Petition to Stop the 150' Cell Tower in Grapetree, St. Croix

To: Local Government Officials, Environmental Agencies, and Telecommunications Authorities

We, the undersigned, oppose the construction of a 150' cell phone tower in the Grapetree neighborhood on the island of St. Croix.

The proposed cell tower presents numerous concerns for residents, wildlife, and the environment. This project must be stopped due to the following reasons:

• Zoning and Environmental Concerns – The proposed tower site is in a residential neighborhood zoned R-1 and has been declared an "Area of Particular Concern" by the comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan, recently signed into law by our governor.
• Ecological Impact – The proposal includes a 1,655-foot-long access road through undisturbed habitat, potentially causing harmful runoff into Smugglers Cove Beach (a public beach) and the nearby reef. This threatens the natural beauty of the land and the health of local wildlife.
• Visual and Aesthetic Issues – A 150-foot cell tower in a residential neighborhood would be an unsightly industrial intrusion, permanently altering the scenic landscape.
• Noise Pollution – The anticipated operation of a large backup generator may create noise pollution, disturbing the peace of the valley and affecting residents' quality of life.
• Health Concerns – The potential long-term effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields emitted by cell towers remain uncertain, raising valid public health concerns.
• Technological Obsolescence – With advancements in satellite phone technology, traditional cell towers may become obsolete in the near future, making this infrastructure unnecessary.
• Communication Tower Safety Concerns: Hazards such as falls, structural collapses, falling objects, inclement weather, and radiofrequency exposure. Learn more at OSHA Communication Towers.

We urge decision-makers to halt the cell tower project immediately and seek alternative solutions that do not jeopardize the environment, health, and character of the Grapetree neighborhood.

The STX CZM is holding a public hearing regarding this matter. The details to join are as follows:

Original Meeting:

Topic: CZM Public Hearing: Blue Sky Towers III, LLC
Date: February 25, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM Puerto Rico Time
Location: Zoom Meeting 

Follow-up Meeting:

Topic: CZM Public Hearing: Blue Sky Towers III, LLC
Date: March 19, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM Puerto Rico Time
Location: Teams Meeting 

Meeting ID: 276 794 067 640 31
Passcode: nu2jr7Ys

Organizer: Jean-Pierre L Oriol, Commissioner

To contact your local representative and/or more information please contact:

Gregory Richards, Assistant Director DPNR

Gregory.Richards@DPNR.vi.gov - (340) 773-1082 x2216

Sign this petition today to protect Grapetree and preserve the beauty and integrity of St. Croix!