ST. THOMAS, VI — The 36^th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter convened into Committee and the Whole and Legislative Session at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers received testimony considering rezonings.  Additionally, lawmakers approved nominees to departments and boards. Approved items from today’s session will be sent to the Governor for further consideration and action.

Lawmakers first met in the Committee of the Whole to receive testimony on the following rezonings in the territory:

• Bill No. 36-0118, An act amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-11, St. Thomas to rezone Parcel No. No. 100-1C Estate Taarneberg, King’s Quarter, St. Thomas from R-3 (Residential-Medium Density) to B-1 (Business- Central Business District). The measure was sponsored by Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff.

Keshoy Samuel, Planning Technician at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources delivered its recommendation on the zoning amendment application. The application was submitted by the St. Thomas Federal Credit Union, who seeks to develop a new operational facility for the credit union. It would include drive through service, ATMs, walk in services, and a conference center. Surrounding the area is a mix of R3, B2 (Business Secondary/Neighborhood), C, Commercial, and W-1(Waterfront Pleasure) zones. No opposition or concerns were raised with the proposal at the DPNR-CCZP public hearing held on May 19, 2025. No post hearing comments were received. The proposed development would consist of a two-story main building and a one-story conference/training room, with fifty-four parking spaces. The buildings would be built in phases. The main building would take 24 months in Phase 1, and the conference room would take 18 months in Phase 2. The location of the site is outside the Charlotte Amalie Historic District, but within the city limits. The Department recommended that the rezoning be approved.

• Bill No. 36-0129, An act amending Official Zoning Map No. SCZ-20 for the island of St. Croix to rezone Plot Nos. 36 and 37 Estate Richmond, St. Croix from C (Commercial) to B-3 (Business-Scattered). The measure was sponsored by Senator Milton E. Potter by request of the Governor.

Josette Walker, Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources delivered its recommendation on the zoning amendment application. The application was submitted by the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System, seeks to develop staff and visitor boarding rooms, including a kitchen studio for recording cooking shows. No opposition or concerns were raised during the DPNR-CCZP public hearing held on June 16, 2025. No post hearing comments were received. The proposed use would include four bedrooms, with bathrooms and a kitchen studio on the second floor. Additionally, the facility would support overnight stays for technical staff and media production. The Current C – Commercial zoning does not allow residential use, and the property no longer qualifies for non-confirming use, under Section 234 of the Zoning Law. The surrounding area has long had a mixed used character, and the proposed rezoning would align and support residential and business functions. The Department recommended the rezoning.

• Bill No. 36-0130, An act ratifying the Governor of the Virgin Islands approval of Major Coastal Zone Permit No. CZMJLW0001-24 issued to Trans America Fiber, U.S., LLC. The measure was sponsored by Senator Milton E. Potter by request of the Governor.

Marlon Hibbert, Director of the Division of Coastal Zone Management at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources delivered brief testimony. The permit would allow the permittee to use the existing pipeline boards installed at Butler Bay, St Croix and connect a submarine fiber optic cable to the AT&T of the Virgin Islands telecommunications building located at No. 4-A Estate Northside, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. A rental fee of $67,000 per year would be charged. The term of the permit is 20 years. The Department deemed that the permit listed meets the goals and policies of the VI Code, Title 12, Chapter 21, and recommended that the permit be ratified.

Lawmakers then convened in Legislative Session and approved the following nominees:

• Mr. Vincent Roberts to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation
• Mr. Edwin Raphael to serve on the Board of Directors of the UVI Research & Technology Park
• Mrs. Chantele D. Quinones to serve on the VI Historic Preservation Commission

Additionally, Lawmakers approved Bill 36-0118, Bill 36-0129, and Bill 36-0130.

Policymakers also approved Bill No. 36-0131, A resolution to impose sanctions against Senator at Large Angel L. Bolques Jr. for violating the Code of Ethical Conduct of the 36^th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The measure calls for a formal letter of reprimand and a 30-day working suspension of Bolques, beginning on August 18, 2025 with 15 days being served immediately. The remaining 15 days is held in abeyance until December 31, 2025. During this time, Bolques must comply with all legislative rules. Any further violations would trigger the remaining suspension and possible additional charges.  

Senators present at today’s Legislative Session included Milton E. Potter, Kenneth L. Gittens, Marvin A. Blyden, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Alma Francis Heyliger, Hubert L. Frederick, Franklin D. Johnson, Carla J. Joseph, Avery L. Lewis, and Kurt A. Vialet.

The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit legvi.org.

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