Development

From Religious to Business and Residential: Three Zoning Requests Set for June 14 Approval

In a Senate Committee of the Whole hearing on Friday, lawmakers were presented with proposals for three significant zoning changes on St. Croix spanning residential, religious, and business sectors. Junia John-Straker, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands Inc. (LSSVI), made a compelling case for the rezoning of plot number 71, Estate Concordia West. The proposed shift from R2 – Residential Low Density to R3 – Residential Medium Density would enable the construction of a new structure to replace the current "Sister Emma Cottage." The cottage, a part of the Queen Louise Home for Children campus, suffered severe damages during the 2017 hurricanes. The new building aims to mitigate flood risks by being situated on safer ground.   Straker underscored the critical role LSSVI plays in the Virgin Islands, supporting over 300 individuals daily across 11 programs. She asserted that the proposed new Sister Emma Cottage is vital to provide residential foster care to children an...