May 14, 2003 – Plans to demolish the unsightly old Yacht Haven Hotel in preparation for building a new marina, hotel and retail project are moving forward.
Senator Louis Hill, chairman of the Senate Planning and Environmental Committee, has scheduled a June 4 hearing to consider the major Coastal Zone Management permit for Insignia Nautica, the company leasing 20.5 acres of Long Bay land for the rebuilding and expansion of the Yacht Haven Hotel complex and marina.
Hill had demurred last month about bringing the permit to the floor in a full Senate session, claiming the committee needed time to review the CZM environmental assessment report of nearly 900 pages and make recommendations on all aspects of the hotel, marina and parkland development. See "CZM approval of Yacht Haven plans announced."
Hill's office said Wednesday that the hearing could be before June 4, if the Senate president finds an earlier date. Gov. Charles W. Turnbull sent the permit, along with the company's 90-year lease agreement to the Legislature on Tuesday for ratification, asking for "prompt" consideration. It is believed that the permit will receive near anonymous approval. Turnbull's release didn't mention Hill's request to send down the permit.
Senate ratification of the permit is the final step before Insignia Nautica can begin demolition of the old hotel, which has been an embarrassing eyesore for the island as the first thing cruise ship visitors see on their way to town. The Yacht Haven Hotel was destroyed in 1995 by Hurricane Marilyn.
The proposal calls for the development of a new hotel and marina, retail and commercial facilities, and a boardwalk-style esplanade linking Havensight and Yacht Haven to downtown Charlotte Amalie. It also includes the rehabilitation of a public park at the west end of the West Indian Co. land.
The CZM permit will allow demolition of the existing marina and hotel; construction of a new 120-room hotel; a 160-slip marina with a fuel dock; and construction of a 9,522 square-foot yacht club, including a 104-seat restaurant; four other restaurants, and extensive retail and office space.
Arrangements are still incomplete for the current Long Bay boaters to move to Gregory East, near Frenchtown.
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