Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. sent proposed legislation to the 36th Legislature Wednesday that would allow for housing development on a frequently fought-over parcel of Beeston Hill, St. Croix.
Owners of the 15.9-acre virgin green space have long sought the zoning change. In 2022, Atta and Jihad Misbeh asked the Senate for permission to build 24 condo units, a restaurant, and a shopping center on land zoned for low-density housing only.
Citing physical issues like traffic congestion and stormwater drainage, as well as vehement objection from people living nearby, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources recommended against the proposal. The 34th Legislature approved it anyway, rezoning the property to B-3.
The governor vetoed the bill in January 2023, saying it smacked of “special interests.”
Attah Misbeh tried again in 2025, asking the DPNR and the Senate to approve a plan to build a 24-unit residential development that would help alleviate the territory’s housing shortage. Although the plan fit within several residential-zone requirements, Misbeh asked for a rezoning to B-2 again. His representatives claimed it would make securing financing easier.
People from surrounding neighborhoods called it a ruse.
The Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning recommended against it. The DPNR experts said community land use decisions shouldn’t take into consideration a landowner’s financing needs.
Bryan’s proposed plan would rezone the area to B-2 but disallow any activity beyond housing, according to a Government House press release.
“The bill limits development to the proposed construction of a 24-unit clustered residential development on 3 to 4 acres. The concept includes a playground, green space, and an outdoor meeting space. No other development or construction may be initiated or approved on the property without express consent from the Legislature,” the written statement said. “The prohibition on development without legislative consent would run with the land in perpetuity, regardless of ownership.”
Bryan said he considered concerns raised during prior zoning discussions involving the area but insisted his proposal reflected the territory’s “urgent housing realities.”
“This is a measured approach that puts housing first and protects the community’s interests,” Bryan said.
It was not clear if or when the 36th Legislature might consider the measure.
