Dear Source:
First Mr. Leopold, I see that you also live off of St. John on your own little exclusive private island enclave. So really, you are in no position to question where I live since you don't live on St. John either.
I have been a frequent visitor to St. John since 1986. I have many friends there that live full time. I have watched the animosity grow against any project that offers a better quality of lodging or homes than many local people can afford on St. John. Obviously, you are not in that income bracket judging by your address.
Now I have seen the relentless and unwarranted character attacks of the worst kind against anyone who differs with your position including the pathetic claims and unproven allegations against each of your diligent local officials that they have accepted bribes, sold out and other such ridiculous innuendo.
Such unbecoming behavior does more to destroy the wonderful reputation, serenity, beauty and allure of St. John than seven or even seven hundred condos could ever do.
Even living hundreds of miles away, we see your newspapers everyday and watch the destruction of your island not by a perceived amount of over-development but by the wanton disregard for public morals and decent civic behavior.
I remember Lovango Cay long before it was ruthlessly subdivided and developed with expensive homes that include yours Mr. Leopold.
Using your brand of logic there should be calls for you to vacate your "monster" home and return Lovango to berries and grass. It was much nicer before you moved there.
Shall we also absurdly assume that someone bought out the officials that approved your variance and building permits? Should we petition the governor to bring an eminent domain proceeding for Lovango Cay so that it can be enjoyed by nature lovers and repair the damage of over development you have brought there?
It is hypocritical that you are entitled to live as you do on an island that was once pristine while denying anyone else from developing their parcel at Sirenusa according to widely accepted standards, codes and routinely granted variances.
It's not about open space or over-development since 2/3 of St. John is already forever wild, more than almost any place in the US as a matter of fact.
You have your exclusive home already so why let anyone else enjoy the same in a home at Sirenusa? You simply seek to confiscate the property of others by denying the developer a variance that he is entitled to just as you were. Imagine if the variances that were granted for your island were vetoed. And I recall that your developer breached many conditions as well building a dock much larger and more permanent than approved.
Yes, it is different on Long Island. We are tolerant and welcoming of new neighbors and we are obviously much more reasonable. And by the way, I like the looks of Sirenusa.
Rob Pfriender
Long Island, N.Y.
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