The first stage in the renovation of the Charlotte Amalie waterfront apron has been completed, and is sitting in the conference room of the V.I. Port Authority.
A 20-foot scale model of the area–complete with small buildings, benches, shelters, walkways and little beige feathers serving as palm trees–has been completed by the local design partnership Yssis Group/Paradigm Design Inc.
The group won the design competition launched last summer by the Port Authority for the waterfront project. It was chosen out of five local firms by a review board of Port Authority staff, said Chief Planner Darlan Brin.
The Port Authority intends that the waterfront apron, as the primary access to the harbor both physically and visually, will be aesthetically pleasing while improving safety. The project runs from the Edward Wilmoth Blyden Ferry Terminal to the Coast Guard dock where a small boathouse is proposed.
After the contract is executed, hopefully next week, Brin said, the Port Authority will coordinate its efforts with the Department of Public Works, the Historical Preservation Commission, the West Indian Co. Ltd., Highway Safety Division, Coastal Zone Management and the Chamber of Commerce, along with other interested agencies. Financing for the first phase of the project is included in the Fiscal Year 2001 budget.
Brin was very firm on public involvement. "We want to incorporate with the people, not for them," he said. At some point there will be a public meeting to find out what taxi drivers, bus drivers, downtown merchants, boat owners and any other interested parties think. Brin said,
"We want their suggestions," he said, noting that the waterfront is such an integral part of living on St. Thomas that almost everyone has something to say.
Runners-up for the design competition, who will receive a stipend for their work, were a joint venture with Innovations by Design and Caribbean Professional Consultants, and William Karr Associates.
Brin's enthusiasm for the project is evident as he shows off the architectural model. "These are the shade pavilions for cruise ship and St. John ferry passengers," he pointed out, noting one will be across from Colombian Emeralds and another will be across from the USO building.
The entire promenade will have palm trees clustered among walkways, benches, plantings and lights. Brin pointed to two attractive street lamp photos on the wall above. The whole area needs to be well-lighted, he said, but no decision has been made on the lamps as yet. "Those are one of many things to come in further refinements," he said.
The number of streetlights now on Veterans Drive are unattractive and aren't really necessary, Brin said. He said he has seen some on the mainland where only one pole extends across the street with lights pointing in all directions.
Another area of concern is the apron asphalt, which is broken, spotty and frequently torn up for pipe repairs. There are several paving options, including one that simulates brick. The plan also calls for brick walkways at intersections across Veterans Drive, accompanied by attractive street signs.
