The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance voted to favorably pass bill 36‑0217 on Dec. 15, approving the sale of Parcel 20A, Hospital Street, Christiansted, to Z Property VI LLC for an agreed purchase price of $260,000. The committee will forward the measure to the Rules and Judiciary Committee for further vetting.

Senate President Milton E. Potter introduced the transaction as a redevelopment opportunity in Christiansted that would convert a long‑vacant government parcel into taxable property and create jobs. "This transaction converts a liability into revenue while stimulating economic development in a historic town of Christiansted," Potter said during his presentation.

Vincent Richards, assistant commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, told senators the department engaged three independent appraisers "to determine the market value of the parcel" and said the buyer remitted an earnest deposit of $26,000. Richards said the property has remained unmaintained since it was acquired in 1997 and has become a maintenance and liability burden. "The agreed purchase price provides a substantial financial benefit to the government," he said.

Peter Zielke, president of Z Property VI LLC, described plans to rehabilitate the structure, add housing units and blend materials to fit the historic district. Zielke said some portions of the building likely must be torn down because of water damage but that the redevelopment will preserve historic character while adding at least two housing units.

Senators pressed staff on procedural and drafting details. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff noted the bill's whereas clauses showed a discrepancy in the dollar amount and asked that the enactment clause be corrected to reflect the $260,000 sale price. Assistant Commissioner Richards said the contract and supporting documents are in the packet and that the department will ensure the correct dollar amounts are inserted before final enactment.

Senator Hubert L. Frederick moved the committee to favorably pass the bill; the motion was seconded and the clerk recorded the committee’s approval. Chair Novelli E. Francis Jr. said the committee would "make sure that all of the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed" before a final legislative vote.

Next steps: the committee approved the sale and will forward bill 36‑0217 to the Rules and Judiciary Committee.

(Reporting note: price, earnest deposit, appraisal process and testimony above are taken from committee testimony by the Department of Property and Procurement and the purchaser’s representative.)