News of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Bring an offer for Cruz Bay business

Bringin’ the Fun, the cute, 14-month old Internet cafe and espresso bar in Cruz Bay, is for sale.  Asking price is $75,000 for the shop which also does breakfasts, sells some gift items, and gets a commission when booking day sails and island tours. 

Here's our earlier story about the place: http://barnako.typepad.com/news_of_st_john_usvi/2007/05/closest_thing_t.html

She and her handyman/builder/carpenter partner, Rance, took esentially “dead space” above the American Paradise Real Estate office, painted, installed counters, tables and chairs, installed a waterfall and created a pleasant place to while away an hour sipping and surfing.

“The spot could continue with coffee and internet (if computers were added), possibly yoga, exercise, a juice bar, or could be office space, possibly for a villa rental company, retail shop, health and beauty spa, anything except a bar or restaurant,” Nydick added. (The landlord, the Banana Deck restaurant, says competition would be a no-no.)

“We’ll consider all offers!!,” she added.  “I love running my own business, but want some freedom to travel a little more and enjoy beautiful St. John.”

Taxi drivers endorse Pond Bay

Update:  Gov. John deJongh was among 100 people who attended the official groundbreaking of the Pond Bay luxury hotel project at Chocolate Hole on Tuesday, according to the St. John Source. 

The ceremony follows almost 30 years of planning and previous failed efforts to develop the land.  Leona Smith, St. John Administrator, said Pond bay will be good for the economy.  And the Source quoted Sen. Roosevelt David saying, “The taxi drivers are in favor of it.” 

Full story: http://www.onepaper.com/stjohnvi/?v=d&i=&s=News:Local&p=1206159868

Believe me, there's been plenty of ground broken already.  Here's what it looks like.

Marketing for the 15-acre “Luxury Private Residence Club” is well underway.  There is a sales office at the Marketplace. 

Plans are for 50 three-bedroom villas and cottage, a 140-seat fine dining restaurant and a 12,000 square-foot world-renowned ESPA destination spa which will, according to promotional material "feature relaxation rooms with tropical gardens, (and) heat experiences with coral steam rooms," Vitality Pools, Body Jet Showers and Rock Saunas and a gym.

Here’s a Web site promoting Pond Bay.  It’s been on the web since last July.  Things still move slowly on St. John: http://www.foliocollection.com/#pb-intro  Islandia Real Estate is also marketing the project.

Condo owner likes Grande Bay's 'European' flavor

A few owners of the St. John's new condo development overlooking Cruz Bay have moved in and one has talked about it.  Raymond Krek says he likes the “European living” experience of being close to town, restaurants and the ferry dock. 

The trial lawyer from Wisconsin spoke about life at the waterside condominium development to Eloise Anderson, publisher of the St. John Sun Times.  About the controversy surrounding the still-unfinished project, Krek said, “If someone says they’re upset we bought here, well I’d say, ‘Let’s talk about it.’  I think we’d have more things in common than we would have differences.”

Krek said that even though the controversial Grande Bay is years behind schedule, and not exactly what he contracted for, “It was worth the wait.” Anderson’s impression of Krek’s unit: “It’s a fine view, but it’s quite small.”  (Reading the article, you get the idea it’s a one-bedroom condo.)

Another condo owner refused Anderson's interview request, “fearing negative publicity," she wrote.

Development: it's here. Get over it.

Yesterday's posting of updated photos of the island's major construction projects have brought comments offering real anger and frustration about Sirenusa, Grande Bay, and Pond Bay.

It's time for a reality check.

For some time, I've been critical of the island development, particularly the monster homes and McMansions so different from the Caribbean cottages we found here in the late '70s.  But at some point, you have to grow up and realize other people have found he island, too.  Get over it.

In most places, if the Ritz or Four Seasons said it wanted to build a resort in town, people would applaud and governments would rush to provide tax incentives to make a deal happen.  Development means construction jobs now, service employment later, and new tax revenues from the groundbreaking to operation.

Besides, if you'd like to see what a freeze on construction can do, remember what the sub-prime mess has done to the nation's economy for the past 14 months.  Real estate sales are down as much as 15% (slowing on St. John, too).  The ripples of that weakness have turned into waves of pain for retailers, professionals, transportation companies, banks, and more.  We're all feeling it.

Chances are the town where you live is different, too.  And if you've lived there more than 10 years, you probably say to your neighbor, "Boy, has our town changed!"  Well, it's the same thing here.  You can't expect St. John to stay as it was 10, 20, or even 5 years ago.  It's not an island in aspic.

I'm also going to suggest that the folks buying these new condos and timeshares won't get in the way of you eco-visitors or beach-and-a-book types like me.  The folks at Pond Bay, for instance, will do everything they can to keep guests on the property.  Their own beach, restaurants, gift shops, waters ports, etc.  I suspect, unfortunately, they will be successful.  It's not often you meet someone staying at Caneel having dinner at Fish Trap or even Paradiso.  Tourists who want the kind of all-in-one cocoon experience they will find at Pond Bay are unlikely to leave the enclave.  I wish they would.  The downtown restaurants can use the business.  (Some are even closed on weekends, partly because the villa renters are eating in.) I'd like the high-end resort tourists to get out and see the beaches and the hikes, but as someone recently said when I encouraged him to see the North Shore, "You've seen one beach, you've seen 'em all."

I think that what really galls people about the island's development is the government's failure to exploit and manage it.  Granted, this is not Bermuda, where comfort, appearance and image are primary. Grande Bay and Sirenusa show that hearings and permits and procedures don't seem to matter much.  The consequences are projects that are too big, too close, and too dense.

The other irritant is that those extra tax dollars don't seem to have any effect on island.  Gifft Hill and the North Shore roads are a parade of potholes, there is no safe pedestrian path from the ferry dock to Mongoose, finding a parking space is a fantasy, and Cruz Bay Park is too busy and noisy and dirty.

Whatever it is that attracted you to St. John, chances are it's still here.  Francis Bay has pelicans.  The Reef Bay hike has petroglyphs.  East End has Vie's Snack Shop.  Coral Bay has Skinny's.  Hawksnest is a great beach.

When you came for the first time, you 'found'  St. John.  But even then, you could have found people who said, "You should have seen this five years ago."  Time does fly.

Which way, One Way?

This sign has appeared downtown.  What it means, or what was intended, is anybody's guess.

It is on the corner at the intersection, marked by the Our Lady Catholic Church, St. John Car Rental and Wharfside's parking.  It seems to say that the road is one way if you're on the street coming from the other direction .  However, it's never been that way and, as you can see, drivers are ignoring the sign.

The Inquiring Iguana believes that what was intended was to alert drivers not to turn left onto that spit of road which goes from Wharfside to the Park.  Somebody needs to "replant" the signpost.

Construction update photos

The three big projects. (Click the photos for larger images.)

Grande Bay, Cruz Bay

Not much activity on the site, a few guys milling around.  Street level still unfinished.

Sirenusa, Enighed

Unbelievably gorgeous up there, with incredible western views of St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands.  The MLS shows a 3-bedroom unit just went under contract at $2.1 million

Pond Bay, Chocolate Hole

You won't believe how big it is.

Mixology Warehouse downsizes

The best intentions of Gary Moses have not turned out too successfully.  His second effort to 'give away' his Mixology Warehouse, a wholesale/retail liquor business, petered out, again. 

And now Gary's moved on down the road, or at least out of his first-floor retail space in the Lumberyard.  Mixology Warehouse is doing business out of a trailer in the Lumberyard, according to a leasing agent for the space.

Also available in the Lumberyard, is the second-floor location formerly occupied by Chilly Billy's.  That restaurant closed up in late January. Its 'for sale' listing is still online.

Nature's no more?

The Inquiring Iguana only knows what others tell him or he reads.  This morning he's led to believe that Nature's Nook, the ramshackle fruit and vegetable stand in Cruz Bay is out of business.

Emily, writing on the Islandia Real Estate blog, has heard the VI Health Department shut the place down.  Also, in December, as part of drug and weapons raids by VI Police in Cruz Bay, several licensing violations were identified at Nature's.

"The small stop-by store has been in operation for over 20 years," she wrote. (Has it REALLY been that long?  But then, time does fly.) "A no loitering sign is posted," she added.  (That's Emily's photo, too. I cleaned it up a bit in Pixelmator on the Mac.)

New listing: Cruz Bay deli

It's been about 3 1/2 years since Dan Sheffey opened the Grotto Deli at Mongoose Junction. 

It quickly became  a hit thanks to his personal attention, huge sandwiches, salads, nice wine selection, and Internet access.  The Virgin Islands Daily News readers' voted the Grotto "The Best Deli in the VIs."

It's time to move on. 

The 2,000-square foot business formally went on the market in the last week, listed by American Paradise Real Estate with an asking price of $475,000.  There was a report it was for sale as long ago as last October.

The business's description the America Paradise site: "Catering to tourist & residents alike, Deli Grotto offers baked goods, smoothies, cold beer, extensive breakfast & lunch menu w/sandwiches, salads, pastries & ice cream available to eat in the a/c, on the outside terrace or take out."

Grand trouble at Grande Bay

The Virgin islands Daily News reported that would-be buyers of condos at Grande Bay began arguing in V.I. Superior Court why they shouldn't be forced to close on the purchases.  Dozens of would-be buyers say the units are not safe and that promised amenities are not in place.

Most troubling: One of the buyers, DC attorney Thomas Hill III, testified he's been told by agents of the developer that the project is "potentially on the verge of foreclosure."

Here's the Daily News story: http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=17620036.

Does Cruz Bay face the possibility of an unfinished project smack in the face of arriving visitors?  Not to mention the looming Sirenusa.

Thanksgiving on the Banana Deck

St. Johnians and visitors celebrated Thanksgiving in traditional as well as local ways last week. 

Amy Farris, visiting from Springfield, Va. had what she called the "traditional meal at the Banana Deck which, for others in her party, also served more casual and even West Indian dishes.  Many island eateries had holiday specials, including Island Blues in Coral Bay.  As for cook-at-homes, there were plenty of choices at the island's markets.  Among the luckiest who wanted to celebrate in the old holiday way were staffers at villa rental agency Catered To.  They received turkeys as gifts from the Boss, Eileen.

Farris (aka "FlipFlop" on a Virgin Islands On Line forum) was also on island the previous week, when she and her husband ponied for $100 tickets to attend Rotary Club's tasty fund raiser, Flavors.  Zozo's was her favorite among the almost two-dozen restaurants and caterers which offered a smörgåsbord of samples.  She gave a second place nod to a dish from Ted Robinson, now running his in-villa dinner business, Ted's Supper Club.  Rotary raised a reported $20,000 for its scholarship fund and other island projects.

You can listen to the interview with Smith.
Press the "Play" arrow.

You can also download or hear the conversation by clicking here.

30 years for Mongoose

Mongoose Junction is about to celebrate its 30th tourist season.  In an article about the shopping area, "This Week", the VI tourist magazine you can get at the airport and on some flight, calls the project "a beautiful example of 18th century Danish building technique with a modern twist." 

The architect on the project, and still an island resident, was Glen Speer. Originally, the center offered venues to local artists and artisans. As tourism has increased, and real estate has appreciated, rents in the center have moved up and many of the original tenants have moved on, some to be replaced by branches of larger companies.

The first phase of Mongoose began in 1978.  The upscale Ocean Grill has replaced the original open air bar/restaurant.  It was the place for business people to have lunch, for real estate salespeople to swap stories around an oval bar, while tourists sat at tables and treated bananaquits to sugar water.  The second section, heavy on big retailers, was started in 1988.

You can read This Week's story about Mongoose by clicking here.  The St. John section is on pages 64-75.

Artists Association: new space, new shows

Amanda Smith, the new Gallery Director for the Artists Association of St. John, is drawing up some big plans. 

Suspecting there's a little bit of artist in many locals, she's hoping that, eventually, the group's gallery will host not only regular exhibits of members' work but also daily classes.

"Everybody thinks you have to be a pro, but that;'s not true," Smith explained in an interview.  While she started painting nine years ago as a hobby, "When you constantly (keep at it), you improve."  By having classes in many media ranging from oil painting to watercolor to sculpture to jewelry making, she hopes to "reach people who are even just looking for a hobby. I don't want them intimidated."

You can listen to the interview with Smith.
Press the "Play" arrow.

You can also download or hear the conversation by clicking here.

Smith signed on as Gallery director earlier this year, just as the group was moving from the Marketplace to larger space at the Lumberyard, where Polli's Mexican restaurant used to be.  The Association has 152 members, most of whom are full-time residents.  Each is given 16 square feet each month to display their work.

Each month's featured artists are given an entire wall. The current exhibit highlights photography and paintings by Janet Cook-Rutnik.  December will highlight the paintings of Smith, the gallery director, and Lucy Portlock, a watercolorist.  An opening reception is planned for Dec. 13th at 6 p.m.

Smith also plans to open a small art supply shop next month, adjacent to the Gallery, Pirates Paradise Art Supply. Inventory will include "better and best" lines of acrylics, watercolors, oils, brushes, canvases and paper.

The Association's Web site is http://www.stjohnarts.org/

St. John Post Office to lose staff

If we still owned the Mail Center at the Marketplace, we'd be shaking our heads in disbelief at news three St. John employees at the Post Office are being transferred to St. Thomas.

The St. John Administrator, Leona Smith, complained about the move to the St. John Source saying, "We're already faced with delays and the island is growing."

The only thing this can mean is longer lines at the Cruz Bay Post Office. and more lousy service. Supposedly, mail is to be delivered to mailboxes by 11 a.m., but Smith says it's now more likely at 3 p.m.

The three workers have been told to show up for work at 6 a.m. at the St. Thomas airport, according to the Source story - irrespective of the fact the St. John ferry doesn't make its first run until 6 a.m.

So, if you'll be spending a few weeks or a few months on St. John, getting your mail at the Post Office is going to be even more of a hassle. When magazines arrive months after their publication, and Priority Mail takes four days, fewer people working at the Post Office is only going to make things worse.

Jason Corley, the new owner of the Mail Center, and Nakira, the terrific store manager, are going to feel the effects, too. But you can avoid that additional stress by renting a mailbox at their Marketplace business and letting Jason and Nakira do the heavy lifting. This is not an advertisement, just a fact of life.

Read the St. John Source story.

Cleaning Cruz Bay

An effort to spruce up downtown Cruz Bay next weekend is expected to include business people, government employees and residents.  Visitors will also be welcome.  The fun begins at 8 a.m. in Cruz Bay's Frank Powell Park.

The idea for the effort, dubbed St. John Pretty, was offered by Winston Bennett, the owner of several island restaurants. With the backing of the island Administrator, Leona Smith, the weekend's work is to include painting curbs, power washing streets, and minor landscaping chores.

Areas to get attention included Sprauve School, Cruz Bay Park, and Mongoose Junction, according to reports published by the St. John Source and Virgin Islands Daily News.

The cleanup was originally schedule for last weekend.  But, even 'island time' affects good deeds, too.

Changes at the Marketplace

Summertime doings at the shopping center which is best known as the home of Starfish Market.

Home Accents is gone.  The former interior furnishings store is being replaced by a sales office for the Pond Bay Club at Chocolate Hole. A marketing flyer says, "Pond Bay Club is planned to be a private enclave of spacious villas and cottages with the amenities of a spa, swimming pools, restaurant, beach club and clubhouse."

Across the hallway, the Mail Center is under new ownership.  The Jason Corley family, of Coral Bay, bought it late last month.  Nakira remains the manager of the business offering rental mailboxes, package pickup and shipping, great service and personal attention, and - always - a smiley face

Downstairs, on the first floor, the Starfish Gourmet Food and Wine shop is still under construction.  But now you can come up to the glass front and peer in and see what, if anything, is going on inside.  Opening date?  Soon come :)

School land proposal moves forward

Delegate Donna Christensen's proposal to have the Virgin Islands National Park lease 10 acres on island to the VI government for construction of a new school moved out of subcommittee last week in Washington.  The bill now goes to the Natural Resources committee for approval. 

Joe Kessler, president of the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park still opposes the idea of a land lease as a dangerous precedent for Park land, the St. John Source reported.  He said the Friends do agree a new school is needed and the idea of leasing land mid-island is "worth considering."

Lime Inn tops for moderate budget dining in Cruz Bay

The Lime Inn is the best bet for a reasonable night out for dinner with your sweetie and/or the kids, according to results of our week-long poll on Cruz Bay restaurants.Specializing in seafood, Caribbean lobster, and known for its Wednesday night Shrimp Feast, the Lime Inn has been an island favorite for almost 20 years.

Other old reliables finishing near the top of the voting included Morgan's Mango, featuring South American spicy specialties; Rhumb Lines, known for 'Asian fusion'; the Fish Trap, specializing in, what else?, fish and some imaginative Asian-inspired treatments of old favorites; Banana Deck and its solid bar food, and Cafe Roma, serving up pasta and pizza.

Here are the results of our poll:

• Lime Inn  24%
• Morgan's Mango 13%
• Rhumb Lines 13%
• Fish Trap 13%
• Banana Deck 11%
• Café Roma 10%
• Sun Dog Café 4%
• Inn at Tamarind Court 4%
• Happy Fish 3%
• Compass Rose (Pastory) 2%
• Satyamuna 1%
• China Shack 1%

Kenny Chesney alert!

If history is any guide. Kenny Chesney may be on island soon.

His Flip Flop Summer Tour wraps up this weekend in Atlanta.  TicketsNow.com has seats in the 3rd row, center offered at $950.00.

But when Chesney does his last encore, watch out. Traditionally, that's the time when he charters a plane and takes the band to St. John to kick back. So, you might expect Kenny sightings at Woody's or even in the alley in back, where Anderson Cooper interviewed him for 60 Minutes. (See the video.)

At the same time, a new Chesney CD will be released on Tuesday, Sept. 11.  It's his first new music in two years. And Amazon is offering a deal on it.  Own it for $9.99.  You can order it through the Gift Shop. The online store has two other Chesney CDs at that price, too.Compose Post

Stone Terrace #1 for $plurging

The Stone Terrace finished solidly at the top of a poll of visitors' favorite high-end restaurants in Cruz Bay over the past week.  Zozo's at Gallows Point came in second. While Tage comes in for much praise on various travel forums praise, it finished in third place, far back of the leaders. 

Almost 750 votes were cast. Here are the results:

• Stone Terrace 41%
  La Tapa 9%
  Zozo's  25%
  Paradiso 4%
  Tage  10%
  Equator at Caneel 2%
  Asolare 9% 
  Balcony at Wharfside 1%

Canvas Factory closed

Another of tenant at Mongoose Junction has left the building. 

The Canvas Factory went out of business August 18th.  The small shop, offered hand-sewn cotton and canvas baseball caps, briefcases small luggage  pieces and gift items like change purses (or iPod cases?).  It's very sad to see them not only leave Mongoose but go out of business, period.

I'd heard the 27-year-old business was sold a few years ago, and stopped in to talk with the new owner.  She told me she was too busy to talk because she was getting ready to attend a writer's conference in the states.

Mixology Warehouse worth $1 million?

Gary Moses has posted responses to several comments about his essay contest to find someone to take over his island liquor store.

In his post, he disputed my statement that his business was worth $500,000. Even tho that's what's on his Web site. Now, he says it's worth $350,000 - which might give entrants even more pause when they realize he's set a minimum of 8,000 essays (which at $100/per entry fee would generate $800,000 in fees) to find a winner.  The maximum number of entries he'll take is 12,000.

I asked Gary about comments that he's really just hoping to hoping to generate a lot of cash and sell his business.  Not at all, says the veteran island entrepreneur and die-hard sailor. "The idea is to give someone else the chance to do something (with their life).  A lot of people are afraid to take a chance," he said.  "The business is not 'for sale.' This is an opportunity for someone who's stuck in a rut.  This can help them get out of it."

Gary's a sweet guy, and sometimes he's emotional.  He wants to start an eco-camp on another Caribbean island and help motivate youngsters to be responsible, stay in school and learn skills.

Here's Gary's comment:

Port Authority OKs funds for waterfront

Update 8/24/07:  The Virgin Islands Daily News, in its report of the Authority meeting said the agency's executive director explained it was likely the U.S. Customs in Cruz Bay building would be expanded and that the ferry pavilion would become an enclosed building.

Ferry pavilion?" WHAT ferry pavilion?"  That wimpy white tent with some folding chairs?

The deJongh group is likely to have some kind of public meeting on Str., John to get locals' input and suggestions.  Here's mine.

DeJongh Associates, a St. Thomas architectural firm, is to be hired by the Port Authority to develop beautification plans for the area known as The Creek - the waterfront dock area formerly used by the car barges.  At a meting his week, the Authority authorized $100,000 for a "conceptual development plan," the St. John Source reported.

The meeting was not without discussion about the atrocious conditions at the St. Thomas airport.  Not only is it awful going through security and Customs when you leave, it's terrible when you arrive.  How terrible?

Webcams of St. John

We all know the Webcam in Cruz Bay, keeping watch, 24/7, over the ferry dock.  It's not unheard of for people to write their names on the beach and then call friends by cell phone and say, "Look, Ma. We're here."  That's what "mbw1024" "Xislandgirl" did.

Now there are two more Webcams on St. John, apparently being hosted by someone for the Virgin Islands Daily News.  Both are on the east end. One is aimed at Coral Bay.  The other is looking around the corner at Hurricane Hole.

Liquor store essay contest delayed

"Our highly anticipated essay contest to win a turnkey business in paradise is back!," according to Mixology Warehouse's Web site at http://www.myparadisebusiness.com/.

Well, not exactly. It has not "soon come."

Gary Moses' second effort to give his business to whomever writes the "best" essay about why they want to own his St. John business has been months in the prepping.  Back in March, he told News of St. John he hoped to accept entries in June and declare a winner by fall.

More cheap stuff on island, courtesy of the St. John Sun Times

Grill Your Own at Maho  Monday and Tuesday Nights.  Steak, sausage, Yellow fin tuna, and shrimp are among the choices for you to prepare with some tips, and island spices, from chef Mon Phon.  $6-$12.  Estate Concordia, phone 340-693-5855.

Wednesday is Shrimp Night at the Lime Inn.  A favorite of locals for years and years.  340-776-6425.

Carnival nears its big finish

The weekly podcast is being published a day early because I expect lots of you won't be working after Tuesday and many of you check the site, and download the podcast, at work.

There won’t be much work on St. John after Tuesday afternoon, either.  The St. John Festival features Cultural Day in the park followed by the Festival Mix and its bands Tuesday night at the ball field behind Sprauve School (and across the street from Tage).

Then on the 4th, the partying starts at 4 a.m. with J'Ouvert, a marching through town, followed later by the Festival Parade with dancers, steel pans, and floats.  The annual Fireworks (to which News of St. John is a contributor) will be ignited at 9 a.m. (Anyone on island who'd like to e-mail some photos, please do.  I'll be happy to post 'em.)

Part of the annual Festival's fun is the Village in the Cruz Bay public parking lot, across the street from the Post Office.  More than a dozen plywood shacks are erected, painted brightly, and imaginatively lit as folks sell island foods, drinks, and fun. 

One of the booths, the Shuga Shack, is the work of Jessie Cawley and Miss Val.  They are teachers at the St. John School on Gifft Hill. This is the second year Jessie and Val have run the Shack, offering Johnny Cakes, Pates, and beverages.  And while it's a lot of fun, they'll be happy when it’s over.  What's it like to do a booth?  Listen to this conversation with Jessie. Click the play button below.

You can also download or hear the conversation by clicking here.

Free Beer Offer!  If you're on island, and go to the Shuga Shack, and say "The Jumbies are in Town," Miss Jessie and Miss Val will give you a free Virgin Islands Pale Ale - if you're among the first 10 people to say those secret words. Happy Carnival wishes from News of St. John.

Subscribe to News of St. John's weekly podcast at the Apple iTunes Store and search for "news of st. john," or copy "http://fbarnako.libsyn.com/rss" and paste it into the "Subscribe" field under the iTunes software’s "Advanced" tab.  You can also use that link to subscribe with other podcatching software.  If you’re having a problem, e-mail: frank@newsofstjohn.com.

Possible Wi-Fi woes in Cruz Bay

Will Culver is a bit worried for some people buying condos in Cruz Bay and hoping to get Internet access.  Despite guarantees by developers at Sirenusa and Grande Bay, Culver says Innovative Communications, the islands' phone company, can take years to install phone lines, never mind DSL technology. 

"Pulling wires is expensive which is why I like fixed wireless, Culver said.  That's technology through which a small dish picks up a broadband signal from a tower.  There is a tower on St. Thomas and if you have a view of St. T, you can get Culver's wireless service.

In the second part of an interview with Culver, the owner of Surf da Web, says he sees visitors to St. John using their laptops to do e-mail and make phone calls via Skype. Click the play button below.

You can also download or hear the conversation by clicking here.

Subscribe to News of St. John's weekly podcast at the Apple iTunes Store and search for "news of st. john," or copy "http://fbarnako.libsyn.com/rss" and paste it into the "Subscribe" field under the iTunes software’s "Advanced" tab.  You can also use that link to subscribe with other podcatching software.  If you’re having a problem, e-mail: frank@newsofstjohn.com.

Roundabout plans - worse before it gets better

Robert O'Connor, owner of the Texaco gas station in Cruz Bay, said there's going to be a "mess" while the VI government builds a roundabout to move traffic through the intersection where his Texaco station has been for decades.

At a public information meeting last Thursday, the St. John Source reported officials said a contractor for the job may be selected this fall.  The roadwork is expected to begin next February.  It will last two years. How about that, sports fans?

Now get this ... the reason for doing the job has changed. More than a year ago, Public Works said it wanted the roundabout to alleviate traffic problems which would be caused by the opening of the Enighed Commercial Port. Trucks using the barges would have a difficult time using the road past the Fire Department or Centerline or South Shore road.

Not so, now, says the government. Wystan Benjamin, the federal-aid program manager at Public Works, said traffic from the Port is not causing major problems.  It's just that the four/five way intersection is a bad one, he said. Surprising comment, eh?  Two years of pain to fix something they say isn't broke.

Here's something Public Works had better think of now, too.  The south shore road up Gifft Hill is a disaster.  Potholes galore need to be fixed.  If Gifft Hill is not repaired, folks at the Westin, Great Cruz Bay, Chocolate Hole, Rendezvous, Fish Bay and so on are in trouble if they find gridlock  getting into town by the south route.  Their only option is to go up Gifft Hill ... and that's treacherous, even on dry roads.  Hope Public Works has got some money for asphalt!

Governor grabs for Cruz Bay parking money

Gov. John deJongh wants to take away about 60% of the money earmarked for a new parking garage to be built near the Enighed commercial port. 

The Governor asked the VI Senate this week to "reprogram" the money for "critical needs" such as paying for gasoline for government vehicles and the costs to host the 2007 Volleyball Conference on St. Thomas next month.

I don't really know how these things work in the VI Senate - my impression is most things don't - but if this money goes away, who knows when it might be replaced?  Former Senator At Large Craig Barshinger, a St. Johnian, fought hard for that appropriation, getting support from community organizations who also opposed the previous Governor's dumb idea to build a parking garage on land near Nature's Nook is.

I can't believe that the Governor did not contact the current Senator At Large, Carmen Wesselhoft, also a St. John resident, to tell her what he was planning.  Either she didn't get the call, suggesting deJongh doesn't think much of her clout, or she did get the call and failed to effectively argue against the move.  Either way, it looks like St. John's link to the VI Senate is pretty weak.

St. John Virgin Islands Festival builds to fireworks

For the next two weeks, St. John is putting on the closest thing it has to Carnival.  Festival 2007 will feature music, children's beauty pageants, boat races, a food fair along the Cruz Bay Beach, and a finale of fireworks launched from a barge in Cruz Bay on the night of July 4th. (Here's a schedule of events, courtesy of Virgin Voices).

Graeme Davis, the former general manager of the Westin Resort and Villas, will be Marshall of the festival's parade, which features floats and costumed marchers. Davis, now an executive with Starwood Hotels for the Caribbean and Florida, was an ardent supporter of festival while he was at the Westin.  The hotel's float entries often won awards.

If you're on island on the 4th, don't miss the parade.  It begins 11 a.m.
Now, of course, it is going to be hot.  Blazing sun is certainly possible.  But, oh, the sights you'll see.

Several steel pan bands will play, the "mature" majorettes can be counted on to "one-two-three-kick" past the Park, and there will be plenty of tasty, spicy island food being sold by women who've been cooking all week. 

While the festival and the Cruz Bay parade are hardly daily occurrences, the friendship, music, and fun are great reminders of how the island has been and can be.  Don't go to the beach on the 4th.  Go to Cruz Bay.

Buyers balk at new Grande Bay deal

Developers of Cruz Bay's Grande Bay Resort have been sued by two dozen buyers of the project's condominiums, according to a copy of a lawsuit filed in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands and forwarded to News of St. John.

Lawyers argue Bay Isles Associates L.L.L.P. wants to record condominium documents with the VI government and remove a number of features originally offered in sales and marketing materials.  The purchasers claim the developer gave them 15 days to review the new agreement, with the option for a refund of their deposits if they objected.

The plaintiffs sought an injunction against the filing of the new agreements.  They charged Bay Isles has breached the purchase contracts and is "giving them a take it or leave it situation - a classic bait and switch."  The judge issued the order earlier this week.

The changes, according to the lawsuit document:

• Elimination of a year-round parking space in the garage.  The developers now want to charge unit owners $300 a month and not allow them to store cars there when they are not on island.
• Removing equity interest in waterfront lots which guarantee beach access. "For many plaintiffs the unique positioning of the land was the primary inducement to execute their Purchase Agreement," the buyers said.
• Restricting condo owners who agreed to offer their units for rental, no more than 90 days a year of personal use, rather than "unlimited use."
• Levy annual fees for "Hospitality Services" for owners who choose not to participate in the resort's rental management agreement.  Under this provision, the owner of a two-bedroom unit would be charged $39,000 a year for digital TV, DSL Internet service, telephone, garbage collection and access to the wine storage area.  These services were promised under the Purchase Agreement, the lawsuit document says.

Grande Bay Resort's Web site is www.grandebayresort.com

Traffic circle construction 'IMMENENT'

It could be a long, hot, dusty, noisy, frustrating traffic mess on St. John later this year.

In a statement, the Department of Public Works said it is "finalizing plans for construction of a traffic roundabout" at O'Connor's Texaco, Boulon Center and the Winston Wells ball field.  Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in the fall of 2007, although the legal notice about the meeting said the start of work was "immenent".  Let's hope they do construction projects better than they spell. Here's a video of the intersection.

Public Works has scheduled a "Public Information Meeting" about the project at the Legislature Building next Thursday night.  Design plans will be available and people from Public Works and the Federal Highway Administration will answer questions.

"The purpose of this meeting is to provide the public with information regarding the scope, timing and phasing of the proposed roadway construction project," DPW said. "Of particular importance for this information meeting is DPW’s desire to provide information regarding this project’s provisions for accommodating individuals with disabilities."

Beer makers introduce their new brew

The boys at the Tap Room have been cooking something up, for months: Island Summer Ale.  It's on island now. 

"It is a light refreshing summer beer perfect for our Caribbean climate," said Chirag Vyas (aka Cheech) and Kevin Chipman, owners of two-year-old St. John Brewers.  "It's a recipe we've had in our files for a long time, and it just seemed right."

The beer is produced under contract by Shipyard Brewing in Portland, Maine and then shipped by container. "They brew to our recipe, and don't change a thing," Vyas added.  The first cases of "Island Summer Ale" were cleared through Customs in the past week. 

The brewers, who also own the Tap Room, worked about six weeks in their brewing room at Mongoose Junction to get the blend right.  "We went well after midnight some nights," Vyas added, "It gets pretty hot in there with all the burners going."

Distribution of the new brew is underway now and a "launch party" on a beach is planned.

In this week's St. John Podcast, Cheech and Kevin talking about developing their second beer in two years.

To listen on your computer, click the play button below.

You can also download or hear the file by clicking here.

Subscribe to News of St. John's weekly podcast at the Apple iTunes Store and search for "news of st. john," or copy "http://fbarnako.libsyn.com/rss" and paste it into the "Subscribe" field under the iTunes software’s "Advanced" tab.  You can also use that link to subscribe with other podcatching software.  If you’re having a problem, e-mail: frank@newsofstjohn.com.

Last call at Texaco

The Texaco station is to be closed at the end of June.  Robert O'Connor, the owner, doesn't agree with the decision, according to the St. John Source.  He told the newspaper he thinks the Dept. of Public Works is over-estimating how much land it needs to build a traffic roundabout to ease congestion, the reason for shutting the station.

A portion of land where day laborers gather to wait for work, at Boulon Center, will also be absorbed for the project.  Albert Willis, owner of the center, told the Source it doesn't make any sense for him to fight the government about the land taking.

Published reports about the closing did not indicate when construction of the roundabout will begin.  Doing the work in the summer makes sense, but it's likely not to be complete in time for next winter's tourist season.  That means traffic problems probably will get worse before they get better.

How to own an island liquor store

Gary Moses is trying a second time to give somebody else a second chance.

Later this month, he will launch an essay contest in which the prize is his five-year-old Mixology Warehouse. The entrance fee is $100, and each 100-word essay will be reviewed by a three judges.

"They'll get an operating business, fully stocked, money in the cash drawer, and four months' rent paid in advance," Moses explained.

"This is a good opportunity for somebody who wants to start fresh," Moses said. "Somebody who feels they can’t go any further in the job where they are now." His motivation is also that of a person who wants to do good, who feels that after 19 years on the island it's time to enjoy life while giving somebody else a chance. He suggests entrants be familiar with the films "Pay it Forward" and "Spitfire Grill" to appreciate what he's trying to achieve.

The Mixology Warehouse is in downtown Cruz Bay, near the Lumberyard shopping center. It does a retail business in beer, liquor and wine, wholesales to island restaurants and makes deliveries to villas for parties, weddings and other events.

If all goes well, the Warehouse could have a new owner by October. Moses will accept essays, only from mainland residents, for 90 days.  He hopes to attract 10,000 entrants. The minimum is 9,000. The judges will take 30 days to make their decision.

Moses ran a similar essay contest for the business last year, but it didn't draw enough interest. He blames himself for not marketing it well and says he'll do better this time. "This is Gary's retirement plan, too," he explained.

After 19 years on island, and having started three businesses (including Noah's Little Arks and the Banana Deck," Moses said it's time to go sailing. But he already has plans for another venture which he describes as an "eco camp" on another island. "On 10 acres, with nine little huts. We'll run it six months a year, and then Gary can go play for six months."

In this week's St. John Podcast, Moses explains how you can win a business on St. John.

To listen on your computer, click the play button below.

You can also download or hear the file by clicking here.

Subscribe to News of St. John's weekly podcast at the Apple iTunes Store and search for "news of st. john," or copy "http://fbarnako.libsyn.com/rss" and paste it into the "Subscribe" field under the iTunes software’s "Advanced" tab.  You can also use that link to subscribe with other podcatching software.  If you’re having a problem, e-mail: frank@newsofstjohn.com.

A modest proposal for The Creek

The old barge dock area has now become an outdoor garage for ferry repairs, a parking lot, and a dock for small cruise ships.  It could be, and should be, much more. 

Smart planning now could turn this valuable waterfront into an attractive boardwalk and plaza, offering visitors options for exploring the island and the Park, water sports and activities, and maybe a spot to enjoy a rum-and-Coke.  Light retail with island-made art, hot sauce, jewelry and pottery could be featured, too. 

This has a chance of happening if the Port Authority "thinks different," as Steve Jobs would say.

The Authority should offer the land for lease to commercial or island-based, community-minded developers. The deal should be structured to benefit Cruz Bay and groups like the Baby Pan Dragons or Sprauve School. It is not unreasonable to expect far-sighted dreamers to offer the island incentives, either cash or in-kind projects, to improve some of the deteriorating public facilities on the island. 

Planning of the waterfront development should also be a joint effort by private developers and the community. The winner(s) ought to be required to give groups like the St. John Coalition a seat at the drawing table.  Public meetings should offer citizens the opportunity to explain what they would like to see in the project.

The Port Authority has had no problem issuing long leases (20-40 years) for car rentals and food stands across the street, where Nature's Nook is. The Authority should seize this once in a lifetime opportunity to improve St. John.

Signatures against Sirenusa

The St. John Coalition said it gathered almost 1,100 petition signatures urging the Governor to veto the Senate's approval of a bill allowing developers of the Sirenusa condominiums to add seven units. The Coalition planned to deliver its petitions to the Governor's office. 

"There are rumors Sirenusa will once again pay their workers to demonstrate for the rezoning by going to Government House on Friday," the Coalition said in an e-mail.  "It is obviously hard for the rest of the working people of St. John to take off from work, since we won't be paid to demonstrate.   And of course, we live on St. John -- rather than St. Thomas."

St. John is going to the dogs

Women, children, and dogs of all ages will be in the center ring at the Cruz Bay ball field Saturday evening for the 7th annual island-wide dog show, Wagapalooza. 

Pets will compete in 10 categories including Biggest Lap Dog, Best Smoocher, and Best Trick. "My favorite is 'Best Look-a-Like," said Jennifer Dale, one of the organizers of the event which benefits the Animal Care Center.  "That one's always a little spooky."  St Croix's Roger W. Morgan, host of Paradise 93.5 radio's morning show, will help MC the event. 

Admission is free, beer is reasonably priced, and the laughs will be many.

Free T-shirt offer

The Care Center raises funds at Wagaplooza through entrance fees, sales of raffle tickets and t-shirts.  If you'd like to win a t-shirt, send me an e-mail telling me your favorite thing about St. John.  E-mail frank@newsofstjohn.com. There will be one winner, and I'll post many of the best 'favorites'.

In this week's St. John Podcast, Jennifer Dale explains why buying a raffle ticket for Wagapolooza is a smart thing to do.  The odds, like "The Force," are with you. To listen on your computer, click the play button below.

You can also download or hear the file by clicking here.

Subscribe to News of St. John's weekly podcast at the Apple iTunes Music Store and search for "news of st. john," or copy "http://fbarnako.libsyn.com/rss" and paste it into the "Subscribe" field under the iTunes software’s "Advanced" tab.  You can also use that link to subscribe with other podcatching software.  If you’re having a problem, e-mail: frank@newsofstjohn.com.

Closest thing to a Starbucks

Alex Nydick, a self described girl from the Bronx, has opened “Bringin’ the Fun,” a spot for coffee, cookies, and Internet access. 

It’s up a flight of stairs, between the Banana Deck and American Paradise Real Estate, near Wharfside.

The cute open air cafe has comfortable chairs, a pretty good view and a tasty menu. "We sell coffee, espresso drinks, New York bagels, Edy's Ice cream, milk shakes, baked goodies and sweet treats," Nydick said.  Her partner, Rance Pion II, conceived, designed, and built out the space. 

He did the heavy lifting - she does the heavy selling.

"I don't mind being here 13 hours a day," Nydick said. "Someday soon, I'll have employees," she added, hopefully.  Hours are Monday-Friday, starting at 6:30 a.m., Saturdays at 7:30 a.m., and Sundays at 8 a.m.

"Bringin' the Fun" is also in the baggage storage business, if your villa’s not ready or you just want to spend a few more hours in Cruz Bay before you take the ferry to St. Thomas.  She'll even help you carry your bags.

Buyers selling incomplete condos

Some early buyers of Sirenusa and Grande Bay units are trying to get out - before the first owners have moved in. 

A listing of real estate offerings from John McCann and Associates shows six condos at Grande Bay for sale.  None appear to be from the developer.  Prices begin at $629,000 for a 1-bedroom, 1-bath u