Senate President Vargrave Richards is calling for the removal of the construction barricades surrounding Government House in Christiansted.
The plywood fence was put up around the historic structure almost two years ago as work crews began renovations on the historic building. The work was originally scheduled to be completed by March 1999, but Hurricane Georges in September 1998 and other setbacks have slowed the project. In mid-August, workers discovered lead paint on interior walls, which took about a month to remove.
Although part of the barricade on Queen Cross Street was moved back to allow traffic, the fence still blocks part of King Street. Both Richards and downtown business owners want the obstacle removed now that the tourist season has started.
"As we approach the Christmas holiday season and the new millennium, it is imperative that every effort be made to remove this unsightly barrier," Richards said.
He said the fence restricts badly needed downtown parking and hinders tourists’ accessibility to shops.
"Since the majority of construction has been completed, there is little or no reason for the blockade to continue," he said. "As the heart of the downtown area, it is important that this situation be reconciled so that store owners and businesses can experience much needed relief, especially with the season upon us."
