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March 13, 2007
A major clean up Monday in the Subbase area The Subbase area of St. Thomas was the target Monday of the Anti-Litter and Beautification Task Force’s latest clean-up drive. Under the watch of St. Thomas-Water Island Administrator Barbara Petersen, the task force tackled the area which sits between the Subbase tennis courts and the WAPA potable water standpipe. "The area had become an eyesore for some time as mechanic shops operating in the general vicinity had expanded their work to the public roadway," Petersen said. The task force, comprised of several V.I. government agencies representatives, uncovered a number of varied alleged violations. "We went through practically every mechanic shop and indicated to the operators that their business could not extend into the public street," Petersen said, noting that one business which leases space from the V.I. Port Authority was the biggest offender. "There were more vehicles outside the shop than inside the garage." Petersen said the task force will review its findings to determine what fines will be assessed through regulatory agencies such as Planning and Natural Resources, Licensing and Consumer Affairs and the Waste Management Authority. The clean-up in Subbase followed similar operations in the Mariendahl community and Hospital Ground areas in recent days. The task force also worked alongside a private property owner to stage a clean up an open lot in the area of the Mandela Circle intersection. Petersen said the cement pilings put in place as barricades will keep persons from placing unwanted vehicles and other debris in the lot. Petersen reminded the public that it is illegal to move abandoned vehicles onto the public roadway and said that the task force will enforce all established rules and regulations as part of the overall effort to clean up the various communities and neighborhoods. "The re-littering of now sanitized areas by some in the public will not be condoned. We are seeking the public’s assistance in our efforts to launch an all out clean up drive to remove these wrecked and nonworking vehicles from our roadsides." The task force is moving the clean up operation to the West end of St. Thomas the rest of this week. |
