COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE HEARS ZONING APPLICATIONS AND STATE OF EMERGENCY EXTENSION REQUEST

ST. CROIX – Members of the Committee of the Whole, led by Senate President Donna A. Frett-Gregory, convened in a meeting at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers received testimony on rezoning map amendment applications as well as the request to extend the State of Emergency in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Senators cannot vote on measures in the Committee of the Whole; however, action will be taken during the next scheduled Legislative Session.

The full body considered applicants for rezoning regarding remodeling a stone cottage, operating a nail salon, building a single-family residence, an assisted living facility, and a mixed-use development as it pertains to the UVI RT Park. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources Territorial Manager for the Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Planning, Leia LaPlace Matthew, and Jewel Polimus, the Planning Technician within the Division of Coastal Planning, overwhelmingly supported these rezoning plans with recommendations.

ZAC-21-13, represented by Sheena Jackson, on behalf of her mother, Annette Jackson, seeks to renovate and remodel a stone cottage into a single-family residence. The property was last used 20 years ago, and the current zoning of the property does not allow single-family residences. Jewel Polimus, the Planning Technician of the Division of Coastal Planning for the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), presented on behalf of Leia LaPlace Matthew, Territorial Planner, Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Polimus stated that current plans are for a one-story, two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom residence. There was no public opposition to the proposed rezoning. DPNR recommended that the variance be allowed.

ZAC-21-14, represented by Lymarie Poleon, so that she may legally operate a nail salon within 40-foot trailer on her property. There was no public opposition to the proposed rezoning. Polimus noted that if the variance were to be granted, permits would have to be secured from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Building Permits and a business license would need to be secured from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs’ Board overseeing Barbers, Beauticians, and Manicurists. The final design of the salon would have to meet requirements set by DLCA and the Department of Health before it is fully operational. DPNR recommended the rezoning.