The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) will reassess the 11-building Sirenusa condominium development overlooking Cruz Bay, according to DPNR spokesperson Jamal Nielsen.
A DPNR inspector took a closer look at the Sirenusa project on Friday, March 3, prompted by questions about the height of several of the planned buildings and the zoning of the site.
We are still looking into these claims of four stories up there, said Nielsen. We approved permits for two-story buildings and only two stories.
The controversial buildings might be a misunderstanding, Nielsen added.
DPNR Reassess Project
It might be some misunderstanding or interpretation, he said. We have been in contact with the architect and expressed our concerns. Right now, our staff is reassessing the project.
The 40-unit group dwelling condominium project is in an area zoned R-2, which allows for a maximum building height of two stories plus a loft. The loft must be less than 33 percent of the floor below it, according to DPNR regulations.
Each floor used as living quarters constitutes one story, regardless of whether it is graded below ground level, according to regulations.
An artists rendering of Sirenusa clearly shows five three-story and two four-story buildings on the site.
Following Permit
When contacted by the St. John Tradewinds, an agent for the owner and developer, Enighed Condominiums LLC, claimed the project is following all codes.
We are comfortable that we are building per the permit, said Maurice Kurg. We have been following a rigorous inspection program.
Karr Is Architect
The architect for the project, St. Thomas-based William Karr who is also the architect behind other controversial Atlantic Northstar projects on St. John including The Lantern and Eagles Perch was out of the territory and did not return telephone calls for comment from St. John Tradewinds.