Let's discuss the facts: Hurricanes Irma and Maria had a devastating impact on the United States Virgin Islands. The two back-to-back Category 5 storms in September 2017 caused significant destruction to housing, infrastructure, and the economy. HUD's Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) provides funding for unmet needs after Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds, insurance, and other federal or private sources are accounted for, with a focus on the needs of low- and moderate-income residents and businesses.

Allocation Status:

HUD has awarded a total of $1.86 billion to be allocated to the Territory in three phases ("tranches"). These funds must be spent within 6 years of the signed grant agreement, which occurred on September 27, 2018. The plan for Tranche 1 was approved by HUD on July 10, 2018, for $242,684,000. The plan for Tranche 2 was approved on March 1, 2019, for $779,217,000. The third allocation for mitigation-specific funding was anticipated in 2019 and finally approved on July 12, 2021 for $774,188,000. CDBG-DR funds are intended by HUD to address:

Unmet needs in housing, infrastructure, and economic revitalization from the 2017 hurricanes. 

Mitigation activities to protect the Territory from the damage of future events.

Out of the $1.86 billion allocated, as of 2023, only $278 million has been spent. This leaves $1.58 billion that needs to be utilized. Based on HUD's timeline, $792 million may need to be returned towards the end of 2024. Every last penny of this money must be invested in our islands.

Earlier this year, Lion Haven had a productive and promising meeting with VIHFA regarding building a multi-million dollar YMCA-type community center in a centralized location to serve the entire island of St. Croix. You can review the full plan and proposal Here (Project 1). Since the initial meeting, communication and response time has been sluggish for months. But they say that the squeaky wheel gets the oil, which I have been doing. Now, envision 10,000 or 20,000 squeaky wheels. With that kind of solidarity, we can genuinely effect change. That's precisely why I initiated this online petition.

Recognizing the substantial amount of money that needs to be used, Lion Haven's proposal has expanded to encompass five total projects, which still cost only a fraction of what has been allocated to us. I've attached a link for you to read the entire scope of Project 1, the centralized YMCA-type community center. Below is a summary of each of the other four projects to give you an idea of the scope of what we're proposing for our island of St. Croix. With your support, we can make a real difference and bring about true change.

Overview: The Lion Haven Initiative proposal outlines a visionary plan to transform St. Croix into a hub for sports excellence, entertainment, culture, sustainability, and community resilience. This comprehensive initiative encompasses five transformative projects, each designed to cater to a different facet of community life. These projects not only enrich the island's cultural and recreational landscape but also enhance its economic viability and disaster resilience.

Project 1: Lion Haven Community Center (Home Depot Lot)

Project 2: Lion Haven Sports Complex (Martin Marietta Field)

Project 3: Lion Haven Olympic Village (Elena Christian Middle School)

Project 4: Lion Haven Bicycle and Xtreme Action Park (Good Hope Campus)

Project 5: Lion Haven Community Plaza (La Reine Shopping Plaza)

 

 

Project 2: Lion Haven Sports Complex (Martin Marietta Field):

Project Overview:
The Lion Haven Sports Complex at Martin Marietta Field represents a comprehensive initiative aimed at establishing a world-class sports facility on the island of St. Croix. This multi-faceted project includes various sports amenities and infrastructure, creating an environment that caters to both high-performance athletes and the local community. The complex is designed to be a hub for sports tourism, community engagement, and disaster resilience.

Facility Components:
Multi-Purpose Sports Fields: The complex features multi-purpose fields designed to international standards, equipped with high-quality turf for soccer, football, lacrosse, etc.
Baseball Field: A regulation-sized baseball field is incorporated, complete with dugouts, a backstop, and seating.
Tennis Courts: The tennis facility comprises several courts with professional-grade surfaces, ideal for tournaments and training.
Outdoor Track and Field: An Olympic-standard track and field facility offers athletes an opportunity to practice and compete in various track and field disciplines.
Basketball and Volleyball Courts: These are designed to meet international specifications and accommodate competitive games and training.
Olympic-Size Swimming Pool: The pool serves as a training and competition venue for swimming and diving events.
Convention Center: Within the complex, the Albert Bryan Jr. Convention Center provides space for conferences, events, and seminars, contributing to the island's tourism and economic development.
Emergency Shelter Infrastructure: As part of the disaster resilience strategy, the convention center and certain areas of the complex are equipped to function as emergency shelters during natural disasters. This includes backup power, food and water storage, and secure structural features.

Community Engagement:
Local Sports Programs: The complex will host and support local sports leagues, clubs, and programs, fostering community engagement and promoting healthy lifestyles.
Youth Development: Extensive youth development programs, including sports camps, mentorship initiatives, and coaching clinics, will be conducted to nurture young talent and promote personal growth.

Economic Impact:
Sports Tourism: With its world-class facilities, the complex is positioned to attract international sports events, drawing athletes, coaches, and spectators from around the world. This influx of visitors stimulates the local economy through increased hotel bookings, restaurant patronage, and other tourism-related spending.

Disaster Resilience:
Emergency Response: The complex plays a vital role in disaster mitigation as a designated emergency shelter. It provides a safe haven for residents during hurricanes, storms, or other natural disasters, reducing the risks associated with these events.

CDBG-MIT Alignment:
The Lion Haven Sports Complex aligns with the objectives of the CDBG-MIT program in several key ways:
Disaster Mitigation: By functioning as an emergency shelter, the complex directly contributes to disaster resilience and community safety, mitigating the impact of future disasters.
Economic Recovery: The sports complex generates economic opportunities, attracting tourists and fostering economic recovery efforts in the wake of disasters.

Estimated Cost: $30 million to $40 million.

The Lion Haven Sports Complex at Martin Marietta Field is envisioned as a transformative project for St. Croix, offering state- of-the-art sports facilities, community engagement opportunities, economic growth, and enhanced disaster resilience. Its multifaceted design ensures it serves a wide range of purposes, aligning with the goals of the CDBG-MIT program while enriching the lives of local residents and athletes from around the globe.

 

 

Project 3: Lion Haven Olympic Village (Elena Christian Middle School)

Project Overview:
The Lion Haven Olympic Village, ingeniously situated within the revamped Elena Christian Middle School, stands as a pioneering venture. It serves as an inclusive sports haven, a community focal point, and a flexible emergency shelter. This adaptive transformation of an existing structure revitalizes a community asset, catering to athletes and residents while guaranteeing its utility during crises.

Facility Components:
Versatile Sports Facilities: The center is a versatile haven for sports enthusiasts, offering facilities for a wide array of activities, including gymnasiums, an outdoor track, and flexible training spaces. This adaptability enables athletes to customize their workouts to meet specific needs.
Adaptable Accommodations: The facility offers adaptable lodging options, activated on an as-needed basis. These spaces house athletes and coaches during training camps and competitions, flexibly aligning with the schedules
of traveling athletic teams.
Multi-Purpose Dining Area: The communal dining area facilitates shared meals among athletes and residents. Its multi-functional design accommodates community events during non-athlete occupancy periods.
Medical and Rehabilitation Zone: The on-site medical center provides essential sports medicine support, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation services as required, ensuring athletes' well-being during training periods.
Community Gathering Spaces: Beyond its sports-oriented features, the center boasts communal areas for local gatherings, cultural festivities, and community enrichment. It seamlessly integrates into the local neighborhood's fabric.                                                                                         Disaster Resilience Infrastructure: Engineered with reinforced structures, backup power systems, and emergency supplies, the facility transforms into a secure emergency shelter during hurricanes and natural disasters, guaranteeing the safety of residents.

Sports Inclusivity:
Accessible Training: The center accommodates athletes of all levels, fostering inclusivity and encouraging community-wide participation in sports and fitness activities.

Disaster Resilience:
Adaptive Shelter: The facility's adaptability positions it as a crucial emergency shelter during crises, offering a safe haven for residents amidst storms or natural disasters.

Community Enrichment:
Local Engagement: The center's communal spaces are thoughtfully designed to host local events, cultural celebrations, and gatherings, ensuring its continuous vitality as an integral part of the neighborhood.

CDBG-MIT Alignment:
The Lion Haven Olympic Village seamlessly aligns with the CDBG-MIT program's objectives:
Disaster Mitigation: By doubling as an adaptive emergency shelter and fortifying disaster resilience, the center plays a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of future disasters.
Community Development: The project enhances the local community by providing access to versatile sports facilities and promoting community engagement through cultural events and gatherings.

Estimated Cost: $15 million to $20 million.

The Lion Haven Olympic Village represents a pivotal project, poised to redefine St. Croix. By fostering sports inclusivity, community enrichment, disaster resilience, and economic growth, it reinvigorates an abandoned school into a dynamic, multifunctional community asset. This venture will not only elevate the island's sporting culture but also solidify its status as a resilient and vibrant community.

 

 

Project 4: Lion Haven Bicycle and Xtreme Action Park (Good Hope Campus):

Project Overview:
The Lion Haven Bicycle and Xtreme Action Park, situated within the abandoned Good Hope Campus, represents a groundbreaking project envisioned as the Caribbean's premier indoor entertainment and recreation destination. This transformative initiative blends exhilarating adventure sports, cutting-edge facilities, and innovative tourism attractions to invigorate St. Croix's economy, creating a hub for entertainment, tourism, and community engagement.

Facility Components:
Xtreme Action Park: At the heart of the project is the Xtreme Action Park, modeled after the renowned Florida facility. It spans over 220,000 square feet and offers a captivating array of attractions and entertainment.
Bicycle Park: The bicycle park caters to cyclists of all skill levels. It includes a variety of tracks and trails, from beginner to advanced, designed for mountain biking and BMX riding.
Indoor Skateboarding: The indoor skateboarding facility features ramps, rails, and obstacles suitable for skateboarders and rollerbladers, offering a year-round skateboarding experience.
Rock Climbing: An indoor rock climbing facility presents diverse climbing challenges, making it suitable for novices and experienced climbers alike.
Lodging: The transformation of former classrooms on the water's edge into lodging accommodations offers guests a unique and immersive experience, combining comfort with stunning views.
Water Sports: The project capitalizes on its beachfront location to offer a range of water sports activities, including paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing.
Emergency Shelter Infrastructure: Like other Lion Haven projects, the Xtreme Action Park has built-in disaster resilience features, serving as a designated emergency shelter during hurricanes and natural disasters.

Tourism and Entertainment:
Caribbean Entertainment Hub: The Xtreme Action Park positions St. Croix as the Caribbean's entertainment hub, attracting thrill-seekers and families from across the region and beyond.
Cruise Ship Tourism: The project targets cruise ship tourists, offering a dynamic stopover with a plethora of attractions, both indoors and on the beach.

Community Engagement:
Local Talent Showcase: The park creates opportunities for local talent, hosting events, and competitions that highlight the skills of St. Croix's athletes, artists, and performers.

Economic Impact:
Tourist Spending: The complex stimulates economic growth through tourism-related spending, including hotel bookings, dining, retail, and equipment rentals.

Disaster Resilience:
Emergency Shelter: In times of crisis, the Xtreme Action Park is well-equipped to function as an emergency shelter, ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors during disasters.

CDBG-MIT Alignment:
The Lion Haven Bicycle and Xtreme Action Park aligns with the objectives of the CDBG-MIT program in several key ways:
Disaster Mitigation: Its emergency shelter capabilities directly contribute to disaster resilience, serving as a safe haven for residents and tourists during natural disasters.
Economic Recovery: By attracting tourists and fostering economic growth, the complex supports economic recovery efforts in the aftermath of disasters.

Estimated Cost: $40 million to $50 million.

The Lion Haven Bicycle and Xtreme Action Park represents a visionary project that has the potential to transform St. Croix into the Caribbean's entertainment epicenter. With its diverse attractions, disaster resilience features, and opportunities for community engagement, this project aims to invigorate the local economy while providing a dynamic and alluring destination for residents and tourists alike. By incorporating emergency shelter capabilities, it contributes to the island's disaster mitigation and recovery strategies, enhancing its overall resilience.

 

 

Project 5: Lion Haven Community Plaza (La Reine Shopping Plaza)

Project Overview:
The Lion Haven Community Plaza, strategically located within the old La Reine Shopping Plaza, is a visionary project designed to rejuvenate the heart of St. Croix's cultural and community life. This initiative transforms an underutilized space into a vibrant, multi-purpose community center, featuring a renovated theater, a sustainable glass recycling center, and communal gathering areas. The plaza aims to be a hub for arts, sustainability, and social engagement, contributing to the island's cultural richness and environmental responsibility.

Facility Components:
Renovated Community Theater: The centerpiece of the plaza is the renovated community theater. This cultural space is upgraded with state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and seating, providing an ideal venue for a wide range of performances, from local productions to touring Broadway shows.
Glass Recycling Center: An eco-friendly initiative, the glass recycling center converts discarded glass into reusable sand, addressing the issue of waste and promoting sustainability on the island.
Community Gathering Spaces: The plaza includes communal areas designed to host various events, such as local performances, art exhibitions, farmers' markets, and community festivals. These spaces encourage social interaction and cultural engagement.

Cultural Enrichment:
Local and International Performances: The renovated theater attracts local artists and international productions, enriching the cultural life of St. Croix.
Artistic Workshops: The plaza offers workshops and educational programs in various art forms, nurturing local talent and fostering a sense of community.

Sustainability Initiatives:
Glass Recycling: The recycling center promotes sustainability by reducing glass waste and creating reusable materials.

Community Engagement:
Local Events: The plaza serves as a venue for local events, including cultural celebrations, art exhibitions, and farmers' markets, supporting local businesses and community engagement.

Economic Impact:
Tourism Attraction: The renovated theater, with its diverse programming, attracts tourists, boosting the local economy through ticket sales, dining, and retail.

Disaster Resilience:
Emergency Gathering Point: The plaza's communal spaces can be repurposed as gathering points during emergencies, facilitating community coordination and support during disasters.

CDBG-MIT Alignment:
The Lion Haven Community Plaza aligns with the objectives of the CDBG-MIT program in several key ways:
Sustainability: The glass recycling center promotes environmental sustainability, addressing waste management and reducing the environmental impact of glass disposal.
Community Development: The project enhances community life, cultural enrichment, and local economic activity, aligning with the program's community development goals.
Disaster Resilience: The plaza's adaptability as an emergency gathering point supports disaster resilience, providing a safe space for residents during crises.

Estimated Cost: $10 million to $15 million.

The Lion Haven Community Plaza is a transformative project that reinvigorates St. Croix's cultural and community landscape. With its renovated theater, sustainable initiatives, communal spaces, and adaptability as an emergency gathering point, this project enhances the island's cultural richness, environmental responsibility, and disaster resilience. It creates a vibrant space where residents and tourists can come together to celebrate the arts, foster sustainability, and build a stronger, more resilient community.