Contentious “Serenity’s Nest” Use Variance Request Returns to Senate Floor, Earns Support of Lawmakers

The ambitions of “Cannabis Czar” Positive T.A. Nelson to establish a social venue at his residential property on St. Croix have been re-ignited after an amended land variance request obtained significant legislative support.

His application, which would allow for the construction of an amphitheater to host outdoor concerts and a host of other activities in Estate Morning Star, was originally supported in a December Committee of the Whole Meeting. The original decision to grant the variance rested on reassurances that Mr. Nelson would plant a tree buffer and institute a 2 a.m. end time for all activities. Lawmakers were swayed by Mr. Nelson’s reassurances that he held conversations with one neighbor who had been concerned over uncomfortable noise levels. Following those talks, she was “no longer in opposition,” he said.

Days later, new information reached the desks of several senators indicating that in fact several neighbors opposed the move, and wished to prioritize the generally quiet atmosphere of the area. Lawmakers then rescinded their support, with Senator Alma Francis Heyliger declaring that issuing the variance would “not be fair,” over concerns that loud music would disturb the residential peace. Senators Franklin Johnson and Donna Frett-Gregory similarly revoked their support for the measure.

Three months after dashing Mr. Nelson’s hope for a multi-use space for concerts, yoga, eco-lodging and massages at his “Serenity’s Nest” venue, lawmakers have once again had a change of heart. Upon being presented with an amendment that did away with the amphitheater plans and changed the stipulated end time for events from 2 a.m. to 1 a.m., 10 of the 11 lawmakers present voted in favor of the bill. Senator Carla Joseph abstained from the voting process.