Jan. 30, 2002 – The Senate on Wednesday unanimously voted for a zoning change that paves the way for construction of a $540 million resort and casino on the south shore of St. Croix.
The plan for the Seven Hills Beach Resort and Casino calls for a 300-room hotel, up to 800 condominiums and time-share units, two smaller lodges with 380 rooms, an 18-hole golf course and a 20,000 square-foot casino.
When completed, it would represent the largest one-time investment in the history of St. Croix, according to Jeffrey Moorhead, attorney for the developers, Robin Bay Associates. Approval of the zoning change will allow the developers to obtain building permits, and they hope to begin construction by the end of this year, he said.
"Today was a very, very big step," Moorhead said, adding that the financing for the project is coming into place. "We're confident we can now move forward," he said.
The project encountered virtually no opposition during public hearings on St. Croix, as residents expressed the need for economic development. Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Dean Plaskett recommended approval of the zoning change.
On Wednesday, the Senate voted 15-0 to change the zoning of the 615 acres in Estates Cotton Grove, Little Profit and Mt. Retreat from low density to medium density.
Several senators said they see the Seven Hills project as a key to improving the St. Croix's beleaguered economy.
"We must stand behind this type of venture if we're going to move the dormant, depressed island of St. Croix," Sen. Vargrave Richards said. "I see this project as the catalyst to spur economic development."
Unemployment on St. Croix stood about 9 percent just before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to statistics from the territory's Labor Department.
The Casino Control Commission already has granted a gaming license to Seven Hills.
The principals of Robin Bay Associates — Curtis Robinson and David Kagan of Connecticut and G. Michael Brown — have ties to the gaming business in New Jersey and Connecticut, according to papers filed by the developers with the Legislature.