NPS Seeks Public Comments On Repair And Stabilization Of Wharf Bulkhead Along Christiansted National Historic Site Waterfront

The National Park Service (N.P.S.) is proposing to repair the bulkhead along Christiansted National Historic Site waterfront in order to protect the park’s landscape and associated historic buildings, according to a recently issued release.

NPS said the proposed project would replace the 700 linear-foot steel sheet pile and concrete bulkhead and would repair the associated concrete sidewalk apron. The design concept will make the smallest possible imprint on the historic maritime landscape, the release said. The new bulkhead would be located approximately 1-foot seaward of the existing structure and would include a fendering system and docking cleats. The bulkhead would consist primarily of new steel sheet piles (SSP) driven to an appropriate depth into the bedrock and would be covered by a cast-in-place concrete cap that extends beneath the waterline.

The project will stabilize the historic waterfront, protect the park’s historic maritime landscape, and associated historic buildings, from the imminent threat of failure of the bulkhead and associated landward migration of the shoreline due to erosion. Once complete the wharf repairs are complete N.P.S. would restore wharf access and function for appropriate land and maritime operations, according to the release.

N.P.S. encouraged participation throughout the planning process from October 24 through November 24, 2018. N.P.S. is requesting public involvement from interested agencies, groups, and individuals. The public and agencies can submit in writing any issues or concerns they might have with the proposed concept design during the open comment period. N.P.S. will also be gathering comments regarding N.P.S. historic properties for the purposes of compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

The National Park Service will be hosting an open-house style public meeting to present the proposed design and discuss the project details, according to the release. This meeting will take place on November 7 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Christiansted NHS, Guinea Company Warehouse (Old Post Office Building), first floor at 2100 Church Street #100, Christiansted, Virgin Islands, 00820.

You can submit your comments and find more information about the project at the park’s PEPC website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/chri. NPS will accept comments at the open house, and via email to: [email protected] or by mail to: The Superintendent, Christiansted National Historic Site, 2100 Church Street #100, Christiansted, Virgin Islands 00820, Attn: Christiansted NHS Wharf Repair Project. The opportunity to provide public comment to support the development of this project will close November 24, 2018. For more information, please contact the park at 340-773-1460, M-F, 8am to 5 pm.