The Senate Rules and Judiciary Committee on Wednesday approved nominees Rebecca Merwin and Rupert Pelle for spots on the V.I. Historic Preservation Commission, sending their nominations on to the full Senate.
Pelle, the current commission chairman, was nominated by Gov. John deJongh Jr. for a new term, while Merwin is being named for a first term.
Born on St. Thomas, Pelle has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Florida A & M University and is currently the director of water distribution at the V.I. Water and Power Authority.
"My professional background as a civil engineer, coupled with my respect for V.I. heritage, has led me to make decisions that preserve yet reflect current events of our time," he said in testimony.
Pelle testified about the recent activities of the board, the obstacles it faces and its hopes for the future. Pelle said that since 1968 the commission has had regulatory authority over the Frederiksted and Christiansted historic and architectural control districts.
He added that the commission aims to enhance the prestige and attractiveness of St. Croix through the preservation of cultural properties and increasing public awareness and must sign off on any changes to properties in the historic districts.
In 2009 the commission reviewed 118 applications, including 16 technical assistance reviews. Sixty-eight were new applications; 29 for Frederiksted and 39 for Christiansted.
Aside from reviewing applications and performing site visits, the commission has been involved with the St. Croix Foundation Scrape Paint and Rejuvenate program, the Frederiksted Revitalization Steering Committee, and the installation of bronze historical markers.
The commission’s biggest single obstacle, Pelle said, is establishing a quorum for meetings; because several seats are open, all four active members have to be present. All four members’ terms have also expired, and finding new members willing and able to serve is a challenge, he said.
Other areas of difficulty include:
— training building inspectors about preservation issues;
— convincing property owners there are viable options besides demolition;
— lack of funding for technical assistance, training, and development for staff;
— coordinating with Fire Services, Police, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, and other agencies with overlapping jurisdiction.
Next year Pelle said the commission wants to establish a loan program for Frederiksted and Christiansted reconstruction and rehabilitation revolving fund; place entrance signs for Christiansted and Frederiksted; set up training for realtors and sign companies; and submit more sites to the V.I. Registry of Historic Buildings, Sites and Places; among other objectives.
Born and raised in Frederiksted, Merwin testified that her qualifications are based on her appreciation of the importance of historic preservation and commitment to the commission and its goals.
"I have always regarded Frederiksted as my home," she said. "The architecture of the town and the community that surrounds it are familiar to me in every aspect. I have a keen awareness of our local history and appreciation for the beauty of our architecture and scenery."
Merwin has studied history, art and architecture and traveled in many historic areas in the United States and Europe, she said. She has also been a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the St. Croix Landmarks Society, the St. George Village Botanical Gardens and the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts. She added that her family has owned historic properties and that she owns a home in a historic district of Washington, D.C.
Both nominations were forwarded to the full Senate without dissent.
