U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Government House is issuing a clarification regarding the rezoning legislation for a portion of Estate Beeston Hill, South Portion, St. Croix, that Governor Albert Bryan Jr. recently submitted to the 36th Legislature to support new housing stock with permanent safeguards.
The bill transmitted by Governor Bryan is not the same legislation the Legislature has announced it is considering.
Governor Bryan’s proposal was drafted to address the Territory’s urgent housing demand, particularly as recovery activity and economic growth continue to increase pressure on an already tight housing market. The Governor’s measure was structured to expand housing options in a limited and responsible way, with firm, permanent protections to prevent the rezoning from being used for unrelated development.
As submitted by the Governor, the proposed legislation contains three sections.
Section 1 amends the St. Croix zoning map to rezone approximately 15.942 acres of the Remainder of Estate Beeston Hill, South Portion, Matricular No. 6A, Company Quarter, from R-1, Residential Low Density, to B-2, Business Secondary Neighborhood, as shown on survey drawing A9-3C008.
Section 2 provides the central safeguard of the Governor’s proposal. It limits development to the proposed construction of a 24-unit clustered residential development on 3 to 4 acres, inclusive of a playground, green space, and an outdoor meeting space. It further prohibits any other development or construction of any kind on the property unless the Legislature gives express consent.
Section 3 strengthens that safeguard by requiring that the prohibition on development without legislative consent run with the land in perpetuity, regardless of ownership.
Government House notes that the version being considered by the Legislature removed Sections 2 and 3 of the Governor’s original proposal. Those sections were included specifically to ensure the rezoning remained tied to housing, and to preserve legislative control over any future activity beyond the limited residential footprint.
Governor Bryan’s proposal reflects a measured approach to expanding housing options while protecting the public interest and ensuring responsible growth. Government House urges that any public discussion of the Beeston Hill rezoning be grounded in the actual bill submitted by the Governor, including its housing purpose and its permanent safeguards.
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