CZM Approves Thatch Cay Development

Well I guess it was bound to happen:

May 15, 2008 -- In a landmark decision Tuesday evening, the Coastal Zone Management Committee approved residential development for Thatch Cay.

The development will provide for slightly more than 100 dwelling units, and includes infrastructure for water, power, waste disposal and other utilities and amenities.

"The applicant's objective, as described in the environmental-assessment report, is to develop ... a world-class residential community on Thatch Cay," the recommendation noted.

While most of the staff findings recommended approval without raising any objections, the recommendation did limit the developer only to the dock proposed for this development.

"Staff finds that it will be necessary to minimize any further alteration of the seabed surrounding Thatch Cay," the report said. "As such, no additional docks will be permitted for any future development."

I can't say this is a good idea. There are only so few places left in the world - every one doesn't have to be developed. I can understand why the owners/developers would, but personally it would be great to just say enough at some point. It can be done.

Christensen Calls for Investigation of Mail Delays

From The Source - it seems like people are really getting fed up with the mail issues in the USVI:

May 6, 2008 -- Fed up with ongoing mail delays in the territory, Delegate Donna M. Christensen has asked for an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service's inspector general.

"Whether it is the extraordinary length of time it takes for packages and periodicals to get to customers or packages not being delivered at all, the situation has become intolerable," Christensen said, according to a news release from her Washington office.

In her letter to the inspector general, Christensen asks for the investigation and the return to the practice of the Virgin Islands processing its own mail instead of having it processed in Puerto Rico. The letter was co-signed with Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce, Postal Service and District of Columbia.

PSC Puts Off Vote on WAPA Base Rate Hike

WAPA is looking for a rate increase:

May 8, 2008 -- After hearing the V.I. Water and Power Authority’s case for water and electric base rate increases, the Public Services Commission voted Thursday to postpone voting in order to gather more information and delay the impact on ratepayers.

WAPA Executive Director Hugo Hodge Jr. made an emergency request to increase the base water rate so WAPA can fend off the risk of technical default on $29.2 million in bond debt.

WAPA Chief Financial Officer Gregory Rhymer and Hodge said all payments are being made and there is no risk of any interruption in payments. The risk is of a technical default in the terms of the bond.

More here from the Source.