A hearing to consider allowing the Sirenusa condominium project to add seven units was told by the project's developer, "There is a good chance" it will shut down if approval is withheld. The St. John Source reported Carlos Marzano, the developer, said halting would result in a loss of jobs, government revenue, and a $35 million economic development opportunity.
Marzano's request was opposed by more than a dozen community members who attended the Senate Committee of the Whole meeting at the Legislature Building. They complained Sirenusa has created air pollution and flooding in the area overlooking Cruz Bay, while sending boulders and debris onto nearby properties. Attorney Brion Morissette said Marzano has "aggressively pushed every conceivable limit at every conceivable turn. None of us are fooled by this poppy show."
The Virgin Islands Daily News' report of the meeting said there were supporters for Sirenusa, including dozens of the project's workers.
Marzano's request has some distance to go for approval. It has to be sponsored by a Senator and then win approval of the entire Senate.