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Some people see a beautiful place that they would like to preserve. Others see underutilized land that they could develop and turn a good profit. The developers are setting their sights on Bordeaux now:
http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com//index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1890&Itemid=1
We're going to Virgin Gorda later this month. It'll be the first time in 20 years that we've gone somewhere other than STJ when we were going to the Caribbean. So much has changed on STJ. It's not a real good fit for us anymore.
St. John is under attacked by big money. Forcing out locals of West Indian descent, many of whom had inhabited the island for generations. Property is being bought to erect monuments of conspicuous consumption that are totally out of step with the St. John's style, and culture. St. John has limited land and is now a high-priced commodity that only the wealthy can now afford.
Wait until you see the changes on Virgin Gorda and the BVI...
As I always say, tourism is our best asset and our worst enemy. As you have told Lex, wait until he sees Virgin Gorda. They will visit Virgin Gorda until it's gets to be like St John which is getting to be like St Thomas and say they need to find someplace else that isn't like the last one. Well, hopefully they will find out that they are the problem. They find a place, tell the world about it and when the world responds, it's no good. Go figure. Hopefully someday people will be happy with where they visit and leave it alone and don't want the improvements that cause more development.
RL
"Well, hopefully they will find out that they are the problem. They find a place, tell the world about it and when the world responds, it's no good."
I think there will always be monied people who will try to have their way with a place. I think it is up to the government and people of the place to control development and the impact of tourism. You'll never change the mindset of everyone who visits and has money to buy, build and ruin a place. It is easier to put controls in place. Limit the size of parcels sold.....limit the size of homes.....limit the amount of non-belonger owned land.....etc.
It is being done in many, many other places...in varying degrees. If a place doesn't have controls, then we have to wonder if the powers that be really consider it a problem.
Other than the park system, what does the VI have in place to control development?
Anyone see the home on Platform beach recently? I have new photos. It is STILL right on the water...and what we saw in the older photos was not a retaining wall....it was the house. Measurements have been taken and the residents have filed their complaint.....and the government, from what i have been told by the residents, has failed to respond. The mindset is that the homeowner has paid someone off.
Let me clarify. While STJ is the only place that we've stayed in the Caribbean, we have gotten to the BVI for day trips. We've seen VG and liked what we saw. That's why we're going there.
admin, why'd you erase my post? i was just trying to show *some* sort of logical, landowner-perspective counterpoint to the one-sided thoughts on here... no cursing, just a little ranting... and i believe a valid opinion!
it's like a virtual burma in here- don't even try to have an opposing opinion!!
-stj landowner with no house yet
Well, CZM just shot down one big new proposed condo development in Smith Bay. Their decision could go to appeal but at least it's a step in the right direction. Good change comes slowly here but there have been several developments of late where the government is concerned which might lead one to be guardedly optimistic about the future. Much damage has been done and cannot be reversed but residents are beginning to step up to the plate in many different areas and may their knowledgeable input continue. Cheers!
I say CHEERS to that!!!
That is a good news. I hope the Senator at large takes note of this - in reference to her vote on Sirenusa development that is such complete mess!
What is the latest on Sirenusa?
It's full speed ahead with the development!
The 27th Legislature of the V.I. over rode Governor John deJongh’s veto of the controversial Sirenusa zoning variance bill on May 29. St. Johnian Senator at Large Carmen Wesselhoft, voted in favor of the override consideration.
Hey ? Don't think your post was removed intentionally.
RL
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Date: Yesterday, 11:33PM
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