Statement of Support for the Community Alliance to Preserve Our Historic Neighborhoods The Virgin Islands legislature is considering Bill Number 29-0358 that would materially assist in the preservation, rehabilitation and restoration of the historic homes and neighborhoods around Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted and Frederiksted. These areas hold some of the earliest structures in the islands and are steadily deteriorating – and with them a huge and important part of our islands history and heritage. Many of these historic structures date from the 1700’s and were designed by the Dutch and crafted by local artisans, masons and carpenters, the ancestors of many of our citizens. Sadly, these areas have been allowed to deteriorate over time and now have become havens for crime, drugs, vermin and squalor that threaten the quality of life not only in surrounding neighborhoods and nearby commercial areas filled with hardworking citizens, but also threaten the safety of our many visitors to the Territory. These properties produce little or tax revenue compared to their potential to create jobs and positive economic activity that would benefit all Virgin Islands citizens. Seeing the urgent need for action before this important part of our history and heritage is lost forever, an alliance of community groups, civic organizations, churches and synagogues, neighborhood groups, trade associations, interested citizens and historic preservation groups has formed with the single goal of seeing these historic properties, and our heritage, preserved and restored. The undersigned fully support(s) the aims of the Community Alliance and joins with them in seeking legislative approval of Bill 29-0358______________________________________

 *Bill # was recently updated, please visit www.preservevi.org to review the updated Bill and Bill # - also note this website is a free website but they may ask you for a donation to support them (I Petitions); that does, in no way support BILL #29-0358

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