Dear Mr. Cedeno-Maldonado:

The St. John Historical Society urges the Army Corps of Engineers to reject the proposed marina development for Coral Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, on the grounds that it lacks necessary terrestrial and marine archeological studies and that it is not appropriately sized for the area nor is it in a good location.

Coral Bay is known for its rich pre-colonial and colonial history. It was St. John’s first settlement as well as being its largest, most protected harbor. There are likely numerous submerged historical maritime-related artifacts, including shipwrecks and items jettisoned or fallen overboard from boats. Given prevailing wind and wave conditions it is likely that many vessels either washed ashore or foundered during storms along this shoreline.

There is little doubt that Coral Bay could benefit from a properly sized and sited marina. Unfortunately, the marina development proposed by the Summer’s End Group does not represent the type of responsible development that the historical society can support.

Of considerable concern to the St. John Historical Society is the driving of 1,333 large-diameter pilings into the sea bottom and subsequent seabed scouring by propellers from the large yachts that are proposed to use this marina. Responsible development of Coral Bay would require a full marine archaeology study performed using proton-accession magnetometry and other means to ensure that any submerged historical artifacts be located and mitigated.

Responsible development would also include an archeological assessment of the land impacted by the proposed marina project to ensure that artifacts from the native peoples who frequented the island, from the island’s maritime past, its colonial period, and its unique post-emancipation era are likewise located and preserved.

This organization’s objections to the proposed development stem not just from a commitment to the preservation of St. John’s past, but from a concern for St. John’s future. Within the extremely competitive Caribbean tourism industry, St. John stands out because its natural beauty and cultural resources have, to a large extent, been preserved. The island is perceived to be relatively unspoiled and as such, draws more than its share of visitors given its small size. In keeping with this successful model of preservation and development, future projects should be of an appropriate scale and cannot be allowed to do irreparable harm to the island’s maritime and cultural heritage.

It is, therefore, the sincere and respectful hope of the St. John Historical Society that the Army Corps of Engineers will reject the marina project proposal for Coral Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, submitted to it by the Summer’s End Group.

Lonnie Willis, President,

St. John Historical Society
P. O. Box  1256 Cruz Bay
St. John, VI 00831

(340) 693-8590

Check out our website www.stjohnhistoricalsociety.org