Maho and the muse
Green space necessary for arts and souls
virginvoices.com staff
It’s been said we can always look to nature for the ultimate truth. How many writers, poets and visual artists have depended upon its inspiration?
Both the environment and art benefit from preserving natural resources. Score one for St. John’s muses.
Despite this island’s rapid overdevelopment, some folks with a vision said no to hedge fund manager James Simon’s plans to build a think tank compound in the midst of Estate Maho Bay.
The area is a 455-acre parcel of land left by islander Harvey Marsh in common to his 11 grandchildren.
The National Park Service purchased three shares in the early 1970’s and The Trust for Public Land purchased an additional share in 2003, leaving six remaining shares or 280 acres, which could have been freed for development.
The Trust for Public Lands negotiated purchase of six of the remaining seven shares of the Maho property from the Marsh heirs after it became apparent the proposed development was not as benign as it first appeared.
Other islands take note. Green space is essential for all of our arts and souls.
Photo:Maho Bay by St. John photographer Steve Simonsen
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