St. Thomas Senate Hears Plans to Revamp Charlotte Amalie

According to WSTA.com, the Senate Committee of the Whole met last night to take up plans for the revitalization of downtown Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Darryl Smalls, commissioner of the Department of Public Works, was on the hot seat explaining the plans, according to the report. The project calls for the changes at Rothschild Francis Market Square, parking improvements, Main Street Enhancement project, a marine route, changes at Vendors Plaza and the Waterfront Safety and beautification plan.

In Market Square, they plan to change the road infrastructure, drainage, historic lighting and landscaping. They are looking for a location and partners in the west end of town to build a parking garage capable of accommodating 300 cars – this would double the present capacity for parking downtown.

Smalls proposes reconstructing the entire roadway and sidewalks of Main Street using brick pavers, landscaping, historic lighting and better drainage. The target date is next summer.

The marine route in the harbor has been designated a federal highway, clearing the way for federal support for a marine terminal and vessels. Smalls plans a ferry that will move people from West Indian Company Limited to Water Island, Crown Bay and the waterfront.

Vendors Plaza is slated to include landscaping, brick walkways, a water feature and new tents for all vendors.

On the waterfront, Smalls described plans to make Veteran’s Highway a four lane road from Fort Christian to Lucinda Millen Home. There will be a promenade all along the waterfront and increases in the green space by linking the legislature with Fort Christian and Emancipation Garden. Smalls has visions of cafes and tourist attractions along the promenade. This calls for either a bridge around the legislature or land fill. For the full story, click here.