Grand Square Owner Urges Balance with Regulatory Compliance as Frederiksted Businesses Struggle

As businesses in Frederiksted's Grand Square struggle to survive, property owner urges the HPC to balance regulatory compliance with the financial challenges faced by tenants, warning that strict enforcement could push them into insolvency

Businesses at Grand Square in Frederiksted, St. Croix, are facing significant challenges as they operate on tight margins despite paying minimal rents. Justin Cohen, owner of the property located at 70 King Street, highlighted the fragile financial situation of his tenants during a meeting with the St. Croix Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) last Thursday, while urging the committee to be mindful of the impact strict enforcement of compliance could have on these struggling businesses.

“These tenants are always struggling to survive…the rent that they pay is very low, but still they struggle to survive, and they’re barely at sustenance level,” Cohen explained while seeking approval for roof repairs at the property. However, during the discussion, committee members raised concerns about unapproved signage by several businesses operating out of the complex.