Fonseca’s Attempt to Redraw Historic District Boundaries Rejected Over Allegations of Self-Interest

Lawmakers shot down Fonseca’s proposal to remove several Charlotte Amalie properties from laws that govern the historic district, arguing the measure primarily served his interests as a property owner.

An attempt by Senator Ray Fonseca to exclude several properties in Charlotte Amalie from the jurisdiction of the Charlotte Amalie Historic and Architectural Control District failed “miserably,” a descriptor ascribed by Senate President Novelle Francis. On Wednesday, Mr. Fonseca moved amendment 35-1123 to Bill 35-0428, identified as the bill for non-germane amendments during the Legislative session. The amendment called for the exclusion of the properties beginning at the intersection of Borger Gade and Prindsesse Gade, proceeding east to Torvet Strade and continuing east to the intersection of Wimmelskafts Gade and Nye Gade. “This exclusion applies to all properties located on the northside of Prindsesse Gade and Torvet Strade,” explained Mr. Fonseca.