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'They Don't Check Things in the VI': Blackbeard’s Castle Owner Admits to Unauthorized Renovations Amid Lax Regulatory Expectations
During this week’s meeting to review ongoing rehabilitation projects across the island, the St. Thomas/St. John Historical Preservation Committee expressed frustrations over the scant regard those behind the Blackbeard’s Castle renovation project have paid to the approval process.
“This is one of the things I was trying to request approval on – this change that’s already been done without prior approval,” said property owner Steve Sigler, showing committee members a new roof and porch canopy over the ticket booth, one of “several items I’m asking for approval on after the fact, obviously.”
The unauthorized improvements included the construction of a ADA-compliant ramp, approval for which was supposed to be the subject of the day’s application. Committee chair Akil Peterson noted that this was not the first time the HPC had been approached after the fact.
Mr. Stigler admitted that he had been advised that permitting regulations were lax in the territory. “Just being straight up honest,” he said. “I was told…in the Virgin Islands they don’t check on stuff…everything will be kind of an as-built, is basically what was suggested to me.” He conceded that he had miscalculated in his approach. “Obviously that’s not the case. You’re doing your due diligence and watching it like a hawk,” Mr. Stigler said. He accepted that he was at fault for trying to rush the process, explaining that it was in an effort to ensure that the property could open in time for peak season.
