Planning For Economic Development in the U.S. Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority will be hosting Public Workshops Moderated by CIPA, Inc. on "Planning For Economic Development in the U.S. Virgin Islands"

Come and play an active role in planning the future of economic development in the Virgin Islands. Provide your opinions and insight as a citizen and/or business owner in our territory on some the following issues:

1) How can the EDA improve the current economic development situation in the Territory ?

2) What is your vision for economic development in the Territory?

3) How can the public participate in economic development?

4) What should be the goals & objectives for economic development in the Territory?

5) What are the greatest challenges for the economic development of the Territory?

September 30 @ The V.I. Port Authority Conference Room at The Henry Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix

October 1 @ Victor's Hideout Conference Room in St. Thomas

October 2 @ The St. John Legislature Conference Room (behind the former Hilltop Bldg.) in Cruz Bay, St. John 6:30 p.m.

If you would like to attend or need further information, please contact the EDA at 714-1700, ext. 258 by September 29, 2008.

Island Crossing Developers Make Case for Tax Break

This is an article from the St. Thomas Source I have been meaning to post:

Sept. 18, 2008 -- Caribbean Development Partners, planners of the Island Crossing Shopping Center with Home Depot as the anchor tenant, presented its case for tax increment financing (TIF) to the full Senate in a hearing Wednesday in the Frits Lawaetz conference room.

St. John Retailers for sale

This is from August, but Frank Barnako is reporting on his blog that both Bamboula in Mongoose Junction and Palm Jewelers in Wharfside Village are for sale.

Interestingly Bamboula has listed themselves on craiglist -

I am not sure what this says about the state or retail on St. John, but I think it says something. As someone who has owned a couple of small businesses over the years I personally have a hard time looking at these price tags - but hey, you never know!

Court Rules 2006 Property-Tax Bills Invalid -- For Now

Interesting news for US Virgin Islands home owners from the St. Thomas Source this morning:

Sept. 15, 2008 -- All 2006 property-tax bills have been rescinded based on a District Court ruling, but the Division of Property Tax cautions residents to "make provisions for the eventual payment of these taxes once the legal issues are resolved." A statement issued Monday by the Division of Property Tax advises property owners "to withhold payments of their 2006 property-tax bills until further notice."