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Beach Bar owner says feds had guns drawn

Allan MacPhee said his wake up call that morning was agents from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives unit barging into his Wharfside Village apartment with guns drawn.  "I’m like ‘Whoa, man, if you’re looking for guns or drugs that’s not my deal,’" he told the Virgin Islands Daily News.

What they were looking for, he believes, was evidence of money laundering.  MacPhee said a couple years ago he bought a truck, and used multiple checks from various accounts to pay for it.  That’s a violation of law.  He told the newspaper,  "I wish I had enough money to launder."  Agents seized the truck, bank, and tax records, his computer and also raided his home in Florida. 

MacPhee told the newspaper, "There were no handcuffs, no arrest and they let me open the restaurant." Now, he’s waiting.

Helicopter led immigration crackdown

Chopper2A crackdown by the Immigration Department apparently was the reason a federal Black Hawk helicopter hovered over Cruz Bay last week.  Coincidentally, it appeared at the same time Island authorities were reportedly executing a warrant for traffic violations.

The helicopter (photographs courtesy of Jeff at Bongo Bongo (http://www.bongobongostjohn.com/) transported nine suspected illegal immigrants to Puerto Rico, according to the Virgin Islands Daily News.  Customs agents had been scouting out the St. John to St. Thomas ferry and doing identification checks.  Customs said that of the almost 2,000 illegal immigrants taken into custody over the past four years, at least 75% of the arrests have been made on St. John.

Meanwhile, a correspondent at USVI Online (http://www.usvi-on-line.com/usviforum.html) explained the arrest of a St. John man had to do with his failing to pay fines or show up for court on some traffic violations

There has been no further explanation about the "raid" on the Beach Bar. (below)

Real estate update 11/20/05

The Multiple Listing Service added another residential property at mid-week, but by the weekend was back to its almost-historic high of 75 properties, unchanged from last week.   Average listing price: $2.1 million.

Land offerings continue to rise.  The MLS has 189, an increase of 7 lots from last week. Excepting an island listed at $24 million (local real estate agent says it’s 237 acres and a "good value"), the average land asking price is $776,000.  There are also 19 condos offered, with an asking price of $812,000.

CoconutcoastCoconut Coast Studios, a group of studio and multi-bedroom apartments, is listed on the MLS for $3.8 million. This is new to me, although it may have been on the list previously.  The units have been in business a long time and are located on the north shore of the island with spectacular views of St. Thomas in the Contant/Enighed area.

Post Office eyes new site

The U.S. Postal Service said it is in the final stages of negotiating to build a new facility at Guinea Grove, a commercial project being developed near the Westin Resort.  A progress report on the effort to move and expand the island post office was offered at a meeting on island at the Westin, the St. John Source reported.

However, representatives of the V.I. government, attending the meeting, objected to the USPS’ plans.  Keith Richards, capital projects director for the territory, said the government plans to propose that the post office be included in the Vendor’s Plaza project planned across from the current commercial/barge dock.  Richards said the government plans a three-story building; that construction and architectural firms are ready to go, and the Legislature has already appropriated $3.1 million dollars.

Read morePost Office eyes new site

Beach Bar open after raid

Beach_bar It was business as usual Friday after agents of the Internal Revenue Service raided the Beach Bar along the waterfront in Cruz Bay.  Witnesses said at least one helicopter hovered over the bar’s Wharfside Village building, while various agents’ vehicles blocked traffic in apparent efforts to capture suspects who might be fleeing.  The ruckus was so great that one source said construction of the Grande Bay condominiums was halted because trucks and workers couldn’t get to the work site.

Chopper"The matter is under seal and cannot be discussed," a spokesman for the IRS told the St. John Source.  While a spokesman for the Virgin Islands Police Department said authorities had executed a warrant.  Jesse Hill, who works at Low Key Watersports at Wharfside, said he saw about 15 IRS agents on site for several hours, the Source added.

But within an hour or so after the agents left, the Beach Bar reopened serving Greenies, burgers, and more.

New York Times on St. John

Morgan’s Mango, Skinny Legs and Pastory Gardens are three restaurants that got a thumbs up in a recent New York Times article about the island.  Travel writer Bonnie DeSimone  spent some time snorkeling off Gibney beach, Trunk and Hawksnest bays. "Shimmering psychedelic parrot fish, some a foot-and-a-half long, chewed at coral with their beak like mouths," she reported after one foray. "Their female counterparts display a windowpane pattern of brown, white and red that resembles stained glass."

She also spoke with author Gerald Singer about the environment and ecology of the island. Conditions on St. John are still good enough to support a healthy underwater ecosystems, and a picturesque one, he told her.

Read the story: http://travel2.nytimes.com/2005/10/23/travel/23stjohn.html

Real estate update 11/15/05

The Multiple Listing Service has more residential properties for sale than I have ever seen:  75 homes, up 3 from last week.  Prices range from $450,000 to $8.4 million. 

Land offerings are numerous, too.  The MLS has 182, an increase of 12 lots from last week. There are also 19 condos offered, 1 more than last week.

Word from the Marketplace is that the Richard’s restaurant space on the second floor has been leased to a new eatery called Happy Fish.

Patrick’s future debated

Patricks_3

A majority of responses to Patrick Joseph being ordered to close his "mobile" food stand business at the Cruz Bay parking lot are supportive of the local entrepreneur.  But a knee-jerk analysis of comments suggests non-residents are more sympathetic than and locals.

"The beauty of St. John is not only in the beaches and pristine water but the local St. John People and culture," said Mike.  "It is unfortunate that the rich are overtaking the island saying it is their paradise.  Leave Patrick alone."

An island business person, Lonnie, complained, however, that she heard "no one shouting to let the St. John Car Rental stay when we had been on Port Authority land for over 24 years and were told to leave."  She continued, "I don’t think this argument should have been over whether he is an eyesore or not.  he does not have a lease and when the PA tells you to leave, you leave."

Should Patrick stay or go?  Comment below.

Read morePatrick’s future debated

Grande Bay rezoning OKd

The VI Senate approved a rezoning request for the Grande Bay Resort development in Cruz Bay.  Word came about a day after property owners adjacent to the project filed a lawsuit in Superior Court to stop it.  The action by the Senate allows developers to construct an additional 14 units and a restaurant.

At Large Senator, and St. John reisdent, Craig Barshinger, voted against the rezoning along with three Senators.  Nine Senators voted for it.

Alexander Jadan, Natalie Jadan, Anastasia Trey and Elizabeth Trey own a 650-square foot cottage 35 feet uphill from the development.  They argued Grande Bay plans buildings that are in violation of height requirements and which will block their views of the water, sunrises and unset, and on-shore breezes, according to a report by the Virgin Islands Daily News.

The plaintiffs also faulted Grande Bay’s developers with violating building code requirements in their excavation of their 1.25 acre, charging:The defendants’ withdrawal of the lateral support of the plaintiff’s land was done in a manner that is contrary to applicable requirements and contrary to practices of reasonable care and workmanship in the construction industry.

Friends BBQ canceled – again

Due to potential stormy weather the Friends BBQ was postponed for the second time. “It’s unfortunate the weather isn’t cooperating with us, we really enjoy this event and are eager to share information about research and other projects happening in Park with the community” said Joe Kessler, Friends president.   “However, we would rather be safe than sorry when it involves the safety of others, and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused the “Ah We” Band, Miss Jane Johanus, and a host of volunteers and thank everyone for their understanding and continued support” said Kessler.