District Rep Mum As Public Pressure Mounts Over DeCastro Street Project

Fourth District Representative Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith remains silent as concerns mount over the removal of mature mahogany trees under the approximately $798,000 DeCastro Street Sidewalk Improvement Project, which is expected to begin on Monday, September 7.

BVI Platinum News contacted Hodge-Smith on August 26 with several questions about the proposed project, including, “What assurances can you give residents of the Fourth District and the wider BVI that the redevelopment of DeCastro Street will strike the right balance between improving pedestrian safety and accessibility and protecting the mature trees that have formed part of the character and landscape of Road Town for decades?”

Hodge-Smith, who is also the Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, promised to provide a response within two days. However, to date, no response has been received.

The project involves the demolition and reconstruction of deteriorated sidewalks along DeCastro Street, along with improvements to drainage, landscaping, parking areas and pedestrian accessibility.

The Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has said aggressive tree roots have uplifted and fractured sections of the pavement, creating uneven surfaces, narrowed walkways and safety hazards, particularly for persons with disabilities.

However, People’s Leadership Movement (PLM) leader Mark Vanterpool is calling on the Government to pause the project until the public receives a full explanation of its scope, benefits and the justification for removing the mature trees.

“My position is simple: hold the project for the moment and give the public more information,” Vanterpool stated.

“Let us hear the reasons and understand the full picture. If it is demonstrated that the project will genuinely improve the area and benefit the city, I will support it. If concerns remain, the Government should be willing to step back, think it through and determine what is truly right for the capital, Road Town.”

Vanterpool, former Representative of the Fourth District, said residents and business owners remain unclear about the project’s complete scope, why the trees must be removed and what the long-term benefits will be for Road Town.

“I want to support the Government if they are undertaking a project in Road Town for the benefit of the country,” he stated.

“But they must explain the project clearly to the public so that we can understand what is being done and, where it is beneficial, we will put our support behind it.”

Vanterpool said he received numerous calls and messages from concerned residents after reports emerged that several mature trees along the roadway would be uprooted.

Many of the trees, planters and parking areas were established during improvement works undertaken in the early 2000s while Vanterpool represented Road Town.

“These trees have been established for nearly 30 years,” he said.
“Before we remove them based on a promise that other trees will be planted, the public deserves to understand why their removal is necessary and exactly what will replace them.”

Following a walk-through yesterday of the project area from Scotiabank to Bobby’s Marketplace, Vanterpool said the mature trees appeared healthy and continued to blossom.

He acknowledged that project officials may have technical concerns about the root systems and the salinity of the soil. However, he said any expert assessments supporting their removal should be released publicly.

“I am sure the Government has experts who can advise on these matters, but let us hear the reasons,” Vanterpool stated.

“These trees have survived Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and several other storms. If there is credible technical evidence showing that they must be removed, then that evidence should be clearly explained.”

Vanterpool called for the Government and RDA to determine whether the sidewalks, drains and parking areas could be improved without removing the mature trees.

“Let us take care of the mahogany trees, the flamboyant tree and the attractive shrubbery and flowers along this area,” he said.

“Let us plant more, maintain what we have and continue making Road Town more beautiful.”

He also wants the Government to disclose how many trees will be affected, their species, whether arborists or environmental specialists were consulted and what types and sizes of trees would be planted as replacements.

Vanterpool questioned whether mature trees would replace those removed or whether the Government intends to plant young saplings. He also wants details on when replacement trees would be planted and who would be responsible for their long-term care.

His concerns extend to the project’s drainage plans, provisions for wheelchair users and other pedestrians, the number of parking spaces that will be affected and the disruptions businesses, residents and motorists should expect during construction.

Vanterpool also called for a detailed breakdown of the approximately $798,000 project cost and the publication of the plans, drawings, environmental assessments and implementation schedule.

“The people’s money is going to be spent, and the people need a clear explanation,” he stated.

“We are not here to criticise for the sake of criticising. We want to encourage the Government to do the right thing, but the most important thing is to let the people understand what is being done and allow them to buy into it.”

Don't Alter Roundabout

The PLM leader also objected to reported plans to alter the Road Town roundabout and invite proposals for a new design.

“My proposal is to leave it as it is,” he said. “The roundabout is already beautiful. Let us properly maintain it and continue building up Road Town as the capital of the Virgin Islands.”

Vanterpool warned that the trees have become part of the character and history of DeCastro Street, particularly during the Christmas season when they are decorated, and should not be removed without a clear and compelling justification.

On August 18, the RDA announced that it had joined TMB Enterprises and Government stakeholders for the official kick-off meeting for the project.

According to the RDA, the meeting addressed the project schedule, design, traffic management, site coordination and implementation.
Vanterpool is calling for meaningful consultation with residents, businesses and other stakeholders before any irreversible work, particularly the removal of mature trees, begins.