0:46:39 The 35th legislature will then reconvene into legislative session to consider the following. Consideration of nominations, Magistrate Ernest E. Morish Jr., Judge, nominee, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, District of St. Croix. Harith Wickremer, nominee, Virgin Islands Conservation District, St. John. Consideration of leases. Bill number 35-0284, an act approving the lease agreement between the government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its commissioner of the Department of Property and and Procurement, and Roll Enterprises, Inc., doing business as Best Car Rental, Parcel No. 294, Estate, Contant, and Enid, Cruise Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands, for the continued operation of a car and Jeep rental business, and for other related purposes. Bill No. 35-0294, an act approving the lease agreement between the government of the Virgin Islands and Banco Popular de Puerto Rico for a portion of lot number 48B, Noragata, King's Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Consideration of resolutions, Bill number 35-0195, a resolution honoring and commending Mr. Willard John for his many contributions to the youth and the culture of the virgin islands bill number 35.0239 an act honoring and commending miss claire lorraine brown roker for her dedicated service to the virgin islands community by naming the visitor center at the anne abramson marine facility saint croix virgin islands the claire l roker visitors center bill number 35.0242 a resolution honoring and commending miguel santos jr aka dj poppy pops for his contributions in the field of music and in radio broadcasting of musical events and local social musical events and specifically contributing to the art of djing and the teaching of djing consideration of bills bill number 35-0229 an act honoring and commending the eighth 0:47:22 elected governor of the virgin islands kenneth ezra map for his years of service to the people of the virgin islands and naming route 75 on the island of st croix from basin triangle intersection at route 70 estate richmond and ending at kraus lagoon the governor kenneth e map highway appropriating 45 000 from the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands to the department of public works to implement the mandates of this act to bestow the virgin islands medal of honor on kenneth ezra map and for other related purposes Bill number 35.0240, an act transferring the administration of the government insurance front from the Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Finance to the Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Labor, and amending various sections of Title 24, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 11, to facilitate better recovery for injury and disease that arises out of and in the course of employment in the Virgin Islands, under the Workers' Compensation Administration and to ensure that workers entitled to workers' compensation benefits receive medical, rehabilitation services and disability compensation without undue delay by merging the benefits and payment components of the workers' compensation insurance program. 0:49:39 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 3 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session Bill number 35-0262, and act appropriating $1,434,950 in fiscal year 2024 for the Community Facilities Trust Fund for the pre-construction soft cost funding to prepare the Charlotte-Morley Harbor for dredging. Bill number 35.0269, an act amending Title II, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 1, by adding a section 10 providing a penalty for the commission of perjury in proceedings before the legislature of the virgin islands this concludes the reading of today's agenda mr president uh thank you very much madam clerk and there you have it colleagues uh the items on today's agenda and at this time senator gittins you recognize for your motion Thank you and good afternoon to all Mr. President and colleagues I move to order today's session as gender with blocks and debate times as follows block number one consideration of nominations of Magistrate Ernest E. Morris, Jr., followed by Harith Rickrema, nominee to the Virgin Islands Conservation District for the Island of St. John, with a two-minute debate time. Following that, we will dissolve into the Committee of the Whole to hear testimony on timely zonings, which would be consideration of the zonings that we will hear in the Committee at a whole, bills 35.0259 and 35.0281. Upon completion of that, we'll rise back into session to take action on the remainder of bills as follows. Consideration of leases and resolutions, Bills number 35-0284, 35-0294, 35-0195, 35-0239, 35-0242, with a debate time of two minutes. consideration then block 3 consideration of bills at this time will be 35-0229 35-0240 0:51:32 35-0262 and 35-0269 with a debate time of 4 minutes I so move motion probably made for the reorder of today's agenda by Senator Gittins the majority leader seconded by Senator Capehart as heard Senator Maurice James and Senator Marvin Blyton hearing no objection so ordered it's gonna be a good day all right so why don't clerk please call up the items in block number one consideration of nominations magistrate Ernest e Morris jr. judge nominee Superior Court of the Virgin Islands District of St. Croix Harris Wick Reamer nominee Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Conservation District st. John this concludes the reading of block two mr. president block one mr. president thank you very much our colleagues we do have two items in Block number one, of course, we have the consideration of Magistrate Ernest E. Morris, Jr., to assume the position of judge for the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, District of St. Croix, as well as Heret Wick-Rima, nominee for the Virgin Islands Conservation District, St. John. 0:54:07 And we have a two-minute debate time. Motion. Motion. Senator Giddens, you recognize your motion. Thank you, Mr. President. My apologies, Mr. President and colleagues. I move to place the committee reports following the committee of the whole. I so move. Motion made to place the committee reports after the committee of the whole by Senator Gittins, majority leader. An amendment to the motion. Amendment to the motion. 0:55:38 Also to include special orders and overrides following the committee of the whole. I so move. Motion properly made by Senator Gittins. Majority leader, seconded by Senator Capehart, Senator Blyden, hearing no objection. So ordered. Senator Alma-Francis Heidegger, you're recognized for your two minutes debate time. Good afternoon to my colleagues. good afternoon to the people of the territory good afternoon to staff I would like to say a pleasant good afternoon to everyone that is tuned in I rise in support of these two nominees as it relates to magistrate Ernest E Morris jr I think it is very important as we continue to make sure that we have individuals in our court system that can assist with ushering decisions on behalf of the people of the territory not only in a timely manner but they're fully aware of the laws of this institution I had an opportunity to look and process when it came to his nomination and I am in full support of it as it relates to Harriet Wick Rima nominee for the Virgin Islands Conservation District for the Island of St. John I am also in support of that nomination so mr chair i reserve oh i return the balance of my time thank you uh thank you very much senator francis heidegger next we'll recognize senator franklin d johnson you recognize for your two minutes good afternoon thank you very much mr chair good afternoon to my colleagues good 0:56:10 afternoon to viewing and listening audience and good afternoon to the people out of virgin islands i i will say that i'm blessed to be in rules because every one of these consideration of nomination comes through the rules and I was there on this the committee when both of them came through and both gentlemen are properly skilled in the area of their work I definitely support judge Morris wholeheartedly appreciate the work that he's doing for this territory his volunteerism and his time in this community what he does is always represented well And Harriet Wick-Riemer is very, very knowledgeable about waste management and also in the area of recycling. Very, very, very, very, very knowledgeable about it. At the appropriate time, I definitely will be voting for both of these nominations. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I reserve the rest of my time. Thank you very much, Senator Johnson. and next we'll recognize the senate minority leader senator duane uh the graph you recognize for your two minutes uh thank you mr president good afternoon colleagues good afternoon everyone mr harrett with with creamer uh when you when you think of conservation i think on him because uh that's from the time i met him to now that's what he does that's what he's great at for magistrate ernest e maurice jr like i told him in private and i will say it here publicly worry about 14 other senators don't worry about me i support you 100 and and since you got the memory that we wearing black or you know i i am on board because you know we have this funny thing in the virgin islanders but when they come to support our own i gonna stand up for 0:57:56 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 4 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session everybody who is one of us and i know my colleagues will so like i say you worry about 14 other senators that's what they might vote i vote yes you're hearing it from me from now thank you for the time mr president uh thank you very much uh senator de graaf a minority leader next we'll recognize another samuel carillon you recognize for your two minutes thank you mr president i also rise in support of all the nominees in this block the two that we have um i had an opportunity to listen in i wasn't present for the rules and judiciary as i am not a member but i had opportunity to listen and after to the hearing and hear the presentation of both of these individuals. Magistrate Ernest Morris is no stranger to our community and no stranger to this body. We know he has served our community with distinction over the years and has also volunteer many organizations always trying to improve the quality of life for individuals especially our young people within our community and always making space and room for local talent and he's a son of the soil that's why I feel privileged this day to be able to at the appropriate time cast a vote in his favor so I wish him well continue doing the work that he has been doing on behalf of the people and serving with integrity dignity as he has been doing also for Harriet We know Harriet is a person who has dedicated his life to conservation, always promoting and educating individuals to be conscious of where we live and to protect where we live. And by doing that, to recycle, to be conservative in how we manage our waste. So I think he's a perfect fit to be able to sit on the conservation board. 0:59:45 So I'm happy also to know that now they will be fully implemented with a necessary quorum to be able to move forward. So thank you, Mr. President, that will be voting for both of these individuals at the proper time. Thank you. Thank you very much, Senator Carrion. Next, we'll recognize Senator Jebon E. James, Sr. You recognize for your two minutes. Greetings to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thank you, Mr. President, for the time. I'm not a member of the Comedian Rules and Judiciary, but I have been paying attention to the conversation. But I don't need to pay attention to Magistrate Ernest E. Myers, Jr. His body of work speaks for himself. He's a man of integrity, a man of character, and definitely a Virgin Islander who will continue to make us proud and I saw firsthand many times where he got involved with the youth I think it was the Junior State of America debate yes I had the honor to even witness one of those events and to speak at the event and that is not the reason why I'm voting for you I'm voting for you because your heart is in it and you want see young Virgin Islands replace you one of these days. Anybody who is doing that and still upholding the law and serving the integrity has my vote. So thank you for all that you have done for the U.S. Virgin Islands. And of course, you were once a part of this institution. One minute. And you helped me and you helped many of my colleagues. But you moved those bills through legal counsel. 1:01:44 the legislature was jumping so thank you for what you have done for the territory as far as harith wick rima this guy is one of a kind i'm not sure if you're gonna ever get an individual like that again anytime soon but i want to say to him and his family thank you when it comes to the environment he's definitely involved and he does the same thing with the youth anyone with a passion for youth, and who has a strong passion for the Virgin Islands moving forward, I will support them. So today is a great start, and hopefully we keep it that way. Thank you, Mr. President, for the time. 1:03:22 Thank you very much, Senator James Sr., for your two minutes. Senator Angel Bulquez, Jr., you recognize, for your two minutes. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, I rise in support of both of these nominees. And I'll begin with Magistrate Ernest Morris, Jr. for the St. Croix District Superior Court. I support him fully. He has demonstrated remarkable legal acumen and his dedication throughout his career as a magistrate to include a chief legal counsel, a managing attorney. So the experience is obviously there. He holds a great background and is an outstanding candidate for the position. 1:04:00 Not to mention, he's also a great quailbait dancer. I've seen him cut the rug a few times As for Mr. Harit Wikrema Even when Harit is in a bad mood, he's in a good mood I've never ever seen him in a bad mood But he does also come with a great responsibility That he's taken upon himself to be a leader or a champion Of environmental sustainability and the well-being of the Virgin Islands And particularly the island of St. John where he has worked tirelessly with Island Green Living Association to recycle and also push food security initiatives. So I'm more than willing to support Mr. Wikirma in his vie for a position on the conservation board in the district of St. John. So Mr. President, that is all and I'm looking forward to voting in the affirmative at the appropriate time. 1:04:40 Thank you. Thank you very much, Senator Large Bulquez, for your comments there. And next we'll recognize Senator Milton E. Potter. You're recognized for your two minutes. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Good afternoon, colleagues, especially good afternoon to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Mr. President, I rise in full support of both nominees that are presented before us today, beginning with Magistrate Ernest E. Morris, Jr., had the opportunity to participate in of vetting of Magistrate Morris in the Rules and Judiciary Committee just a couple days ago. He presented himself extremely well, his background, his educational credentials. His commitment to the Virgin Islands community was clearly evident. He's involved in just That's about every community engagement program and initiative here in the 1:05:34 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 5 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session territory. He has a stellar legal background, stellar legal experience. I think it makes him uniquely suited to serve as a superior court judge. Mr. Harith Wick-Rima, I call him Harith. He is also uniquely suited, rather, to serve as a member of the Virgin Islands Conservation District, representing the island of St. John. His commitment to our environment, his commitment to preserving our environment is really second to none and cannot be challenged. I think his skill set, his background makes him an exceptional choice to serve in his very important committee. At the appropriate time, Mr. President, I will vote in the affirmative for both nominees that are under consideration before us today. Thank you very much, Mr. President. 1:06:36 Thank you very much, Senator Potter. Next, we'll recognize Senator Maurice C. James Esquire, you recognize for your two minutes. Thank you, Mr. President. I do rise in support of both nominations. First, Mr. Harrod-Rima, who I did not know before. I was impressed with his presentation, his testimony, and I saw how he has committed himself to being a Virgin Islander in the sense of taking care of our environment and our community. The nomination of Magistrate E. Morris Jr. isn't a surprise because he has been any and everywhere within our community. 1:07:40 Just listening to his testimony a few days ago in the Rules Committee and having also, he probably doesn't remember this, but I worked alongside with him when he coached the moot court team for St. Joseph High School because my daughter, Sidney Paul, was one of the students, part of the moot court team. So I had the privilege of assisting with writing and helping them write their arguments. And they won because, again, he's dedicated to achieving excellence and I like that about anyone you know we all have to rise above mediocrity and so it's important in this community to see someone who focuses on excelling and doing well and I can see that with during his presentation that he really is someone who wants to give the best of himself to our community and I admire anyone in our community who does that who strive to be better so I will be voting for both of these nominees at the appropriate time. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you very much, Senator James, Marie C. James, and next we recognize Senator Ray Fonseca. You recognize for your two minutes. You from Savan today or Bovoni? 1:08:30 Savan first, Bovoni second. You recognize. Thank you so kindly, Mr. President, for this opportunity. We give thanks and praises to the most high blessings. Mr. President, I rise in support of both of these nominations, Ernest Morris to the trial Court bench. Judge Morris has a distinguished academic and professional career, having graduated as valedictorian from both St. Patrick School and St. Joseph High School. He earned a dual Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard University. He served as a Judicial Law Clerk, Territorial Public Defender, Assistant Legal Counsel, Corporate Counsel, Chief Legal Counsel, and Judge Morris has served as Magistrate Judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands from November 2019 to present. 1:10:00 Awesome. Harik Rima to the Conservation District Board. He served as president of the Island Green Living Association, which is a non-profit organization focused on sustainability and food security. Mr. Wickrima has been committed to environmental conservation since 2008. His dedication to environmental and food security efforts is evident through his participation in initiatives like the Governor's Recycling Task Force and the Governor's Agricultural Task Force. He has received numerous accolades, including the EPA Environmental Champion Award, and Mr. Recrema has led successful campaigns to ban toxic substances to protect the Virgin Islands territory and its natural resources. 1:11:16 I support both of them and thank you, Mr. President for the time. Thank you very much, Senator Fonseca. Next we will recognize Senator Diane T. Capehart. You're recognized for your two minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just want to say as the chairperson of rules and judiciary, I've had the honour of actually meeting these individuals before they came out to the committee for full vetting. And Mr. Harith Wickrima, I have to say, I consider him an environmental steward. 1:12:17 He understands the importance of preservation. His environmental experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the Virgin Islands Conservation District for the Island of St. John. So he would have my full support. To my friend, who I know I always call him the Honorable, he's not only just my friend, He is someone who has good knowledge of the Virgin Islands law. 1:13:01 He's always displaying control involved in his community. One minute. And I have faith he will continue to demonstrate diplomacy, integrity, fairness as a judge for the St. Croix Virgin Islands Superior Court. Mr. Chair, I'll be ready to vote when the time is here. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 1:13:34 Thank you very much, Senator Capehart. Next we recognize the majority leader, Senator Kenneth L. Gittins, for his two minutes. Thank you and good afternoon to all again. With regards to Mr. Wickrema, congratulations to you on your nomination. love and dedication to conservation is notable. And we can finally get some work done on that board where they can meet a quorum. So I'm looking forward to supporting his nomination. 1:14:04 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 6 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session As I move to the Honourable Magistrate Judge Morris, I want to say congratulations to you, sir and your nomination and your elevation to judgeship mr. Ernest Morris your love and dedication to justice will make a significant difference and impact on our community it's not everything that you do that we will agree on as you know. However, I've been following you lately and I must publicly applaud you and certain things that the public don't get to see, but where one might be disappointed in the amount of dismissals. As I read some, at least four dismissals that you did recently, what I liked about the dismissals is, as I read through it, I saw exactly why you dismissed those cases and you made sure that the Virgin Islands Attorney General's Office understands that you mean business. And we expect that the Department of Justice will do as they're supposed to do in representing the people of these Virgin Islands, as you have your job to do. So I commend you on those dismissals that I have seen and you outlining the shortfalls of this agency. So I'm calling on them publicly to do what they have to do and represent the people of these Virgin Islands so that when we put people behind bars for violating the laws of these islands that they are rightfully behind bars and if you're not doing what you have to do 1:14:41 then, of course, by all means, the case will be dismissed. Again, congratulations to you, sir. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you very much, Senator Gittins, Majority Leader. Next we'll go to Senate Vice President Marvin Blyden, you're recognized for your two minutes. Thank you so much, Mr. President, I rise in support of both of these nominees. I'm not on a Rules Committee, but I was there during the vetting process, and they're both Highly qualified. We're going to start with judge nominee for the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands St. Croix district, Ernest Morris Jr. 1:16:31 I must say first of all, he's a son of the soil, he's well educated, his experience speaks for itself and I must say that I was impressed with his interview basically and definitely I will be supporting him. Also for the Conservation District St. John, Harith Wickwimmer. This gentleman really is an environmentalist. He has contributed towards impactful legislation here in the territory when it comes to our environment and also I must say when it comes to food security, he also has done his part. I know when he assisted with the sunscreen ban in the territory and also with plastic straw ban, he did a very good job with that. I must say he is well suited for the job. He is qualified for the job. And again, I would be supporting both nominees in this block. And thank you so much, Mr. Chair, for the time and congratulations in advance. Thank you. 1:17:15 Thank you very much, Senator Blyden. If Madam Timekeeper could put two minutes on the clock for me, I'll try to do this within two minutes. And first of all, I want to extend my congratulations and best wishes to Magistrate Ernest Morris Jr. and really to thank him for his service thus far. And we look forward to his continued service. Of course, we have a court that has a backlog of cases right now, and certainly his ascension to judgeship will help to alleviate some of that and take on some additional responsibility. I had the opportunity of knowing Mr. Morris with quite some time. Obviously, I worked with his father back in the days, Bones Morris, and I can't help but to think about him on a day like today. I think that he would have been extremely proud to see this. and I, you know, I know what he had offered me as a young officer back in the days being at OIC. So I could only imagine, you know, he's looking down at you right now and just beaming with pride and love. So again, you know, you served as the chief counsel here at the legislature. You did an excellent job. You're well here. So, you know, I'm certainly happy to be in a position um you know to to support your nomination moving forward um so i also um again want to um i'll be voting an affirmative for mr wick rima and when you talk about thinking green preservation environment recycling you know i believe that he's in the the right fit. I hope that he's not too progressive, you know, sitting there among these group of individuals, and he'll be able to work with them to move the agenda forward. Because I know that that he's really all preservation, all green, and you need to be able to have a happy balance when you serve on these board. So I want to wish him luck there. He has been 1:18:21 at the legislature for quite some time, always advocating for the band on plastic bags and for straws and everything else, so I know of the work he do in Xinjiang, so we know that he's at home being on this conservation district board. At this time, I think this concludes all of the presentation, and Madam Chair, we will call up the bills individually for vote at this time. Magistrate Ernest E. Morris, Jr., Judge Nominee, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, District of St. Croix. 1:20:25 Roll call, and Magistrate Ernest E. Morris, Jr. Senator Marvin A. Blyton? Senator Blyton? Senator Anghel L. Bocas, Jr.? Senator Bocas, Jr.? Senator Diane T. Capehart? Senator Capehart? Senator Kaye Part, yay. Senator Samuel Carrion? Yes. Senator Carrion, yay. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff? Yes. Senator DeGraff, yay. Senator Ray Fonseca? Yes. Senator Fonseca, yay. Senator Novelli Francis Jr? 1:21:07 Yes. Senator Francis Jr. Yes. Senator Alma Francis Hyliger? Yes. Senator Francis Hyliger, yay. Senator Donna A. Fred Gregory? I'm not. Senator Fred Gregory, absent. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Maurice C. James? Yes. Senator James? Yay. Senator Jevon E. James, Sr.? Yes. Senator James, Sr.? Yay. Senator Franklin D. Johnson? Yes. Senator Johnson? Yay. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph? Absent. 1:21:37 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 7 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes. Senator Potter? Yay. Mr. President, 13 yays, two absent. Very well, thank you very much, Madam Clerk. Mr. Magistrate Ernest E. Morris, Jr., judge nominee for the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. District of St. Croix has been approved by the 35th legislature of the Virgin Islands and this will be sent to the governor for further consideration and action. Congratulations. Next we'll go to the next nominee, Harriet Wickremer. Harris Wickremer, nominee Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands Conservation District, St. John Roll call on Mr. Wickremer Senator Marvin A. Blyden. 1:22:07 Yay. Senator Blyden, yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr. Senator Bocas, Jr. Yay. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Diane T. Capehart. Yes. Senator Capehart, yay. Senator Samuel Carrion. Yes. Senator Carrion, yay. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff. Yes. Senator DeGraff, yay. Senator Ray Fonseca. Yay. Senator Fonseca, yay. Senator Nova Lee Francis Jr. Yeah Senator Francis Jr. Yay Senator Alma Francis Heileger Yes Senator Francis Heileger Yay Senator Donna A. Fred Gregory Senator Fred Gregory Absent Senator Kenneth L. Gittins Yes Senator Gittins Yay Senator Maurice C. James Yes Senator James Yay Senator Javan E. James Sr. Yes Senator James Sr. 1:23:02 Yay Senator Franklin D. Johnson Yes Senator Johnson Yay Senator Carla J. Joseph, Senator Joseph, absent. Senator Milton E. Potter, yes. Senator Potter, yay. Mr. President, 13 yays, two absent. Thank you very much, Madam Clerk. Mr. Harriet Wickerman, nominee for the Virgin Islands Conservation District of St. John, has been approved by the members of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, will be sent to the Governor for further consideration and action. 1:23:52 This rounds out the first block, I'd like to invite, um, magistrate Ernest Morris into the well, uh, to say a few words. Good afternoon, everyone. First let me thank you for accommodating my travel and, uh, reordering the agenda. And second, I'm going to be very brief because I know the staff has a long day today. So all I'm going to say is thank you for your consideration, your favourable consideration. Thanks again to the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor and the administration for their nomination. I promise to serve the people well. Thank you very much and again, congratulations. 1:24:22 The session will stand in recess for two minutes. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. 1:25:11 Thank you. Lilo, la, la, le, lo, te, lo, dai Di, lo, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la Thank you. Thank you. 1:26:52 Lilo la la lilo nilo la Lilo la la lilo nilo la Óyeme Thank you. 1:29:20 And we are out of recess, again we want to congratulate Magistrate Ernest E. Morris Jr. as well as Mr. Herrick Wickwimmer for their positive or affirmative nomination and which will be sent forward to the Governor for further consideration and action. And of course, the Magistrate Morris is for Judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands District of St. Croix, and Mr. Wickrima is nominee for the Virgin Islands Conservation District from the District of St. John. 1:30:20 At this time, we'll be dissolving into the Committee of the Whole so that we could take testimony and three measures that's before us. The session is now dissolved into the Committee of the Whole. Madam Clark, please call up the three items in the Committee of the Whole for us to be able to hear these matters. Bill No. 35-0259, an act amending the Official Zoning Map No. STZ-4 for the Island of St. Thomas to change the zoning designation of Plots No. 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 estate niski sub base st thomas virgin islands from c commercial to p public zoning invited testifiers honorable jean-pierre l orio commissioner department of planning and natural resources leah laplace matthew territorial planner department of planning and natural resources winnie testamark director vi bureau of corrections bill number 35-0281 an act amending the official zoning map number sjz-1 for the island of saint john to change the zoning designation of parcels number 17f-2 and 17f-remainer estate adrian number 18 cruise bay quarter saint john virgin islands from r-1 residential low density to r-4 residential medium density invited testifiers Honorable Jean-Pierre El-Oreal, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Leah Laplace-Matthew, Territorial Planner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Gershwin Sproul, Applicant, Chanel Calwood, Representative. Bill number 35-0308, an act amending official zoning map number SJZ-7, St. John, Virgin Islands, 1:31:04 to rezone parcel number 294 estate content and enid cruiseway quarter st john from r-4 residential medium density to b-2 business secondary neighborhood invited testifiers honorable john pierre l orio commissioner department of planning and natural resources leah laplace leah laplace matthew territorial planner department of planning and natural resources roosevelt st c david applicant this concludes the reading of the committee of the the whole agenda, Mr. Chair. 1:33:04 Thank you very much, Madam Clerk, and all of the individuals are now seated. And we'll do a quick mic check, and we'll start off in St. Croix. Leah Laplace-Matthew, of course, you'll be representing the Honourable J.P. Oriel today. Good evening, Senate President Frances. Leah Laplace-Matthew, Territorial Planner with DPRNR's Division of Comprehensive and coastal zone planning and with me today is planning technician Kishoy Samuel he's in the St. Thomas Chambers. Very well and can I get Mr. Peter Abraham also to put his information on the record. Good afternoon Peter Abrahams I'm here representing Winnie Tessamark director of Bureau of Corrections. Thank you Mr. 1:33:35 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 8 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session Abrams and good afternoon and next the gentleman seated Raymond Walker I'm the facilities manager for the Bureau of Corrections okay also you will be along with mr. Abrams I'm representing a director test the mark today that is Correct. 1:34:29 Good. Kishoy. Samuel, go ahead and put your information on the record, please. Afternoon. Kishoy Samuel, planning technician in the St. Thomas district. Roosevelt, David. Go ahead. Roosevelt St. Clay David, president of Royal Enterprises, Inc. Good afternoon. Welcome, Mr. Sproul. Thank you. Good afternoon. Gershwin Sproul. Very well. 1:34:59 very well thank you at this time we'll start off with bill number thirty five that's zero two five nine which is an act amending the official zoning map stz dash four for the island of st. Thomas to change the zoning designation of plots number one oh four one oh five one oh six one oh seven one oh eight one on nine a state nisky sub based in Thomas virgin islands from our from C commercial to P, public zoning. Ms. Laplace-Matthew, who will be presenting this on behalf of DPNR? 1:35:26 Good evening. I will be presenting this report. You may proceed. Thank you. I'll ask media to please bring up the PowerPoint presentation for file ZAT-24-5, please. Thank you. They may have an issue with the PowerPoint. We need to take a recess or so they can load it or what's the situation? 1:36:02 The committee will stand in recess for two minutes while we queue up this PowerPoint. You so so Thank you. 1:37:05 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 1:39:20 Oh, my God. Thank you. Thank you. 1:42:20 Thank you. Thank you. Oh, my God. 1:43:50 Thank you. and we're out of recess i think we all queued up at this time and um miss leah laplace matthew you recognize for your testimony at this time and we have the powerpoint queued up as well just indicate when you want them to go to the next screen thank you all right you might proceed good evening senate President Francis, members of the 35th legislature, the viewing and listing public of the Virgin Islands. My name is Leah Laplace-Matthew, Territorial Planner with DPNR, and I will be presenting the report by the Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning under petition to amend official zoning map number STZ-4 application number ZAT-24-5. Petition of applicant, Department of Property and Procurement, DPP, Government of the Virgin Islands assigned to the Bureau of Corrections, BOC, to amend lot numbers 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109, Estate Niskey, Subbase, St. Thomas. From C commercial to P public zoning to bring an existing correctional into institution into zoning conformity. Property 1:45:20 owner government of the Virgin Islands as per quit-claim deed dated February 9, 1967 document number two zero nine nine slash one nine six seven applicant representative mr. William Carr architect with Widow Brian's on behalf of DPP and BOC. Acreage 2.378 combined acres and shown on survey drawing B9-277-T70. Slide 2 please. 1:47:23 Surrounding uses and zones. Surrounding the property to the north, east, south, and west are government-owned and commercially operating properties. Victor's Hideout, a restaurant, is also to the west. Lots 104 and 105 were auto repair and salvage businesses. Lot 106 is leased to a woodworking shop. DPP is assisting current tenants with relocation. Lots 107, 108, and 109 are the current correctional institution. And you'll see the map zero aerial view of the properties all marked in red. Slide three, please The surrounding area is zoned R3 residential medium density B2 business secondary neighborhood C commercial I to light industry and W2 waterfront commercial in this industrial and the properties location are indicated by the red X on Officials on a map number STZ dashboard. That's now shown Infrastructure. Water will be supplied by the public water line and backup cisterns. 1:48:05 Wastewater will be handled by the public sewer line. Other needed DPNR division reviews. The property must undergo the federal consistency process due to the use of federal funding for demolition and construction. This process mirrors the CZM tier one process with stringent requirements on public involvement and environmental slash community impact analysis. Slide four please. Project summary. At DPNR CCZP's public hearing, Mr. Carr testified DPP slash BOC is currently working on a disaster recovery project for the demolition and rebuild of the Alva A. Swan Correctional Annex, which was damaged in the 2017 storms. 1:49:28 At the time of closure due to the storms, there were 16 employees. The 80-bed facility will increase in building footprint encompassing the six petition properties and result in a 207-bed facility. The rebuilt, expanded facility will allow for the return of 139 inmates who are housed in various out-of-territory facilities. The rebuild is federally funded, requiring compliance with many processes and guidelines, including zoning. 1:50:25 Public response at DPNRC-CCP public hearing held February 23, 2024. was no opposition or concerns expressed with the proposal analysis of request reason for recommendation this petition follows nine previous petitions starting in 2022 for rezoning government owned properties to pee public for two reasons one to comply with virgin islands code title 29 chapter three, sub chapter one, section 229, excuse me, section 229Q, which states, properties which are publicly owned 1:51:03 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 9 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session should be shown upon the zoning map as such, and two, the receipt of federal funds for disaster recovery projects. Previous government petitions for rezoning government-owned land to P public agency the property and the island the zoning map amendment the year and act granting rezoning Waste Management Authority 64-31 Smith Bay St. Thomas R3 to P public 2022 act 8601 Waste Management Authority Parcel C, Estate Nazareth St. Thomas, R2 to P Public, 2022 Act 8606. Waste Management Authority, Flat 73C Concordia West End St. Croix, R3 to P Public, 2022 Act 8605. Waste Management Authority, 1 Cotton Valley, St. Croix, R2 to P Public, 2022, Act 8607. Waste Management Authority, Plot 10M, Freedensburg, St. Croix, A1 to P Public, 2022, Act 8599. Waste Management Authority, 6 remainder Susanna Berg St. John R2 to P Public 2022 Act 8608 DPW Public Works 73B and 271 Concordia West End St. Croix R3 to P Public 2022 Act 8677 Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, plus 102A remainder, 102B, and 102C, Estate Herman Hill, St. Croix, R3 to P Public, 2023, Act 8710, DPW 6A, Suzannaberg, St. John. At the time of this report, the request was R2 to P public currently in process but has since been rezoned 2024 act 8 8 4 9 this site is grandfathered non-conforming and the non-conforming section of the zoning code section 2 3 4 places restrictions on the extension and enlargement of non-conforming buildings the zoning map amendment is being sought to bring the non-conformant property into zoning conformity eliminating the restrictions of section 234 and to bring into compliance government-owned land receiving federal funds with section 229 q recommendation the Department of Planning and Natural Resources recommends that lot numbers 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 Estate Niskey, Subbay St. Thomas, be rezoned from C Commercial 1:53:17 to P Public. Signed by Assistant Commissioner Josette J. Walker, dated March 12, 2024. That But we end the presentation for application ZAT-24-5, bill number 35-0259. Thank you. Thank you very much, Ms. Laplace-Matthews. At this time, we'll hear from Mr. Peter Abrahams. You're recognized for your testimony. Good afternoon, Chairman and Senate President, Nova Lee Francis Jr., esteemed members of the 35th legislature of the Virgin Islands and the listening and viewing audiences I am Peter Abrams assistant director support services testifying on behalf of Winnie Testamark director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections and I'm honored to provide this testimony in strong support of bill number 350259 which proposes to amend the zoning designation of plots one numbers 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109 is State Niske Subbase St. Thomas Virgin Islands from Sea Commercial to be public zoning. This zoning amendment is not merely a technical adjustment, but a critical step towards aligning our community's development with strategic goals of the government of the Virgin Islands through the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Department of Property and Procurement. 1:55:20 As stewards of public interest, it is our responsibility to ensure that land use decisions contribute positively to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of our constituents. The conversation of these plots to public zoning will facilitate the establishment of essential public facilities and amenities such as a correctional institution currently located in the vicinity of the plots. developments are pivotal in enhancing the quality of life for residents and ensuring equitable access to services across our island. Moreover, the public zoning encourages sustainable infrastructure development. It integrates environmental considerations into urban planning practices, promoting energy efficiency, water conservation, and green spaces that mitigate the impacts of urbanization on our natural environment. This proposed zoning amendment adheres to the legal framework governing land use planning in the Virgin Islands it reflects extensive consultation with stakeholders including environmental and planning experts ensuring that the amendment aligns with the broader aspirations and needs of our community also miss the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation the designation of these plots for public use under P zoning signifies our commitment to environmental stewardship. It provides a platform to implement resilient infrastructure and adapted strategies that safeguard our natural resources and enhance our community's resilience to climate related risk. In conclusion I urge the committee to support bill number 350259. This amendment represents a proactive step towards fostering sustainable development, promoting public welfare, and ensuring that our land use framework are in harmony with the evolving needs of our community. By approving this amendment, we paved the way for a future where St. Thomas strives as a vibrant, inclusive and resilient island. Thank you for considering my testimony. I am available to provide further information and address any questions that may arise. 1:56:46 Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Abrahams. This time we can move on to the next measure before us, which is bill number 35-0281, an act amending the official zoning map SJZ-1 for the Island of St. John to change the zoning designation of parcels number 17F-2 and 17F remainder Estate Adrian number 18, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands from R1, residential low density, to R4, residential medium density. 1:58:52 Who will be presenting on behalf of DPNR, this measure? Planning technician, Kishoy Samuel, and we ask that media display the PowerPoint for ZAJ-24-3, thank you. Media? So, Samuel, you may proceed. The mic is on. Go ahead. Report by the Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zoning Planning under petition to amend official zoning map number 1:59:31 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 10 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session SJZ-1, application number ZAG-24-3. Petition of applicant Gershwin Sprout to amend parcels number 17F-2 and 17F remainder estate Adrian number 18, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John from R1 residential low density to B3 Business Scattered Zoning to Develop Affordable Housing Dwelling Units. Slide one. 2:00:22 Property Owners Parcel Number 17F-2 is owned by Gersh Lane Sprout as per Quit Claim D Dated December 2, 2005, document number 2005013546. Parcel number 17F remainder is owned by Gershwin Sprout as per quick claim deed dated December 2, 2005, document number 2005012661. Applicant Representatives, special power of attorney was granted to Gershwin Sproul, Chanel Carwood Daniels as architect. Acreage, parcel number 17F-2 is 1.71 acres and parcel number 17F remainder is 2.48 acres as both described on survey drawing D9-7677-T005. Surrounding Use and Zones Undeveloped, family-owned land surrounds the properties to the north, east, south, and west. The nearest residential development is the George Simmons Terrace Housing Community to the east. 2:00:52 The surrounding area is zoned R1, with 12 rezonings and use variants granted for a mix of uses greater residential density, retail offices, laundromat, restaurants, service stations, heavy equipment slash concrete businesses, etc. Act numbers 5455, 6129, 6192, 6235, 6469, 6670, 7083, 7276, 8144, 8147, 8322, and 8324. Next slide, please. 2:02:19 Infrastructure will be supplied by cistern and wastewater handled by a mini wastewater treatment plant. Other needed DPR division reviews were none. Project summary. At DPR's CCZP's public hearing, Ms. Brow and Ms. Calwo Daniels testified the proposal is to develop affordable housing units to provide long-term housing for families. There will be 22 three-story buildings for group-clustered housings totaling 88 dwelling units. 2:03:10 Next slide, please. Next one. Okay. The development will occur in phases with a proposed completion timeline of five years. The unit would be studio one, two, and three-bedroom units, ranging from 600 to 1,300 square feet. Each building would be designed to resemble a villa-style residence, approximately 4,000 to 500 square feet. Amenities could include a community center, walking trails, playground, and slash or swimming pool. Public response at DPNR CCZP public hearing held April 15, 2024. There was no opposition or concern expressed with the proposal. Two hearing attendees questioned if a rent-to-own option was planned, like the George Simmons Terrace housing. 2:03:56 The applicant stated that would be contingent on the type of funding obtained. Two emails of support were also received after the hearing. Analysis of requestless reason for recommendation. The current R1 zoning allows a maximum height of two stories and a maximum density of two dwelling units per lot of record unless other development options are pursued. development option one plan area development requires a minimum lat size of five acres but the two properties combine compromise 4.19 acres thus disqualifying the pad option development option two subdivision the current r1 zoning would allow a subdivision into eight parcels at a minimum of 0.5 acres each each lot would then be permitted two dwelling units for a total of 16 dwelling units subdivision plans require the dpns commissioner's approval development option three group dwelling permit this permit allows a cluster development allowing for conservation of sensitive parts of the property the process requires detailed plans that would be submitted to the department for review and a public hearing would allow for public review and comments the comments received could result in a final plan that satisfies the applicant dp and ours and neighbors concern their properties acreage multiplied by the number of dwelling units allowed in the r1 zone could allow for approximately 16 dwelling units this permit would require a dp dp and our commissioners approval the applicant proposal for greater density 88 dwelling units and height three stories over what the current R1 zoning is allowed is addressed by rezoning the subject properties. A use variance will not be an 2:04:56 option for greater density or height. The zone that would limit the story count to three and achieve the 36 persons per acre intended by the applicant are the R4 and and B3 zones. A comparison of the R4 and B3 zones. Section 229, development provisions, R4 zone and B3 zones. Uses. 23 uses permitted as a matter of right, 12 uses permitted subject to conditions. 143 uses permitted as a matter of right, two uses permitted subject to conditions. Parking in accordance with section two, three, zero B three zone in accordance with section two, two, three, zero density maximum in our four zone, one 20 persons per a Q acre B three zone, one 20 persons per acre, lack occupancy maximum in our four zone 50% in the B three 60% lat area minimum in our four zone 3,000 square feet in a B3 zone 3,000 square feet lat width minimum are 440 feet between no requirement front side and rear yards in feet are four zone none required B3 zone no front or side wide yard requirements, rare yard, five feet minimum, height limit, maximum are four, three stories, B three, three stories. In analysis, in analyzing the applicant's request, the department considered the difference between the uses and lack occupancy of the R4 versus B3 zone. The B3 zone was intended for mixed use business and residential. 2:06:59 The applicant proposes a solely residential development, achieving 73% open space. Although the area has had several zoning map amendments and developed a mixed-use character, the request B3 zone will not be necessary as the applicant's development proposal can be met with the granting of the R4 zone. The R4 zone is typically found in areas 2:08:53 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 11 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session with accessing to public sewer lines, water lines and transportation, but as the territory tackles its housing crisis, consensions are warranted to achieve the housing needs of St. John, which has less available land. Recommendation, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources recommends that parcels number 17F-2 and 17F remainder estate agent number 18, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. Jambi resolve from R1 low density to R4 residential medium density, signed by Assistant Commissioner Joseph Walker, dated April 30th, 2024. Thank you very much, Mr. Samuel, for your testimony there and your recommendation. At this time, we'll hear from Mr. Sproul. You're recognized for your testimony. Good afternoon, Senator, President, Senate 35th Legislature, esteemed colleagues of the Committee of the Whole. 2:09:55 I am Gershwin Sproul, and I'm here today to support my application request and bill number 35-0281 to amend the official zone and map for post-17F-2 and 17F remainder of State Adrienne, number 18, Cruz Bay Quarters, John, U.S. Virgin Islands, from R1 to R4, approximately 4.1 acres. The housing market in the Virgin Islands currently faces a severe shortage of affordable housing and long-term housing. With a sustainable number of residents struggling to find suitable and reasonable accommodations, the lack of the affordable housing options, high housing costs, and limited availability have led to overcrowding, homelessness, and economic strain on local families. This housing crisis not only affects individual families, but also undermines the community, stability, and economic growth. 2:10:31 In the late 1970s, the late Dr. Gayhart Sproul made available Parcel No. 16 Estate Adrian St. John No. 18 Cruise Bay Quarter to the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands for the purpose of creating an affordable housing development, we know it today as George Simmons Terrace, for eventual home ownership of residents of St. John. The demand for affordable housing in the Virgin Islands is significant and growing, driven by population growth, tourism, and economic development. There is There is a critical need for decent, sanitary, safe and affordable housing types in St. John, from single-family to multi-family. There is also a significant concern for moderate to middle-income wage earners who represent the workforce and working class ranging from young professionals, teachers, retirees, hospitality and essential workers. 2:11:38 In continuing the vision and legacy of my grandfather, I have identified land suitable for additional affordable housing development in the Estate Adrian area that will offer a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom dwelling, each equipped with modern amenities and energy-efficient features to promote sustainability. A commitment to sustainability extends to the design and construction of the development incorporating green building practices to minimize environmental impact. Such a development will take the better of five years to make it a reality given the challenges with sourcing building materials, labor, and the coordination of organizing all the necessary resources to bring this affordable housing development to life. 2:12:39 The focus will be on developing vibrant, thriving, and sustainable buildings featuring hurricane-hardened construction, distributed power generation to include solar systems and other elements to adapt to an eco-friendly environment. The ability to provide safe, modern, long-term housing, residential housing opportunities thoughtfully designed to meet the needs of the diverse residents of the island of St. John. The development will offer convenient access to amenities, schools, and employment opportunities for residents and the seasonal workforce that support the hospitality sector, which is the backbone of the local economy. The development will also allow housing to families that would otherwise have to commute daily to and from St. Thomas due to the shortage of long-term housing on the island of St. John. 2:13:32 With Virginia Lander, born and raised, having strong family ties to the island of St. John, I am acutely aware of the disparities in land ownership and affordable housing opportunities for the local resident population and general workforce housing accommodations on the island. A vast number of who work on St. John have no alternative but to seek housing on the island of st thomas due to the lack of long-term housing and the cost of any housing that may be available for rent with my professional and business experience and background and as a local developer i am remarkably familiar with the local building codes and practices and can be and can provide insight into the needs of the local population The overall benefit to the community will not only be to the development of meaningful affordable housing, but also to the creation of jobs for St. Johnians. 2:14:31 The rezoning application submitted reflects and responds to addressing a critical need for the St. John long-term resident and workforce market in an environment that caters more to the visitor than to the locals. It is the intention to fill a void, allowing local families to live and work in the same community where they can effectively provide service to the community at large. In closing, I would like to highlight the fact that there were no objections to the Zona Map Amendment application request during a pre-application phase from any of the surrounding and Neighbors, DPNR, CC, DP, herein held in April, to which the community was invited. 2:15:32 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 12 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session A favourable approval of this zoning map amendment application is most appreciated. Thank you. Thank you very much, Mr. Sparrow. That runs out the testimony and that particular measure, which is Bill 35.0281, and next we'll proceed to bill number 35.0308 is an act amending official zoning map number SJZ-7, St. John Virgin Islands to rezone parcel number 294, Estate, Kantan and Inai, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John from R4 residential medium density to B2 business secondary neighborhood. Who's going to be presenting this on behalf of you, Mr. Samuel, you may proceed. Could you pull up the slides, please? Oh, you don't know? 2:16:17 Report by the Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zoning Planning on the Petition to to amend official zoning map number SJZ-7, application number ZAJ-24-2. Petition of applicant Rural Enterprises Inc. D slash B slash A Best Car Rental to amend parcels number 294 Estate Canton and Inehyde, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John from R4 residential medium density to see commercial zoning to bring the property into zoning compliance with its current use as a car rental agency. 2:17:15 Property Owners, government of the Virgin Islands as per deed of conveyance dated June 27, 1944, document number 130, applicant representatives, Roosevelt David joint owner and representative of the applicants last lease acreage 4820 square feet as described on survey drawing D 9-20 2 5 8 9 dash T 8 4 Next slide, please Surrounding use and zone Surrounding the property to the north are businesses, gaming center, coffee shop and a laundry. 2:17:59 To the east are a short-term rental, the Tamarind Inn Court, a laundry and the marketplace business complex. To the south are long and short-term rentals. To the west slash northwest are car rentals, the Elaine Ion Sprouw Public Library and Museum of Cultural Arts, DPNR Office, and the Animal Care Center of St. John. Next slide. The surrounding area is zoned R4, B2, Business, Secondary slash Neighborhood, and P, Public. 2:18:54 Water is supplied by the public water line and wastewater handled by the public sewer line. Other needed DPNR division reviews were none. Project Summary At DPNR CZP's public hearing, Mr. David testified he has been operating a car rental agency at the site from 1992 when the original lease was approved by the then legislature and governor. A 2023 lease renewal slash extension by the Department of Property and Procurement required zoning compliance review by DPNR and the applicant was notified of the zoning non-compliance. 2:19:37 It was recommended that the zoning map amendment process be pursued to bring the property into zoning compliance with its long-standing use as a car rental agency. No further development of the site is proposed by the applicant. Public response at DPNR-CCZP public hearing held February 21st, 2024, there was no opposition or concern expressed with the proposal analysis of request last reason for recommendation the property had been used for 32 years as a car rental agency when the lease renewals last extension triggered a notification of non-compliance no new construction is proposed for the site only continued use by the car rental agency the area has developed to approximately 90 percent non-residential use although the current r4 zoning was intended to allow multiple family use within a range of low to medium densities in analyzing the applicant's request the department considered the areas dominant use which has been commercial slash non-residential uses there is adjacent b2 zoning which would allow both residential and non-residential uses The appropriateness of rezoning to C commercial versus the B2 was analyzed and the C commercial zone was intended for light industrial slash manufacturing uses to be located away from the central business districts that cater to pedestrians slash tourists and does not permit residential use. It permits over 200 uses, some recognized as potentially detrimental to dominantly residential neighborhoods. The C commercial zoning could negatively impact surrounding properties and would not be in conformity with the area's character. The area is mixed use but not industrial in nature. 2:20:29 The rezoning of the property to B2 in conformity with adjacent properties would be more appropriate, allowing for the car rental agency as well as mixed residential and non-residential use. recommendation the department of planning and natural resources recommends the parcel number 294 estate content and any height cruise big quarter st john b we zone from r4 residential medium density to b2 business secondary slash neighborhood signed by assistant commissioner Josette Walker, March 12, 2024. Sends a reading. 2:22:37 Thank you very much, Mr. Samuel. Next we'll come to Roosevelt. St. C. David, you've been frequenting here recently. Yes. You recognize your testimony. Good afternoon, Honorable Chairman of the Committee of the Whole of the 35th Legislature. Mr. Novel E. Francis Jr. and all other distinguished senators of this esteemed unicameral legislature. I just really wanted to say I agree with you, Mr. Chair. 2:23:25 When I left this legislature voluntarily in 2007, January, and I must say, undefeated after serving five terms, I pledged no one would ever see me here again. I was very wrong because it seems to me like I need a seat here now but my name is Roosevelt St. Clair St. C. David, president of Royal Enterprises Inc. doing business as Best Car Rental of St. John located at 294 Ennehyde, St. John. As you're aware I was here just about a week ago presenting on a lease agreement between Rural Enterprises Inc and the government of the Virgin Islands and I am very appreciative of the positive outcome thus far both by the Finance and Rules Committee. I thank the members all-inclusive for their positivity. Today it's about a 2:23:59 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 13 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session different component, a zoning issue at the same location. This is a conspicuous indication of the challenges that businesses encounter consistently either to get started or to survive. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, I will endeavor to persevere and to encourage Virgin Islanders to pool their resources, form partnerships and organizations in order to become an integral part of the economy. Mr. Chairman, in 1992, the August body of the 19th legislature, in its wisdom, approved a lease for our rental agency to operate at 294 any hired content on St. John. The Honorable Governor at the time, Governor Alexander Farrelly, without equivocation, inked the measure affirmatively. After operating at that particular venue for over three decades, surprisingly, I received correspondence from the Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources, Ron Pierre Oriel, I'm not sure if my French is correct there, advising us that we were non-compliant with respect to the zone in designation. I am paraphrasing the Commissioner's missive to me. Immediately I reached out to the Commissioner and explained that the 19th legislature passed legislation mandating our presence there and that the law had not been repealed. He requested a copy of that measure, which I unhesitantly provided to him. Get him here. Mr. Chairman, having placed the facts on the record, I wish emphasize that I have absolutely no objection to the recommendation made by the Department of Natural Resources. planning on natural resources all i want to do is to continue to provide for my family provide opportunities from which the government of the virgin islands benefits that's the end of my presentation and i'm willing to answer questions thank you very much um obviously today will help to resolve both issues the lease and the and certainly the zoning so we'll address that momentarily at this time that completes the testimony and all three of the measures that's before us in the committee of the whole and at this time I'll open up the floor for questioning by my colleagues and of course you have four minutes use it to lose it Senator Alma Francis how do you recognize for your four minutes at this 2:26:26 time I will use it good afternoon to my colleagues to the people of the territory good afternoon to the testifiers i would like to first speak on bill 350259 i would like to know in regards to this particular project funding wise as well as time frame this one has to do with bureau of corrections and the facility the funding is coming from fema okay and what's the estimated what's the estimated time do you guys anticipate that this project will take the rfp supposed to be going out on the street shortly before the end of this year to for the construction of the new facility. 2:28:15 Okay and doing the research and project wise and the size and the scale of this project, you guys have not done any due diligence to anticipate whether it's going to be a two-year project, a three-year project. You haven't encompassed that as well? Yep, it's a three-year project. okay thank you so much um as it relates to 350281 um as you know we are always in support as it relates to affordable housing in the territory and we definitely know this is a serious lack of inventory that we've had especially since we have hundreds of homes in need of repairing the territory we had an influx of airbnb that greatly reduced our inventory here in the territory so for me this is a no-brainer i i don't have a problem with us making the transition to allow for this to happen the one question i have is in regards to the five-year period um do they do they have funding for this project or are they doing it in parts so that they take in revenues and then continue on to utilize those revenues to keep doing the build out that's what I'm trying to understand because we need it so I need to know overall in that five year period what all in the different phases it's gonna be that's an excellent question senator five years would be from shoveling the ground to completion but certainly there will be some sort of phasing involved funding is still being sought. For it to be affordable, certainly the government has to participate. 2:29:15 Because if I had to go straight out to the bank or financial institution, affordable goes out of the window. Because if I'm going to finance something, it's going to have to be, you know, payback, you know, and to be able to, you know, fund that loan payment. certainly you know it doesn't you know qualify for affordability well well we know over the years many projects have utilized well the federal government for grants etc to assist with the affordable housing aspect of it and over time X amount is paid back and then sometimes it phases out so I am sure once you go through the pathway of trying to get to affordable housing I hope it's successful, because that should be the ultimate goal to assess the people here in the territory. Thank you very much. 2:31:03 As it relates to 350308, ever since I've been in this legislature, I've known about this car rental that was owned by the Senators. So I, you know, for me, if you're a long-term business, you've invested into the community, and you just want to continue doing what you need to do. So this is not an issue for me if we're going to continue to support the very businesses that pay taxes to help us to utilize those same monies to service the people we represent. 2:31:57 So at the end of the day, I do support all three pieces of these legislation for economic development as well as progression for the people of this territory. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Thank you very much, Senator Francis Heidegger. Next, we'll recognize Senator Franklin D. Johnson. You'll recognize for your four minutes. Good afternoon to all. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Good afternoon to my colleagues. I want to start off with former Senator Roosevelt David. When I saw you coming in here, I thought you were walking with a bill for that $200,000. 2:32:35 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 14 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session That's what I really thought you were coming. We were all excited to hear what you were going to say. I understand what you're going through And I still can't understand How they can't locate That piece of document And you've been there How many years you say you've been there for? 32 32 years And they say you were doing something wrong for 32 years It's amazing when these things happen But at the appropriate time I'll definitely give you my support I want to talk to the Bureau of Correction because I really don't like flip-flopping. The last time you guys been to us, you said to us that the cost to have a prisoner in the Virgin Islands was so exorbitant that you had to send them to the mainland. 2:33:10 That's just about two weeks ago. You talk about some $300 a prisoner a day, if I were right, and versus, what, $95 or $60 something a day? tell me what it is because I support what you're trying to do but don't tell me something one day and come back the next day and don't tell me something different help me out please based on our testimony based on our testimony what you read was correct off island was that rate and to house people on island was about $300 yes and and now you want us to invest to for it for it to cost us all of this money what are you telling us and i support our prisoners staying here because if we're going to invest let's invest in our community but don't come to the senate telling us one thing one time and then come back asking us to do something different it just doesn't add up it just doesn't add up i possibly don't believe it's cost us that 300 300 a day i possibly don't believe that and that's why we keep asking where you guys get this number from because you come with these numbers to just boost yourself for the reason to have an hour or prisoners in the mainland definitely away from their family and loved one to now come back to their nose saying that you want to build this big magnificent building and they're gonna cast less again no can't be both ways you have to be one and that's why some of the measures that my colleagues are bringing can be important for when you guys come in front of us and tell us stories really lies you're gonna pay a price you're gonna pay a price this got to stop because that's what caused this institution to really look bad because then people say we're not doing our job but these measures need to be in place because we can't be going wrong flip-flapping telling us one thing one day and come back the next day to tell us something 2:34:00 else but at the appropriate time i tell you i will support this one minute because i definitely can see where families will be able to see their loved ones we'll be able to pay more attention to what's going on we'll be able to prepare them to go back right on our streets because in all of them got life sentence so at the appropriate time i'll support it and um to mr sprow in st john i i really appreciate when i see our people looking forward to try to invest into home ownership and giving more, we know what a crisis is, and I could imagine on the island of St. Jan, it's even doubled down. You know, so I really hope that you would get the kind of support that you need. And you mentioned that you will be coming, I guess, to the government for some kind of assistance. In what ways do you plan to reach out? Is it through grants or what way do you think you're going to need the government assistance? I'm exploring all opportunities, not just the local government, but certainly the federal government. I've already had some inroads into HUD. So certainly there's a variety of, you know, funding measures out there that I'm pursuing. 2:36:00 Okay. At the appropriate time, I definitely support this. And I have one question for property and procurement. Lot 106 is a woodworking shop. time dpnr mr chair may i wrap up on this uh lot 106 is a woodworking shop and you spoke about you guys are having some communication with these uh vendors that are there that are doing business i could see a scrap shop moving easier a woodworking shop equipment a lot of moving around putting his shop back together what is going on with that how soon would you all be able to find a place for him and assist him in moving from one spot to the next. Good evening, Lea Laplace, Matthew. Well, with DPNR, we did reach out to DPP to confirm that they would be assisting the tenants, but I don't know how far along they are in that process. 2:37:04 And this is where the issues lie now. We're trying to accommodate the Bureau, which I think would be something needs to be done but at the same time we have folks that are doing business and when we make this move then this passing on i i don't want this person to be short on the street that's my problem right now with that you know so i i really hope that by the time these measures move forward you guys could expedite getting this individual a place that he could keep his shop going thank you very much for the leniency message here uh thank you very much Senator Johnson, before we go to the next senator, which is the minority leader, I wanted to ask you, Mr. Spell, you spoke about being a local developer. Can you speak to, you have similar projects going on or have developed similar projects to what you intend to undertake here? 2:38:02 Back in 2009, I built a multifamily dwelling on St. John as well. And that was designed initially as short-term rentals, but then I realized that, you know, I was doing a disservice to the people and turned it into a long-term housing project, and it is still that. What's the size or scope of that one? It's 6,000 square feet. i actually came before the legislature uh back then for a rezoning as well for that property to confirm confirm with um you know there's only requirement for the multi-family dwelling thank you so that minority leader senator digraph you recognize for your four minutes thank you mr chair good evening colleagues good evening testifiers um Honorable St. C. David, you say there's a law that puts you in that position. 2:38:49 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 15 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session May the 19, 1992. The law is a law. So I don't understand. Nothing trumps the law. Period. So to have us come here, we're just really wasting people's time. But since you don't mind to do the variant shows, your grace, thank you for that. I appreciate that. 32 years going, Wow. Keep that going. Mr. Sproul, thank you because I'm saying to see something this large looking to be put together for St. John by a local person too. Oh man, that's now I know I think there are some low income subsidies that the federal government also gives out. So you're looking into those kind of subsidies. Look, I know you mentioned moderate to middle income. Primarily moderate to income, to middle income, because that's an area where there's no availability. 2:39:47 I've gone to a housing finance authority and housing authority just to inquire with, you know, what programs, you know, they're looking to bring online. The existing properties and projects that are there in St. John right now fall under those two jurisdictions. So I'm trying to not necessarily be in the lower income bracket because I think that market has some sort of bandwidth. It's just that the other market for people that own businesses and their employees, the seasonal workers, that group seems to have difficulty with finding meaningful accommodations. Okay, you said 32 buildings, three stories each. 2:40:44 If I heard right. The plan calls for 22 buildings based upon, you know, what can actually fit on the property. I mean, more can fit, but I'm trying to, you know, not just have a concrete jungle. I want it to be aesthetically pleasing and to fit into the, you know, natural landscape of the hillside. And to look, you know, like, you know, some of the modern buildings that we're seeing. It would be on the other side of George Cemetery? It's west of that. West of it, okay. 2:41:30 It's still on the south side of the center line. Okay. Okay, I guess Ms. Laplace, good evening. For 35 to 0259, with changing parcels 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, and 109, I believe Victor's hideout is 103, would changing from commercial to public have any effect on Victor's hideout? No, Senator. It would only affect these parcels named in the request. 2:42:00 Oh, okay. Okay. So, I just want to make sure. And for one minute, we are talking about for those facilities to do. Now, I know when the federal government gives money, they want to give you money to build back to how it was. We are looking in terms of, I think, I guess for corrections, we're building back total rebuild, hurricane hardening, all of that? That is correct. 2:42:35 Okay. So you have any plans and stuff already in place or you're waiting for this to come first? No, we already have the design 100% complete. Okay, so what time frame do you have for start and finish mainly? According to the time schedule, the RFP is supposed to go out for the demolition. Then at the same time, RFP is supposed to go out for the construction. We expect construction to begin sometime towards the end of next year with a two to three year construction period. Mayor Mrakas- Okay. 2:43:03 And the first thing to remind to the previous speaker, I'll just wrap up Mr. Chair, mention in regards to, you know, I remember when my colleague across the way from Bovone mentioned that it would have been cheaper to send all our prisoners to the states because you know people frowned when he made that statement but I agree so to bring home we pay 60 something dollars to house our prisoners away to bring them home to pay 300 dollars you know a prisoner a day you know I think is something also we need to make sure we factor into the overall plan uh thank you for the time mr chair uh thank you very much senator uh the graph point of information senator johnson you recognize thank you very much mr chair i really want to ask get this information from the bureau correction once that facility is built down there in sub base are you guys going to vacate the uh Well, one of the things I have to remind, we have to remind folks is that the CJC is just a detention centre. It wasn't really designed or built to house people. So we're going to move from there to the new facility. It can go back to what its original intent was, but we'll be moving into the new facility. 2:43:49 When you said original intent, what was the original intent then? It was a detention centre. After Swan Annex was destroyed by the hurricane, we had to have a place to hold people. And CJC was converted into a 24-7 housing operation. Before it was a detention center where folks would come in, spend the day, have their arraignment, whatever the process was, and go on. If they were housed, they were housed at Swan. If not, they were moved out of the facility. The CJC was never designed to be a prison. 2:45:28 I tend to have some little difference based on my experience. Anyone under two years was allowed to stay in CJC. Once you had more than two years, then you will be sent over to Golden Grove Correctional Facility. I know that for a fact. So thank you very much. Remember, I tell you, you've got a piece of measure coming through here. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Thank you very much, Senator Johnson. Senator Carrion. One second, Senator Carriong. Senator Gittins, recognize your point of information, Majority Leader. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Based on the line of questioning from the previous speaker, so can the testifier tell us the difference between a prison setting and a jail? Because they're describing here on St. Thomas is designed or was designed to be a jail and what's on St. Croix is a prison. So can you tell us the difference please between the two? You're absolutely correct Senator Gittins. The facility over in St. Thomas was 2:46:13 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 16 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session designed as a jail and the prison was over on St. Croix. When you had individuals that were sentenced they were moved to st. Croix the issue that we have today in our community is that the majority of the individuals that are over in st. Thomas are detainees they're waiting to go to court and and that's the that's the crux of the problem it was mentioned it was mentioned about the the individuals off-island those are those individuals are sentenced they're not detainees. Most of the people that we house locally right now are detainees waiting to go to court. So you stated most. Do you have any sentenced individuals at the jail on St. Thomas? Yes, we do. We have 18. So 18, exactly. So we were just given the impression that there was none and all of them are detainees. So just lastly, tell me or tell us one sentence, what's the term limit that's allowed to stay within the jail setting and under what authority rather than being transferred to St. Croix, which is the prison? 2:48:06 It's all based on available space. That's unacceptable. Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think it's a little challenging for him to respond to those type of operational questions. He's the assistant director of support services. So so you know, yeah, I guess he's limited in terms of his scope of there. So that's what's presenting some challenges for more detailed response that you're seeking, Senator. At this time, Senator Samokarion, you recognize for your four minutes. 2:48:46 Thank you. Good afternoon. Good afternoon to the testifiers that are here present this day. I really don't have too much questions because based on the testimonies that were shared than the reports that has been rendered. One of the things I usually look for is to find out if there are any oppositions when you have these matters that come before us. Of course, I want to reiterate that I don't think this should be the place to handle these type of proceedings when it comes to rezoning. Hopefully once we finish our water and land use plan and we have a commission or board that can handle these issues they won't have to come before us but for bill 35- um let me see if i have it right 35-259 which is the one for boc has the money been awarded thus far you said this will be done with federal funding yes sir it has been awarded okay what's the amount it was uh 14 million 14 million very well um at the perfect time i will be voting in favor uh voting affirmative on uh this measure bill also 35 that 0 to 81 I just wanted to ask the petitioner if maybe this was asked before but please excuse me as I stepped out do you have any issues where the recommendations presented by the PNR no senator I'm 2:49:24 I'm comfortable with their recommendation okay so you were requesting a B3 I believe it is that is correct it was more so because of the larger lot coverage okay and you wanted a B3 you said did you had in mind to do any type of business also on the premises not business to the extent your thinking things that what I'm thinking you don't know what I'm thinking sir sorry spoke out of turn certainly to support you know the development ancillary services that I thought you know could be germane okay yeah because most of the developments that are happening now you see that there is a mixed use so sometimes you see on the bottom level some sort of convenience store pharmacy or sometimes those type of businesses or coffee shop so sometimes the new development that we're seeing now you see that makes use that's I want to find out if that was kind of like long minute you had in mind as you were approaching in the beginning for b3 yes that is correct it's next to that property I still have some adjacent land that I will probably come and seek that b3 zone and on okay very well senator Roosevelt it's always a pleasure to see you sir thank you good good um so the same thing there's no oppositions there's no issue this is just really to fall in conformity uh but what um the area and what should be so i guess you don't have any objections right sir no just just want to continue doing business i'm pretty sure you do want to do that yes and um and i see there's a renewal also for another 10 years within the lease okay good so you're good and um since there's no opposition in this either i also have no objections to voting favorably on this matter when it comes before us thank you 2:51:24 mr uh chair uh thank you very much senator carillon next we'll come to senator giovanni james senior you recognize for your four minutes greetings to the people of the u.s virgin islands thank Thank you Mr. Chair for the time. My question is to BOC or actually DPNR because on page three or five of the recommendation report it speaks to the federal consistency process that is needed. So I went on further to look at how long it takes and it said per CZM rules on regulations, it takes up to 70 days. Do you think it will be within the 70 days or more based on the project that we have here today? 2:53:22 Yes, Senator. More than 70 days? I don't assume more than 70 once the applicant brings a complete file. Yes, because I was watching the process and there are several things that could stop it from moving forward, like missing documents, and the list goes on, so hopefully, because there's basically two government agencies, we can be able to sit and hopefully get along and move this project forward. But as far as the report, no opposition, so I like those kind of projects, no opposition. As far as the former senator, I think you're down here a little too much, but I appreciate you being down here. 2:54:12 In all seriousness, I want to say thank you for what you have done for the territory because sometimes when we leave this institution, they want us to just go in a cave and hide. So continue to give back to the territory and may God continue to bless you. As far as bill number 35-0281 for St. John, I stand in full support. St. John is on the rise. So I look forward to seeing these products come into fruition. Thank you, Mr. Chair, for the time. 2:55:02 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 17 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session Thank you very much, Senator James Sr. Next, we will recognize Senator Angel Bulquez, Jr. Senator at large, you recognize for your four minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good afternoon, Mr. Chair. colleagues, and of course, good afternoon to the testifiers, and specifically those who are seeking rezoning. I have no opposition. However, I do have a few particular questions for Mr. Sproube. I have a couple questions for you. As I mentioned, matter of fact, I met with you maybe about eight to ten months ago at a particular event and you expressed to me that you were interested in basically doing what you're doing right now. I don't know if you remember that conversation. Yes, sir. Yes, and I must say that you're a man of your word and I definitely am very impressed by the way that you carry yourself and follow through with what you're trying to do specifically for housing on the island of St. John. So I have no issues. My only concern is, as I mentioned before, water. Water and sewage and so forth. You're going to have about 88 units, three stories. Particularly, could you just share with us some of your, what are you going to be doing for water concerning these units? Certainly. That is a very big question. There's no public utilities in that area, no potable water or sewage. So certainly, I've got to bring whatever I need to the site. So certainly there is a natural gut that flows through the property that tend to be quite plentiful at times and I think that there's some drilling opportunities for a well. I know there are a couple of wells within the Adrian Valley that my grandfather put into place many years ago. So certainly I will certainly, you know, tap and see uh if that is a possibility you don't want water to become a reason why rent has to you 2:55:34 know with the source of water certainly and then you know holding tanks and cisterns the traditional bill that we do exactly but again i have no opposition um that that is my only concern concerning that project as for best car rental obviously you have been there at that location for many many decades uh continuing to service the people of uh the saint john and of course the the tourists that visit there so that they have reliable transportation and of course your business provides car rental tax to the coffers so that is also a plus for us. In addition I'm looking forward to supporting that measure as well but I wanted to shift gears over to BOC and I wanted to ask if they could detail the scope or a timeline of the disaster recovery project concerning the Correctional Institution, because I know that that building has been derelict for God knows how long, and I'm wondering why it has taken this long for this project to sort of start moving. 2:57:35 Yes, the system just takes time. When we were having to go through the process with FEMA, took time getting the process done, and then moving forward with all the different phases that need to be done, the demolition, the rezoning, the plans for construction, it's just that the whole process is taking time um and we're seeing like now at the end of the tunnel where that at the end of the year here we'll shoot we should have um the rfp out for the demolition to get that uh property cleaned up um well let's let's try to speed up the process uh mr my time is running but i would like to see us speed up that process because if we can bring our inmates home and let that money that we pay for our inmates stay here in our economy that's a plus for us as far as I'm concerned. Is there going to be any retrofitting or upgrading of what was deemed to be the original scope of the facility meaning the building? What new additions are we looking forward to seeing for that for that project? 2:58:43 yeah there will be some wind retrofitting there will be some upgrading some of the stuff that we've included in the in the design has been a mental health space you know the segregation space vocational space and training the mechanical you know the kitchen operations things like that so it's going to be a lot more than what was previously there okay very well and of course we want to encourage and mr. chair if I may please thank you mr. 3:00:04 chair and we also want to encourage those prison programs where we have the inmates come back into the community to help support some of those things like you know cleaning the cemeteries painting buildings and of course any other trades that they can pick up while they're in the facility thank you mr. Chair. Thank you very much, Senator Bolquez. Next, we'll recognize Senator Milton E. Potter. You recognize for your four minutes. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I think I can support all of these initiatives that are before us today for rezoning. Clearly, what helps is that DPNR has endorsed all of them, them, and there is no public objection to any of them. It makes life a lot easier for us, for me. I wanted to ask you, the Bureau of Corrections, is it a particular category of inmates that will be housed at the new facility? 3:00:41 We're going to have both sentenced and pre-trial. We also have space for marshal services, regular operations over on St. Thomas. I know that inmates who have a longer sentence would typically be sentenced, would do their time at the Golden Grove facility. Will this substitute for that? 3:01:51 So to answer your question, it would be for the minor, minor crimes would be over in St. Thomas and the detainees waiting for trial over on St. Thomas. Okay. Thank you for that. I mean, it's a no-brainer to me. It's an opportunity for us to bring the territory into compliance. You indicated that once the property is owned by the public, that should be reflected in a zoning map. So it makes sense. With regards That's the bill number 35.0281. Mr. Sprower, any time I hear the word affordable housing for Virgin Islanders, moderate income Virgin Islanders, it's like music to my ears. And I say that because that category of housing is virtually nonexistent in the Virgin Islands right now. So this is an excellent opportunity. 3:02:31 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 18 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session I wanted to ask you, though, what, in your view, would be considered the price point for these units once it is constructed? And I understand that it's going to be hinged on the local government providing some sort of assistance. I would say that it really depends on the cost per square foot to build, especially on St. John. 3:03:36 The numbers that I've been hearing are staggering. They're close to almost $1,000 a square foot, which is unconscionable. And a lot of that, I think, has been derived by the folks that come in and build on St. John now. They don't look like us. And certainly I'd be remiss as a Virgin Island to not participate in what's going on and really represent our people. I'm hopeful that all is said and done, the price point will be such that local Virgin Islanders, it will be within their reach. And I know realistically in a territory, an island that is small, you're going to have to think vertical as opposed to horizontal when it comes to constructing buildings. But I wanted to know, get a sense as to how high is high as far as you anticipated vertical, you know, where the vertical structure would go. 3:04:09 How high do you anticipate that would be? Sure. I am contemplating three stories. Maybe some buildings would have a four-story feature and the terrain is going to help with that because it is a slope. You won't really see the height as such. So it's not going to be something that if you're on a flat land and you're going to look at, you know, like Megan's Junction, for example, you know, it's a very unique piece of property. Okay. just the whole compatibility with small St. John. Mr. Chair, if I may just wrap up. Senator David, I applaud you for your over three decades of conducting business here in the territory of St. John. Of course, we've collected our taxes from you on an annual basis. So I applaud you for that. That's not something that happens by magic. It takes effort. It takes work to be in business for that length of time. And I wanted to say to you that we're going to work on giving you a little, you and other former senators, we have a little space. It might be a little cubby. I'll talk to Mr. President and see if we can't do something like that. But at the appropriate time, I plan to vote in the affirmative for all of the rezonings that are before us today. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. 3:05:21 Thank you very much, Senator Potter. I won't give visitors this. Mr. Sparrow, I heard you respond to the Senate about the costs. Well, you spoke about the square footage costs to Bill and Sinjan, but we also have to take into consideration the supply and demand issue as well as labor costs. Yes. And also importation of goods. I mean, you have to almost import everything that you're going to need as well and time. The time factor is big and huge because it seems like this trajectory is on its way up without any decline in the near future. So whatever you do, you have to do it as fast as possible because two, three years out, the cost can even increase more. What's your thoughts on that? Yes, certainly. And that's being taken in consideration. I mean, I kind of, you know, have some best practices from the first project I did. I was told that I was going to get it done, and certainly not in the time that I did it. I got a 6,000 square foot building done in 18 months. 3:06:46 So, at the cost then, I managed that cost. I'm not saying I'm going to do it this time, but certainly with my experience and the fact that my other hat, you know, I worked for the Lockhart Company. and being able to, you know, do the things I do, you know, for that company. Certainly I'll employ my own work. And even as these, I guess, the size of the magnitude of the project too, is there any consideration of phasing it out over a period of time? 3:07:52 Certainly it's going to be done in phases. And again, a lot of it is predicated on the funding because funding doesn't all come at once. You know, I'm hoping for, you know, a variety of things to come into place and one of the challenges we have right now on St. John is concrete. I even got a call this morning from someone here on St. Thomas that is looking for property in St. John to put a concrete plant. You know, he looked at me because he knew my family has some large holdings there. He said, well, it's not zoned for that. But certainly I can point you in the direction of, you know, folks that may be able to accommodate that. 3:08:22 I will. So, Maurice C. James, you're recognized for your four minutes. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good evening to everyone. I was more focused on the St. John project because there is a need for housing. There's practically, I guess, no inventory on the island of st john i was just you know and when you said that um it's one thousand dollars per square foot you know then in my mind that translates into a higher rental cost and um it would seem as if you this is an ambitious project in a sense in in terms of funding and And I wanted to ask, in that regard, have you looked at or have you sought out any investors or any talk to lenders about making this happen in the five years? 3:08:57 I know doing it in phases will help, but I'm just wondering how does that look? I have started a process, I'm trying to stay away from the traditional lending institutions because it's not going to be affordable. I only gave that range in price because that's where it's at. That's not what I'm hoping to build us at. Certainly we've got to be innovative, there's a lot of building systems out there, things that I'm looking at that are being tested and certainly want to bring that number down closer to something reasonable. reasonable is i don't know because remember with st john you've got an extra um effort in terms of transportation right you know you've got to bring the st thomas then you still got to get it over there i mean right now just a big truck to go over on the barge is 350 so you've got to factor that into everything else that you do so it's certainly it's going to be um you know a think tank situation i've been working with others and trying to formulate you know some you know price you know that can bring the price down yeah yeah the um i mean i am i am definitely for 3:10:09 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 19 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session what you're you you intend to do and and so i support the rezoning to make this happen it's just that you know you have a great vision and it would be great five years from now or For 10 years from now, for us to see it, especially since recently, as you know, last year, we passed the measure for the school, which then, of course, you would need housing, you know, you need all of this. One of the things that the CCM report says that amenities could include, you know, and that word just jumped out at me, again, you know, words matter. And I was just wondering, is that what DPNR is hoping for, or did you say to them amenities could include a community center, walk-in trails, playground, and or swimming pool? I said that to them. Oh, okay. 3:11:56 Yes. Yeah, I wanted to know. Certainly, you know, we want to be able to support that, because, you know, I am mindful of the school, and right now, if the school was built, you don't have sufficient students to fill it. Right. You don't have the residence that you need. Yes. population on St. John, unlike St. Croix, for example, is increasing, I think based on what I read, but to me it would increase more where you would see a younger population than the island of St. Croix where we're seeing an aging population. Would you agree with that? That is correct. Yeah. I actually have a lot more questions for you, but I don't want to leave former Senator David out. 3:12:23 i just want to tell you that this one here is clear i am supporting you um the fact is that again you are somebody who's engaged and i have one more question for okay thank you sir um the tourism industry and how you see it and st john the fact that you are very much engaged in in it um how do you encourage other residents to follow in your lead you know what i said it's something that i preached when i was a banker you've got to pull your resources you've got to build organizations you've got to have partnerships and you've got to trust each other if you don't do it start your own initiative your own business and work together hand in hand you're not going to be a part of the economic development so i urge that and and banks are going to have to loosen up and i think a lot of pressure needs to be placed on eda as well when i was here i passed legislation that you could get up to fifty thousand dollars unsecured on your signature so a small business could get started since then i understand that they apply collateral that needs to be removed you've got to be able to help young people local people to get into business so they could compete with anybody else that wants new business i encourage them not to stop keep we definitely have those organizations we definitely will have to invite you back as an expert and that i'd love i'd love to do that i just have one question for uh mr abrams um the i saw where the current tenants are being assisted um with relocation did this create a hardship for those tenants? The repair, the auto repair and salvage business and the woodworking shop? As far as I know, 3:13:04 as far as I know, the auto repair places, there were no leases for those properties. I believe that was on 104 and 105 there was there was a lease for 106 the the woodworking shop and as far as I know property procurement is working with them on getting them relocated from that space and I didn't hear any opposition from the woodworking shop with respect to being relocated okay thank you of course you know anytime someone says that those lots 104 and 105 belong to the government yes exactly and there were no leases that's my point that was that it jumped out at me when he said there were no leases on those properties here we go um thank you mr shear thank you uh thank you very much uh senator james um mr david i wanted to ask you what do you attribute to your longevity in business on st john i'll tell you this i've been a banker from the early 70s and i saw people who came from nowhere that i had to approve loans for and were doing well and as local people we have no choice but to support those people because we don't have anybody else competing against them you're going to come into fire because some people don't want to see you move forward and so you've got to fight fire with fire sometimes but you've got to provide a service that people are buying into and that and when you find that service is deteriorating 3:15:12 you've got to find a way to improve it so you could live with the times and and that's what i do and thank you for that and the discussion regarding the um the eda i know that you had mentioned that to me one time and i'm working with them to try to bump that fifty thousand dollars up to two hundred thousand and remove the collateral base move the collateral yes so we're working just on signature yes thank you uh senator fonseca ray fonseca you recognize for your four minutes thank you thank you mr chair um okay i i support all of these three um measures that are before us. I want to start first with bill number 35.0259. Okay, that's going on there by victors when you pass the tank, they call it a tank. Yeah, okay, so those are, those are unsightly areas, you know, except for the shop, but the other two lot 104, 105 are unsightly. 3:17:05 But I want to go back to what my colleague from Frederickstead mentioned about the inmates and the detainees because I was looking through the numbers here, Mr. Abraham, and I saw that on St. Thomas they have 18 inmates and 73 detainees for a total of 91 inmates and detainees. So you said this place is going to house the detainees? Is that what you're saying? 3:18:07 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 20 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session It will include the detainees. That's correct. Okay. I don't have any other questions on that. I support it. You know, I'm still concerned about the costs because, you know, you told us it was so expensive to have them here, have the inmates, well, you know, I guess those are the prisoners here, but you're going to do that. Okay, so Mr. Gershwin-Swao, 4.9 acres, you're going from R1 to R4. You know, that's a big project. Do you have any estimate of the total construction costs? Not at this time. There's a range, certainly anywhere from a minimum of $40 million to $100 million. It's a big range. But the key is really to get the cost per square foot down. 3:18:40 Yeah, well, you know, the thousand dollars per square foot based on what we've been seeing is not high for St. John. But I support the initiative. You know, you're a local brother and you want to get this done, and I support that. The wastewater treatment plant, you have 88 units. So what's going to be the total capacity of that plant? You don't have design as yet. We don't have the calculations for that at this time. And, you know, in as much as I'm seeing 88 units, I mean, I get there. 3:19:33 If the cost is, you know, such that I'm not able to get the funding to do this, I would certainly have to, you know, look at certainly, you know, doing a particular phase and maybe looking at other alternatives in terms of how I rent out the units, whether I turn them into condos, townhome, or maybe to sell some... So you're looking, I don't want to interrupt you, but my time is right. One minute. 3:20:11 You're looking at concrete masonry construction or wood frame, steel frame, truss roof, hip roof, what do you envision? I'm trying to see what you have in mind here. It's going to be a combination of things. Certainly concrete is preferred, but I am looking at some steel fabrication. There's a firm out of Portugal that I'm looking at right now. Well, thank you. Good luck. 3:20:44 You know, I got to get to the Honorable Mr. Roosevelt David, former senator. You know, this is just another little bump in the road. We're going to resolve it today. You know, you came before us last week with the lease. You know, the government has already approved the lease. Well, the government has already recommended approval. I'm sure my colleagues are going to, you know, take care of that. So, 32 years in business. 3:21:14 32 years at that location? At that location, yes. It's about 42 years in business. Yes, and you said that you plan another 40. I remember you said you plan another 40. I have children. Yes, yes. Well, thank you very much for the time, Mr. Chair. I will vote for all these three measures at the appropriate time. Thank you very much, Senator Fonseca. Next we'll recognize Senator Diane T. Capehart for her four minutes. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good evening, colleagues. Good evening to the people of the Virgin Islands. Good evening, testifiers. First I want to just say that I had the opportunity to visit this facility for build number 350259 and I didn't even know this facility existed. 3:21:45 So I'm so happy to hear that this facility after the damages of hurricanes in 2017, that there's going to be a rebuilt and there's going to be a bigger footprint to accommodate 207 bed facility. I think that's a great thing. So I'm in support of that. Mr. Sprov, I'm excited because when I hear about affordable housing to provide long-term housing for families, I get excited because I understand that there's a shortage of housing on the island of St. John. 3:22:34 So I commend you being a Virgin Islander to want to do this and affordable housing. And then I get more excited when I hear that you want to incorporate green building to minimize the environmental impacts. So can you tell us what are those, what are some of those ideas that when you talk about green building that you plan to implement in this project? Thank you, Senator. 3:23:17 the efficiencies like solar for one, certainly in light of what we've been experiencing with our local power utility, in this day and time we can't have that. We certainly want to be able to provide for backup generation or even come off the grid and not participate in being a drain in the energy sector, certainly as it relates to the wastewater treatment plant, certainly it'll be done in a way that is very mentally sensitive to that environment given the fact that we've got the natural gut, we've got National Park on the south side of me and we certainly want to, you know, take those things into consideration. building itself because the prior question was about you know what type of building I'm going to be doing and we're looking at our renewable things that can be put into the actual structure that wouldn't be necessarily all the concrete and the normal things that we do in the in the present building practices that we have and energy lighting I mean you name it it's a whole number of things that are being considered as part of this build okay one minute thank you the honorable roosevelt david my friend i just want to say that i'm in definite support of this because i understand the purpose of this request to bring you bring your car rental into um you know conformity for zoning. So I'm in full support of that. Ms. Leah Laplace, DPNR, for bill number 350281, which this property is about four and a half acres, if my memory serves me right, Mr. Sprav keeps talking about a gut um is most of that property in the gut um is how how do you see this happening with uh proposed um construction that you know our guts are our waterways of the 3:23:46 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 21 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session virgin islands so they should be no building in the guys can you tell me how this property as it's been approved by dp and our gut it's blessing that there will be protection of our gut good evening so the majority of the property is not in the gut um the gut would require setbacks of either between 25 to 30 feet and the conceptual did show the buildings would be set back from the gut. So the applicant is aware and is, his plans would reflect the, you know, staying away from the gut. 3:26:14 Ms. LaPlaza and Mr. Chair, if I may conclude, just refreshing my memory. So with zone changes, is there a requirement that there should be notification posted in the community informing the residents that there will be a change or development for zone change? Yes, Senator. There's three methods of notification, signposted on the property, newspaper ad, and letters to adjacent owners within 150 feet. 3:26:56 And this was completed? Yes, Senator. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you. Thank you very much, Senator Capehart. Next, we'll recognize Vice Chair. Senator Bardin, you recognize for your four minutes. Please recognize the mic of Senator Blyden. Thank you. Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. Good evening to my colleagues again. evening testifiers and thank you so much for your testimonies. I will be supporting all three of these Zona requests. Let me start with Bill 35.0259, the annex. Mr. Abrams, We spoke to some 139 inmates who will be housed there from various out-of-territory facilities. 3:27:32 My only concern is, though, because there's 207 beds, but my only concern is what was spoken of during the budget process in respect to the amount of funds we spend locally per President compared to other states, and how will you be able to sustain in terms of the budget, since we're in budget season, such a large, large amount in your budget to run this facility? Can you speak to that briefly, please? How will you be able to sustain the funding, and where will it come from? 3:28:33 Well, thank you for the question, Senator. I don't have all the information about the sustainability of the funding portion of it, but I could definitely get you, I could get you that information. But I just also wanted to add on that, you know, we need the facility because we are, it is a, we do detain people there and we need, you know, we need the space for the majority of the folks that are there are detainees, you know, pre-trial. I understand, I used to visit it before it got destroyed, and my question is again, which would make sense in that respect, you need to be very creative because most of the individuals who are detained there really don't have any in terms of petty crimes and basically whereas those individuals can actually go out and work and do other things, you know, while they're there, they're housed there, so we really need to get on board in terms of assuring we do things differently moving forward okay and be creative um also bill number three five does zero three zero eight of course i'm going to be supporting the piece of legislation you know it's former senator former senator david family legacy you know for his children and definitely he has been on the grind for some time now he knows what he's doing you know and uh he provides a very crucial service to the people of St. John. I want to thank you for all you've been doing in that space. And lastly, I'll talk about building number 35.0281. Mr. Spower, good evening. Good evening, Senator. Thank you for your forthright vision in terms of providing housing for your people in St. John, which we know housing the most, In my opinion, important investment anyone can make. 3:29:07 And I must say you have a hard road ahead in respect to funding. I think on your investment, I think you must be creative, first of all. You know, what's your background? What's your background? What's your background? Business administration, account, and finance. Okay. Very well. For such a project, you're going to need some experts around you to really help you bring this all together, you're going to need to be very creative because you spoke to steel, steel structure, you spoke to concrete, but at the same time when it comes to interior you need to be creative also and look at other measures in terms of cost. Like for instance sheet rock on the inside, et cetera. Also you need to look at your drawings, how you build it, you know, how you build your structure. And I believe such a project must be a P3. You need to have partners, government, public, business. You must merge together. And I think there are funds out there right now that can assist you in this space, right now that can assist you moving forward. And I look forward to having further discussion with you and leading you in the right direction because such an investment is critical for people at this time, and it's needed and necessary, especially on the small island of St. John because, as you said, a thousand other square feet right now, it's unreachable in many cases for many individuals, but there are ways to be creative to bring that cost down tremendously per square footage, doing all of these different innovative stuff as you go along your path. 3:31:09 So I look forward to further discussion and thank you so much, Mr. Chair, for the time and I will be supporting all three bills in this block. Thank you so much. Thank you, Senator. Thank you very much, Senator Blyden and real quickly for me, because I'm in full support of all the measures before me. I think it adds to economic development, certainly housing and a state-of-the-art facility. Mr. Sproul, do you have a business plan already prepared? It's been tweaked. Yeah. working with uh some partners and actually putting together many of the components that uh sander blight and spoke about yeah yeah um i think that a business plan will go a long way in and being able to um certainly have your discussion with hud and those other areas they're really opportunity a lot of opportunities out there um you know so but the business plan is well going to speak for itself yes um and that design i also agree with my colleague in regards to a partnership i 3:32:59 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 22 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session believe that um don't be afraid of partnership um i believe that that's something that and it's it's a lot of times we take for for granted those opportunities or we just want to be able to do things on our own um but i think that some um you know partnership would definitely take us a longer way and um you know you could branch off once you're able to to find your way but i think that the start um especially for the magnitude of this project will be both take you a long way I don't have anything further than this. Again, I believe that these are three solid projects, you know, with some tweaking that definitely could get us where we want to be on this. So, Mr. Roosevelt, David, I congratulate you on 30-plus years of being in business. I know it's not easy as a businessman myself. You know, it's not easy out there, especially as a small local businessman. a lot of times people shun you because they don't want to support you because they don't want to see a black man and be able to make some money or they think you're making money. I have lived it. Yeah, so I congratulate you on what you've been able to do there and I implore you. And is there any opportunity for you to pass this on to your children? Most of the children are not interested in these type of things. They want to go elsewhere. They have other goals and objectives. 3:34:32 Are you having conversation with succession? Oh, not at all. I have a son, a son. I call him Ruse like they call me when I was growing up. He'll work 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I used to do that. Yeah, excellent. For many, many years, eight days a week. He does it. I have to beg him sometimes to take off a day. Absolutely. That's good. That's good. Definitely. We could burn out happen fast. I mean, you know, as a small business owner, a lot of times you spend 18, 20 hours in your own business. It's not easy. So, uh, but, uh, I, I think that's wronged out any, any burning questions from any of my colleagues here in none, how we go to closure and I'll ask a DPNR to make some closing comments as well as the, uh, representatives here for each of the zoning. We'll start off where we began with bill 35.0259. 3:35:16 Laplace Matthews. Good evening so thank you for allowing us to place our recommendations on the on the record and I'd like to remind the public that the comprehensive Lanawati's plan the draft goals policies and strategies are up on planusvi.com we need the public to go and vote on the strategies either say yes I agree with it no I don't agree give suggestions as to changes the deadline for the comments for the public's comments July 26 so please people of the Virgin Islands go and review that document so that we can have a draft comprehensive land and water use plan to submit to the legislature before the end of year thank you thank you very much mr. Abrams a pleasant good evening again And I want to thank the U Senate, President Noble Francis and the members of the 35th Legislature for the consideration, their positive consideration. I also want to thank the DPNR for all their assistance in helping us get through this process. So we just, you know, thank you for your help and assistance in moving us forward. 3:36:13 Thank you. Thank you very much. Mr. Samuel, do you have anything? No, you're good. Mr. Spau. Thank you, Senate President, for the opportunity to testify here this evening. Certainly, you know, it is an honor for, you know, a local businessman and developer to present these type of ideas. We don't see or hear too many of these, but certainly I look forward to a favorable approval on the request that I've made before you today. thank the members of the uh committee and the whole as well uh thank you very much mr david mr chair i must confess that i am tremendously impressed and encouraged with the tone that i'm hearing from the senators about economic activity that is what drives revenue circulating a multiplier effect develops this and the community benefits a big way yes i'm going to urge you to move forward than that microcredit program get it expanded yes i i want us to support this young man he's digging in his feet he's a little nervy but he has places to go but the mentor that the mentorship that he's getting from leah matthews just excellent because she's a model of a government employee yes and so i want to thank you for hearing my testimony and hearing all of us hearing all of us uh thank you very much mr samuel is is doing his thing and he's come a long way i mean you know he's been out before us a few times and he's definitely every time he comes here he's he's represented more and more so um i see senator fred gregory has joined us um i hope all is well and we just concluded this round so so um if you just wanted to say a few words um we'll recognize you thank you mr president And I've actually looked at both of the zoning requests and I wholeheartedly support both of them because all of us know that I am big on economic development. In order for a community of this size and our geographical location, no one is coming 3:37:33 to save us. So we have to do what we have to do. So once it's for economic development and to ensure that we are able to provide services, because economic development translates to taxes. So it translates to services. And that's part of our responsibility to ensure that services are provided to our community. And absent of our ability to push forward economic development, we will not be able to do what we have to do to ensure that the services in the territory improves. So I am all for these two zoning requests, and I wish both of you well. Gershwin is my classmate and I'm going to tell you what Roosevelt is. 3:40:05 But seriously, at the appropriate time, I will make the, I notice we don't vote in this particular part of the meeting, but I will make the, my yes vote for both of the zonings And I apologize for not being here, but I have, I'm juggling dealing with my mother and doing my work because I have to do my work. So I'm going to just give you, I'm just going to 3:41:08 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 23 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session congratulate you all in advance and just say that, you know, the work that we're doing here, please don't take it lightly. When we say yes, do what you say you're going to do. Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. Chair. Thank you. Thank you very much, Senator Fred Gregory. And this again concludes this particular block. I wanted to say when I was speaking to you, Mr. Sparrow, is that you need to also have a conversation with the government in terms of some of the infrastructure needs that should be put in there. This shouldn't all rest on you. Yes. So, you know, we could have that conversation at some point as well. I appreciate that, Senator. But this round out, block number two, again, we had before us three measures, Bill 35.0259, Bill 35.0281, and Bill 35-0308. 3:41:51 The committee will stand in recess for 10 minutes. Thank you very much. God bless. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. 3:42:29 Thank you. ¶¶ Let alone my way down [2 such phrases repeated 9 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as speech] 3:46:14 Thank you. We'll be right back. 3:51:14 Thank you. Thank you. ¶¶ Thank you. ¶¶ . ¶¶ Oh, my God. Thank you. 3:52:14 so Thank you. 3:56:43 so Thank you. Oh, my God. Thank you. [3 such phrases repeated 23 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as speech] 3:57:43 Thank you. Thank you. 4:11:13 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 4:12:13 Thank you. Thank you. 4:14:13 so Thank you. my Thank you. 4:15:13 Thank you. Thank you. ¶¶ Lee-loo-la-la-lee-lo-le-lo-i Lee-loo-la-la-la-lee-lo-lo-i way, yah! 4:17:13 Thank you. ¶¶ Thank you. ¶¶ ¶¶ Hold on a minute. 4:19:12 Thank you. Oh, my God. ¶¶ Thank you. so Thank you. 4:22:11 Thank you. Thank you. Oh, my God. 4:25:11 Thank you. Oh, my God. [2 such phrases repeated 8 times · standby audio before the proceeding, transcribed by the recogniser as speech] 4:26:41 Thank you. Oh, my God. 4:30:41 Oh, my God. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 4:31:41 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 4:34:41 ¶¶ Thank you. Thank you. 4:36:41 we're out of recess at this time we're rising back into session as we have completed the committee of the whole we're raising back into session as we have completed the committee of the whole motion Senator Gittins you recognize for a motion thank you mr. president mr. president and colleagues I move to reorder today's session agenda for the following blocks and time limits remaining blocks that is and also wave the committee reports and make a permanent make part of the electronic file. Block 2 will remain at a four-minute debate time, which will be discussing the consideration of leases, zonings, and resolutions with the following Bill numbers 35-0195, 35-0239, 35-0242, 35-0259, 35-0281, 35-0284, 35-0294, and 35-0308. Block three will also remain at four minutes for now. We'll be discussing having a consideration of the following bills. 4:38:10 Bills No. 35-0229, Bill No. 35-0240, Bill No. 35-0262, which is an appropriation bill and will be used for the non-jermaine amendments, and Bill No. 35-0269. I so move. Amendment to the motion. 4:40:03 I move to place also the non-jermaine Bill 0262 as the last item in block. 3. Can you just restate block number 2 for clarity purposes? I'll restate block 2 and 3. Listen up colleagues. I'll only do it once more. 4:40:44 number two with a four-minute debate time consideration of leases zonings and resolutions with the following bills being considered 35-0195 35-0239 35-0242 35-0259 35-0281 35-0284 35-0294 And 35-0308 Block 3 With a 4 minute debate time for now The consideration of bills The bills are Consists of bills number 35 That's 0229 35 That's 0240 35 That's 0269 And 35 That's 0262 which will be the last item in the agenda and known as the Bill for Non-Germain Amendments. 4:41:25 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 24 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session I so move. Motion properly made to reorder the remainder of today's agenda by Senator Gittin, seconded by Senator Capehart, Senator Fonseca, Senator James, Maurice James, and I heard Senator Blyden hearing no objection, so ordered. Any other matter before we get the call up block number two? I move to waive rule 403, 404, and 405, and another and, 509B of the rules of the 35th legislature 509b of the rules of the 35th legislature to special order br24-1220 to today's agenda and be given a bill number pursuant to rule 509a iso move 509a iso move Motion. Motion properly made by Senator Fred Gregory. Seconded by Senator Blyton. Motion. Hearing no objection, so ordered. Motion. Motion. 4:42:48 Senator Fred Gregory, you recognize your motion. I move to waive rule 403, 404, and 405 and 509B of the rules of the 35th legislature to special order BR 1096 to today's agenda and be given a bill number pursuant to rule 509A. I so move. Well, yeah, motion properly made by Senator Fred Gregory, seconded by Senator Blyden. 4:44:34 So ordered, Madam legal counsel, we need to build number at this time, 24-1220 bill number for that. You have to turn the switch on. Okay. The next bill number is 35-0311. Mr. President, the next bill number is what? 35-0312. 4:45:10 No legal counsel, the first bill number that you're assigning to 24-1220. It's 35-0311. And the bill number assigned to 24-1196. 35-0312. 1096 I'm sorry 1096 that's 35-0312 colleagues BR24-1220 is now bill number 35-0311 and bill BR24-1096 is now bill number 35-0312 and that will be assigned to Gregory, you're asking for that bill to be assigned to block, what block number? 4:45:46 Block number three. Block number three. Yes. So that'll be, they'll be the second to the last item in block number three. Senator, for Gregory, I'm sorry, Senator Alma Frances Heidegger, are you recognized for your motion? Mr. President, pursuant to Rule 509B of the 35th legislature, I move to Special Order Bill No. 35-0248, a resolution petitioning the United States Congress to amend the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to authorize the people of the Virgin Islands to elect an Attorney General of the Virgin Islands to be placed on the session agenda and be placed as an item before the last item. Motion properly made by Senator Francis Heidegger, seconded by Senator DeGraff, minority leader, hearing no objection. 4:46:49 Objected to by Senator Gittins, roll call. Senator Marvin A. Blyden? Yeah. Yeah? No. Nay. He said a yay. Senator Blyden? Yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr.? Nay. Senator Bocas, Jr.? Nay. Senator Dianne T. Capehart? No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No. Nay. Nay. 4:47:53 Nay. Nay. Nay. Nay. Nay. Nay. Senator Capar, nay. Senator Samua Carrion, nay. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff, yes. Senator DeGraff, yay. Senator Ray Fonseca, not voting. Senator Nouvelle Francis Jr., nay. Senator Francis Jr., nay. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger, yes. Senator Francis Heiliger, yay Senator Donna A. Fred Gregory, no Senator Fred Gregory, nay Senator Kenneth L. Gittins, no Senator Gittins, nay Senator Maurice C. James, no Senator James, nay Senator Javon E. James Sr., no Senator James Sr., nay Senator Franklin D. Johnson, no Senator Johnson, nay Senator Carla J. Joseph, Senator Joseph, absent Senator Milton E. Potter, no Senator Potter, nay. 4:48:23 Please record Senator Fonseca's vote as no. Senator Fonseca, nay. Mr. President, 3 yeas, 11 nays, 1 absent. Very well, the measure fails. Motion, Senator Giovanni James, senior. Mr. President and colleagues, I move to waive I move to waive rules 403, 404, 405, and 509B of the rules of the 35th Legislature to Special order bill number 35-0301 and recommending title 34 virgin islands code chapter 8 section 206a by requiring the government of the virgin islands to bear the cost of forensic medical exams for victims of rape or unlawful sexual sexual contact in any degree regardless of whether the victim cooperates with law enforcement or has health insurance to the Sessions agenda pursuant to Rule 409A and give it a bill number to be considered on today's agenda. I still move. 4:49:34 Let me reinstate. To be considered, I start from the top. Mr. President and colleagues, I move to waive Rules 434445. This thing with this zero thing, I don't know. Mr. President, I move to waive Rules 403, 404, 405, and 509B of the Rules of the 35th Legislature to Special Order Bill 35.0301 and recommending Title 34, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 8, Section 206A by requiring the Government of the Virgin Islands to bear the cost of forensic medical exams for victims of rape or unlawful sexual contact in any degree, regardless of regardless of whether the victim cooperates with law enforcement or has health insurance and that's bill number 35 that's 0301 and to give it to have it considered on today's agenda I so move in the second to last block in the last block second to last block on today's agenda I so move motion properly made by Senator Giovanni James senior seconded by Senator Bulkers, Senator Carriong, Senator Blyton, and Senator Francis Heidegger. Hearing no objections, so ordered. Motion, Senator Gittins, Majority Leader. Thank you, Mr. Chair, Mr. President, Mr. President, and colleagues, I move to waive of rules 403, 404, and 405, and 509B of the rules of the 30 4:50:54 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 25 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session People named in this transcript SUSPECTED, and a finding aid only. Names were matched by machine against the spellings used across all 426 of our transcripts, and the title is the one used in the room. Being named here is NOT evidence that a person attended or spoke · only that the name was said. Speech recognition mishears names, so a spelling may be wrong even where no alternative is offered. 19x Senator Kenneth L. Gittens heard in this transcript as: Giddens, Gittin, Gittins, Kenneth L. Gittins 18x Senator Marvin Blyden heard in this transcript as: Blyden, Blyton, Marvin A. Blyden, Marvin A. Blyton, Marvin Blyton 16x Senator Marise C. James the surname alone also matches: Javan James; Giovanni James Sr heard in this transcript as: James, James Sr, James Sr., Maurice C. James, Maurice James 15x Senator Diane T. Capeheart heard in this transcript as: Capehart, Diane T. Capehart, Dianne T. Capehart 14x Senator Ray Fonseca heard in this transcript as: Fonseca, Fonseca's 13x Senator Milton E. Potter heard in this transcript as: Potter 11x Senator Franklin D. Johnson heard in this transcript as: Johnson 10x Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr heard in this transcript as: Angel Bocas Jr., Angel L. Bocas Jr., Anghel L. Bocas Jr., Bocas Jr. 10x Senator Carla Joseph the surname alone also matches: Clifford Joseph; Karla J. Joseph heard in this transcript as: Carla J. Joseph, Joseph 10x Senator Dwayne DeGraff heard in this transcript as: DeGraff, Dwayne M. DeGraff 10x Senator Novelle Francis heard in this transcript as: Alma Francis, Francis Jr, Nouvelle Francis Jr, Nova Lee Francis Jr, Novelli Francis Jr 10x Senator Samuel Carrion heard in this transcript as: Carrion, Carriong, Samua Carrion 9x Senator Fred Gregory the surname alone also matches: Donna A. Frett-Gregory; Donna Frett-Gregory; Donna A. Fred Gregory; Frank Gregory heard in this transcript as: Gregory 6x Senator Javan James heard in this transcript as: Javan E. James Sr, Javon E. James Sr, Jebon E. James Sr., Jevon E. James Sr. 5x Senator Alma Francis-Heyliger heard in this transcript as: Alma Francis Heiliger, Alma Francis Hyliger, Francis Heiliger, Francis Hyliger 5x Senator Francis Heidegger 4x Senator Alma Francis Heidegger heard in this transcript as: Alma Frances Heidegger, Alma-Francis Heidegger 4x Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. heard in this transcript as: Angel Bulquez Jr., Angel L. Bolques Jr., Bolquez 4x Senator Donna A. Frett-Gregory heard in this transcript as: Donna A. Fred Gregory 3x Senator Giovanni James Sr the surname alone also matches: Javan James; Marise C. James; Neville James heard in this transcript as: Giovanni James 3x Commissioner Josette J. Walker heard in this transcript as: Joseph Walker 2x Senator Angel L. Bulkes Jr heard in this transcript as: Bulkers Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 26 of 27 Legislature USVI · | The Committee of the Whole/Regular Session 2x Senator Franklin D. Johnson Yay heard in this transcript as: Francis Heileger Yay 2x Senator Kaye Part 2x Senator Kenneth L. Gittins Yes 2x Senator Marie C. James Yes heard in this transcript as: Maurice C. James Yes 2x Senator Samuel Carillon heard in this transcript as: Carillon 1x Senator Donna Frett-Gregory heard in this transcript as: Donna A. Frett-Gregory Bills and acts referred to Matched by number against our own acts corpus. The number is what the recognition heard, so it may be wrong; where it resolved, the title is the one the Legislature gave the act. Bill 35-0229 Act 8873 · July 22, 2024 · An Act honoring and commending the Eighth elected Governor of the Virgin Islands, Kenneth Ezra Mapp for his years of service to the people of the Virgin Islands and naming Route 75 on the island of St. Croix from Bassin Triangle intersection at Route 70, Estate Richmond and ending at Krausse·s Lagune the ·Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp Highway·; appropriating $45,000 from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Department of Public Works to implement the mandates of this Act, to bestow the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor on Kenneth Ezra Mapp and for other related purposes Act 8601 Act 8601 · July 20, 2022 · An Act amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-9 to allow for the rezoning of Parcel No. 64- 31 Estate Smith Bay, No. 1, 2, & 3 East End Quarter, St. Thomas from R-3 (Residential- Medium Density) to P (Public) ---0 Act 8606 Act 8606 · July 20, 2022 · An Act amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-1O for the island of St. Thomas to change the zoning designation of Parcel C Estate Nazareth, No. 1 Red Hook Quarter from R-2 (Residential Low Density-One and Two Family) to P (Public) ---0 Act 8605 Act 8605 · July 20, 2022 · An Act amending Official Zoning Map No. SCZ- 10 for the island of St. Croix to change the zoning designation of Parcel No. 73C Estate Concordia, West End Quarter, St. Croix from R-3 (Residential-Medium Density) to P (Public) ---0 Act 8607 Act 8607 · July 20, 2022 · An Act amending Official Zoning Map No. SCZ-8 to allow for the rezoning of Parcel No. 1 Estate Cotton Valley, East End Quarter ·B·, St. Croix from R-2 (Residential- Low Density- One and Two Family) to P (Public) ---0 Act 8599 Act 8599 · July 20, 2022 · An Act amending Official Zoning Map No. SCZ-6 to allow for the rezoning of Parcel No, 10- M VICORP Land, Estate Fredensborg, King Quarter, St. Croix from A-i (Agricultural Zone) to P (Public) ---0 Act 8608 Act 8608 · July 20, 2022 · An Act to amend Official Zoning Map Remainder Estate Susannaberg, No. I 7A Density-One and Two Family) to P (Public) No. SJZ-l to allow for the rezoning of Parcel No. 6 Cruz Bay Quarter St. John from R-2 (Residential-Low ---0 Act 8677 Act 8677 · December 20, 2022 · An Act amending Official Zoning Map No. SCZ-10 for the island of St. Croix for rezoning of Parcels No. 73-B and 271 Estate Concordia, West End Quarter, St. Croix from R-3 (Residential- Medium Density) to P (Public) ·~ Act 8710 Act 8710 · April 14, 2023 · An act amending the Official Zoning Map No. SCZ-7 for the island of St. Croix to change the zoning designation of Plots No. 102-A Remainder, 102-B, and 102-C Estate Hermon Hill, Company Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, from R-3 (Residential-Medium Density) to P (Public) +--0 Act 8873 Act 8873 · July 22, 2024 · An Act honoring and commending the Eighth elected Governor of the Virgin Islands, Kenneth Ezra Mapp for his years of service to the people of the Virgin Islands and naming Route 75 on the island of St. Croix from Bassin Triangle intersection at Route 70, Estate Richmond and ending at Krausse·s Lagune the ·Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp Highway·; appropriating $45,000 from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Department of Public Works to implement the mandates of this Act, to bestow the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor on Kenneth Ezra Mapp and for other related purposes Referred to but not found in our acts corpus: Bill 35-0259, Bill 35-0281, Bill 35-0284, Bill 35-0294, Bill 35-0195, Bill 35-0262, Bill 35-0308, Bill 35-0240, Bill 35-0269, Bill 35-0311, Bill 35-0312, Bill 35-0248, Bill 35-0301 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 27 of 27