January 8, 2026



VIA EMAIL: leia.laplace@dpnr.vi.gov



RE: FORMAL OPPOSITION to Rezoning Application No. CCZP0091-25 Location: Estate Bakkeroe, St.

Thomas



To the Commissioner and Planning Staff:



Please accept this letter as my formal opposition to the proposed rezoning of the parcels identified in Application

No. CCZP0091-25. As a resident and property owner in Estate Bakkeroe (1-4 & 1-3A Estate Bakkero), I urge the

DPNR to recommend disapproval of this request based on the following critical concerns:



1. Preservation of Neighborhood Character and "Spot Zoning" Estate Bakkero is a historic, established

community of single-family homes. The existing R-1 (Residential-Low Density) designation is the bedrock of our

neighborhood's character. Introducing high-density zoning into the heart of a low-density area constitutes "spot

zoning,” which is inconsistent with the long-term land-use goals of St. Thomas. This change would permanently



alter the community’s integrity and negatively impact property values for all surrounding residents.



2. Infrastructure and Traffic Safety The main arteries serving Frenchman’s Bay and Bakkeroe are already

operating at or near capacity. Traffic congestion is a known issue during peak hours. Adding high-density housing,

particularly a "worker camp" or large-scale multi-unit development, will create an unsustainable burden on these

roads. This will affect vehicle access for all neighborhoods in the Frenchman’s Bay area.



3. Economic Impact on the Tourism Corridor This site sits directly on the primary transit path for visitors

traveling to the Marriott Frenchman's Reef and the Westin. Tourism is the lifeblood of our island economy.

Replacing the scenic, residential aesthetic of this corridor with high-density industrial-style housing risks degrading

the "destination image" that supports our taxi drivers, hotel staff, and local businesses. There are far more suitable

locations on St. Thomas for high-density workforce housing that do not jeopardize established residential zones or



the tourism experience.



4. Deficiencies in the Notification and Public Process The notification process for this application has been

significantly flawed. Proper signage was not maintained, and many directly impacted residents received no official

notification. Furthermore, attempting to move this application through the public comment phase during the peak

holiday season—when many residents are away—undermines the transparency of the DPNR process. In addition,

Parcel No. 1-61-4 was not properly identified. I only learned of this proposal after the public hearing, leaving me

and many of my neighbors limited time and options to respond. This lack of proper, adequate notice has deprived

the community of its right to a fair and thorough review.



Conclusion J strongly urge the DPNR to protect the integrity of the Estate Bakkeroe community and reject

Application No. CCZP0091-25. We ask that you maintain the R-1 designation to ensure that development in this

area remains compatible with the environment and the people who live here.



Sincerely,