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A tree specialist has assessed approximately 24 trees along DeCastro Street following public outcry over their proposed removal, with another public consultation planned once his report is available.
Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture and Fourth District Representative Luce Hodge-Smith disclosed the assessment on Virgin Islands Voice on October 21, responding to the host’s question about whether the trees were safe.
She said an arborist was brought in while the sidewalk improvement project was on hold and had graded the trees using an A-to-F system.
“He graded the trees, but we’re waiting on the report, and we will have a public consultation on that again,” Hodge-Smith said. “We’re expecting that he will be there to give his report to the public.”
She did not disclose the grades or confirm whether the trees would be retained.
“Yes, there was some uproar about the trees,” she acknowledged, adding that she understood and accepted that people would have differing views.
As previously reported, the Recovery and Development Agency intended to remove and replace mature Mahogany, White Cedar and Yellow Poui trees under the approximately $798,000 project. The agency said roots had damaged pavement and would inevitably be affected during demolition.
Former Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool had called for a pause, technical evidence and meaningful consultation before irreversible work began.
During Wednesday night's programme, Hodge-Smith maintained that improving the sidewalks was important for residents and visitors, particularly people using wheelchairs or mobility devices.
“Everybody comes into town. We want to be able to have people walk a bit more than have to drive,” she said.
The Fourth District Representative added: "We have to enhance the sidewalks, and we also have to do it for our visitors as well. Our cruise passengers, the cruise ship pier is right in town, so a lot of them do the walking if they're not on tours."
She described receiving reports of people rolling off sidewalks into the road, highlighting the need for safer access through the busy commercial area.
“Our sidewalks are not conducive for them to safely maneuver,” she said.
Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture and Fourth District Representative Luce Hodge-Smith disclosed the assessment on Virgin Islands Voice on October 21, responding to the host’s question about whether the trees were safe.
She said an arborist was brought in while the sidewalk improvement project was on hold and had graded the trees using an A-to-F system.
“He graded the trees, but we’re waiting on the report, and we will have a public consultation on that again,” Hodge-Smith said. “We’re expecting that he will be there to give his report to the public.”
She did not disclose the grades or confirm whether the trees would be retained.
“Yes, there was some uproar about the trees,” she acknowledged, adding that she understood and accepted that people would have differing views.
As previously reported, the Recovery and Development Agency intended to remove and replace mature Mahogany, White Cedar and Yellow Poui trees under the approximately $798,000 project. The agency said roots had damaged pavement and would inevitably be affected during demolition.
Former Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool had called for a pause, technical evidence and meaningful consultation before irreversible work began.
During Wednesday night's programme, Hodge-Smith maintained that improving the sidewalks was important for residents and visitors, particularly people using wheelchairs or mobility devices.
“Everybody comes into town. We want to be able to have people walk a bit more than have to drive,” she said.
The Fourth District Representative added: "We have to enhance the sidewalks, and we also have to do it for our visitors as well. Our cruise passengers, the cruise ship pier is right in town, so a lot of them do the walking if they're not on tours."
She described receiving reports of people rolling off sidewalks into the road, highlighting the need for safer access through the busy commercial area.
“Our sidewalks are not conducive for them to safely maneuver,” she said.
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