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Senate Approves Multiple Zoning Changes, Clears Planned Development for St. Joseph and Rosendal
Summary
The Senate approved several amendments to official zoning maps, including a planned-area development on parcels in Estate St. Joseph and Rosendal (36-0095). Senators framed the measure as part of efforts to expand housing and encouraged attention to neighbors’ concerns and mitigation funding barriers.
The Senate on June 4 passed a package of zoning bills that change land use designations on St. Thomas and St. Croix and approved a planned-area development in Estate St. Joseph and Rosendal (bill 36-0095).
Lawmakers approved measures to rezone parcels in Estate Smith Bay, Estate Bakaro and other locations and to grant a perpetual access easement for a portion of Estate Lraange (bills 36-0033, 36-0034, 36-0082, 36-0094). The chamber recorded roll-call votes and the clerk said each measure will be forwarded to the governor.
A focal point of debate was bill 36-0095, which Senate supporters described as a structured plan to add housing — senators repeatedly noted the proposal would add roughly 80 units and called it an example of local entrepreneurs returning to build homes in the territory. “These young men came in and presented a great project,” Senator Franklin D. Johnson said on the floor, urging the governor to support the effort and help remove federal funding roadblocks.
Several senators acknowledged local opposition from adjacent property owners and asked developers to work with neighbors; some speakers emphasized environmental safeguards, drainage protection near the Smith Bay lagoon, and the need to coordinate with the Housing Finance Authority and CDBG mitigation funds.
Outcome and next steps: The zoning bills were favorably voted on and will be transmitted to the governor for approval or veto. Senators and advocates signaled they will monitor permitting and federal funding steps needed for the planned-area development to proceed.
What this means locally: Passing the rezonings clears regulatory steps for private development projects that proponents say will add housing stock; opponents and some senators asked agencies to enforce environmental protections and address nearby residents’ concerns before construction begins.
