As part of the VI Zoning and Subdivision Code Revision currently undertaken by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, a Form-Based Code zoning provision is being considered for a portion of Charlotte Amalie. Form-Based Codes can play an important role in ensuring that future development contributes positively to the character of the USVI by preserving and building upon the qualities that make the islands unique and memorable.
The planning effort for Charlotte Amalie will begin Dec. 3 – 9, with a series of publicevents called a “charrette.” A team led by the Urban Planning Firm of Dover, Kohl & Partners will work with the community to establish the vision for the Urban Design Plan and framework for the Form-Based Code. All who wish to participate are encouraged to attend presentations and design sessions during the week; each day’s progress will be displayed in an open design studio so that participants can immediately see their ideas and vision take shape.
Charrette Schedule
1) Friday, Dec. 3. Community Kick-off Presentation – 6:30 p.m. at Christ Church Methodist Sanctuary. A community event to introduce the planning effort will include an informative presentation on sustainable town planning, preserving community character and the use of Form-Based Codes.
2) Saturday, Dec. 4. Hands-on Design Session — 9 a.m. to noon at Lockhart Elementary School Auditorium. Participants will work in small groups sharing ideas for the future of the historic portion of Charlotte Amalie.
3) Sunday through Thursday, Dec. 5-9. Open Design Studio—9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Grand Hotel (2nd floor) across from Emancipation Gardens. **There will be an open house from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7. The planning team will work to create a draft plan. The entire community is invited to visit the studio to provide input and monitor the work in progress.
4) Thursday, Dec. 9. Work-in-Progress Presentation—6:30 p.m.at Lockhart Elementary School Auditorium. At the end of the charrette week, the design team will present the work in progress to the community.
More information can be found at these Web sites: www.thetownsblueprint.com and www.formbasedcodes.org
