DAVID DOWARD3, PUBLIC COMMENTS — Zoning
David A. Doward, M.D. 6 Beeston Hill St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands September 22, 2025 To: Department of Planning & Natural Resources Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning Attn: Leia La Place-Mathews, Territorial Planner Re: Opposition to Rezoning Request — Parcel 6A Beeston Hill (CCZPO069-25) Dear Ms. La Place-Mathews, | am writing again because this rezoning issue is not only about land use — for me, it is deeply personal. | was born here on St. Croix. My parents were hardworking people who sacrificed much to give me the chance at a better education and a better life. My father rose from humble beginnings to serve as a senator for this island, working tirelessly to bring resources and opportunities that would benefit the community as a whole. My mother also dedicated her life as a public servant, giving back to the place we have always called home. From my grandmother to my aunts, uncles, and cousins who continue to live and serve here, my family has always sought to make a positive difference on this island. …
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David A. Doward, M.D. 6 Beeston Hill St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands September 22, 2025 To: Department of Planning & Natural Resources Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning Attn: Leia La Place-Mathews, Territorial Planner Re: Opposition to Rezoning Request — Parcel 6A Beeston Hill (CCZPO069-25) Dear Ms. La Place-Mathews, | am writing again because this rezoning issue is not only about land use — for me, it is deeply personal. | was born here on St. Croix. My parents were hardworking people who sacrificed much to give me the chance at a better education and a better life. My father rose from humble beginnings to serve as a senator for this island, working tirelessly to bring resources and opportunities that would benefit the community as a whole. My mother also dedicated her life as a public servant, giving back to the place we have always called home. From my grandmother to my aunts, uncles, and cousins who continue to live and serve here, my family has always sought to make a positive difference on this island. | worked hard and left to pursue my education, always with the hope that one day | could return home — to raise my children here and pass on to them the same deep love for St. Croix that was instilled in me. | bought property at 6 Beeston Hill according to the rules — with the dream that it could be a place of legacy, of memories, of continuity for my daughters and future generations. As the owner of the property that lies directly adjacent to Parcel 6A, | will be impacted more than anyone by this proposed rezoning. This is not an abstract policy debate for me — it is about the future of my home, my neighborhood, and my children’s inheritance. That is why it has been so painful to be mischaracterized by Ms. Barnes as someone with “generational wealth” or as an “elitist” trying to block others. That description does not fit me or my story. | was not born into privilege. Everything | have was earned through hard work, sacrifice, and community support. To reduce my opposition to this rezoning into a caricature of greed is both unfair and insulting. My concern is simple: | want this island to grow in ways that respect the rules, preserve its beauty, and serve the people who live here — not in ways that bend laws for financial gain. | do not oppose people having housing or opportunity. What | oppose is unnecessary rezoning that risks changing the fabric of our neighborhoods and misrepresents the true intent of development. | am asking you to see me and others who share these concerns for who we really are — people who love this island, who have given back to it, and who want to protect it for our children and grandchildren. With respect, David A. Doward, M.D. 6 Beeston Hill St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands aan ae