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Bill

Bill

36-0033

An Act amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-9 for the island of St. Thomas to rezone Remainder Parcel No. 19-1-2, Parcel No. 19-1-2-7 (Eastern portion), and Parcel No. 19-1-2-7 (Western portion), Estate Smith Bay, Nos. 1, 2, and 3 East End Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands from A-2 (Agricultural Zone) to B-3 (Business Scattered)

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill rezones three Estate Smith Bay parcels from agricultural to business use, enabling commercial development on formerly farm-designated Virgin Islands land.

Sent to Lt. Governor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0033

Legislative bill overview

This bill rezones three parcels totaling an unspecified acreage in Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas from Agricultural (A-2) to Business Scattered (B-3) zoning. The change permits commercial development on land currently designated for agricultural use, and the bill has already received gubernatorial approval as of June 2025.

Why is this important

Zoning changes fundamentally alter what can be built and how land is used, affecting property values, local economic activity, and community character. This rezoning could enable retail, office, or service businesses in an area previously restricted to farming, potentially generating tax revenue and jobs while changing the neighborhood's trajectory.

Potential points of contention

  • Agricultural land loss: Converting agricultural zoned land reduces the island's farming capacity and food security resilience in a territory that imports most food
  • Missing development details: The bill itself contains no information about what specific projects are planned, raising questions about whether this rezoning serves genuine market demand or speculative interests
  • Community impact unspecified: No analysis provided on traffic, infrastructure capacity, environmental effects, or compatibility with adjacent properties and existing uses

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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