DLCA Says It Will End ‘Abysmal State’ Of Affairs At Vendor’s Plaza; Series of Improvements Planned

ST. THOMAS — The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs (DLCA) wants to put an end to the “current abysmal state” of Vendors Plaza at Emancipation Garden on St. Thomas.

On Tuesday, the department, led by Commissioner Designee Richard Evangelista and DLCA staff, held a mandatory town hall meeting with the permitted merchants of Vendors Plaza. “DLCA called the meeting to address the current abysmal state of Vendors Plaza, to review pertinent DLCA and Virgin Islands Police Department rules and regulations, to share the team’s priorities for the upcoming 2019-2020 tourism season and for the Department of Public Works to update the vendors on the waterfront project and its future impact on Vendor’s Plaza,” according to a press release issued Wednesday by DLCA.

The Tuesday meeting was done in collaboration with the St. Thomas and Water Island Administrator, Avery Lewis, a Department of Tourism representative, Department of Public Works Commissioner Nelson Petty and Department of Property and Procurement Commissioner Anthony Thomas.

According to the release, vendors have a grace period of until August 19 to comply with existing rules regarding licensed vendors, as well as other territorial or federal laws. “DLCA shall educate before it regulates” said Mr. Evangelista. He also said, “DLCA shall be firm but fair.”

Mr. Thomas of Property and Procurement said the white building across from Vendor’s Plaza, formerly housing a federal office, will be renovated to provide restrooms on the first floor for patrons and permitted vendors of Vendor’s Plaza. The renovations will occur over the next 12 to 18 months.

Mr. Thomas also announced plans to provide wireless internet service to Vendor’s Plaza. In the interim, Mr. Lewis announced that portable, air-conditioned restrooms will be placed adjacent to the west side of Fort Christian.

Mr. Petty of the Department of Public Works announced plans to provide vendor spaces along the waterfront during the second phase of the downtown revitalization project.

The next Vendors Plaza town hall is scheduled for the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.