Rda Postpones DeCastro Street Sidewalk Project Amid
The Recovery and Development Agency has delayed the start of the DeCastro Street Sidewalks Improvement Project following intense public opposition regarding plans to cut down mature trees. While the agency officially cited pending administrative requirements, it also formally acknowledged public concerns and has not yet set a new start date for the nearly $800,000 initiative.
The start of construction on the DeCastro Street Sidewalks Improvement Project has been postponed, with the Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) acknowledging widespread public pushback regarding plans to remove mature shade trees along the Road Town corridor. Works were originally scheduled to commence on September 7, but the RDA confirmed in a public notice that the project will not begin as planned.
While the agency pointed to remaining contractual and administrative requirements, it also explicitly addressed the public reaction, stating, "We recognise the importance of the public's concerns and continued engagement surrounding the project." The RDA did not announce a new start date, noting that a further update will be issued once administrative steps are completed.
The $798,108.74 project, financed by the Government of the Virgin Islands and contracted to TMB Enterprises, involves demolishing damaged walkways, upgrading drainage, improving parking lots, and building six-foot-wide sidewalks built to ADA accessibility standards. However, public outcry intensified following disclosures that mature Mahogany, White Cedar, and Yellow Poui trees would be removed and replaced with Bottlebrush and Verawood Bulnesia trees.
The RDA has defended the planned removals, arguing that extensive root systems have severely fractured pavement, created trip hazards, and impeded wheelchair accessibility. Agency officials stated that root systems lie directly within the excavation zone and that leaving them intact would lead to repeated damage to newly constructed sidewalks.
Fourth District Representative and Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, has endorsed the project, stating that upgraded infrastructure is essential to make Road Town safer, more accessible, and business-friendly. Nevertheless, opposition remains strong among residents and community leaders who question why sidewalks cannot be redesigned to preserve trees that have provided canopy cover for decades and survived major hurricanes.
People's Leadership Movement leader and former Fourth District representative Mark Vanterpool has called for a halt to the project until the government releases technical assessments, reveals whether independent arborists were consulted, and conducts thorough public consultations with local business owners and residents.
The RDA maintained that improving safety for the elderly, wheelchair users, and families with strollers remains a critical goal for Road Town's redevelopment. The agency encouraged residents to continue following official communication channels for further updates on the 120-day contract.
Primary source: BVI Platinum