Recognizing the need for additional parking spaces in downtown Christiansted, the Saint Croix Foundation has created twenty additional spaces for use, on a rental basis, by businesses and their employees. As part of the Foundation's Sunday Market Square revitalization strategy and overall development of downtown Christiansted, the new lot will reduce the parking crunch in downtown Christiansted.
     
     Located next to Crawford's Travel on King Street, the transformation of the vacant lot became a reality thanks to several partners. The Benjamin Foundation (created by Virgin Islands songwriter, Benny Benjamin), owner of the property, offered assistance to the Saint Croix Foundation and its Sunday Market revitalization initiative by donating the use of the lot. Barbara Jackson, program officer of the Benjamin Foundation, facilitated the partnership agreement between the two foundations. The Virgin Islands Energy Office funded the purchase of a solar-powered lighting system valued at approximately $15,000 and will also provide a solar-powered gate system. To make way for the solar system, ASPLUNDH removed only the trees that would block necessary sunlight for the system to operate at an optimal level. TERMINIX treated the soil to assure weeds and other growth will not penetrate the surfacing material. The clearing and surfacing of the lot was provided by VIAPCO and the St. Croix Anti-Litter and Beautification Commission will donate planters to beautify the area.
     
     According to Roger Dewey, Executive Director of the Saint Croix Foundation, "The completion of this parking lot signifies another important step in the redevelopment of downtown Christiansted." By moving cars off the streets that belong to people who work in town, what we've essentially done is made it easier for people coming into town to shop or conduct business. Moreover, we have again illustrated the value in public/private sector partnerships.
     
     Anyone interested in utilizing the new lot is encouraged to call the Saint Croix Foundation at 773-9898 or email stxfound@att.net.