Housing Construction, Business Expansion Crux of Zoning Requests Going to Governor

Senators breezed through the approval of nine zoning changes Friday morning, with senators not even using their two minutes of debate time.

Sen. Franklin Johnson pointed out that five of the nine zoning changes were to allow more housing in the territory. Sen. Milton Potter said the territory’s housing stock was “anemic” and could use all the help it could get. Sen. Samuel Carrion said the zoning changes were “needed.” Three of the changes were to help small businesses expand.

One of the measures forwarded to the governor would allow the rezoning of plots on Strand Street in Frederiksted so that The Fred Hotel could add 30 or more rooms. Another request would allow a local family to follow through on a plan to build affordable housing on St. John, in Estate Susannaberg. Preliminary plans are for six cottages.