July 23, 2003 – In an ongoing effort to clean up neighborhoods in the territory, more than 70 abandoned vehicles, along with gallons of used oil, scores of engine blocks and hundreds of old automotive parts and tires, have been removed from St. Thomas locations this week.
Vehicles were towed from Old Tutu and Nadir streets on Monday; from Hidden Valley, Estate Mariendahl and Water Island on Tuesday; and from Anna's Retreat on Wednesday.
Law-enforcement officials also identified two "illegal car repair operations," according to a Government House release.
The cleanup work is an initiative of Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's Abandoned Car and Beautification Task Force, chaired by James O'Bryan Jr., St. Thomas and Water Island administrator.
The first step is for enforcement agencies to issue citations for abandoned vehicles. Within 48 hours, the government is authorized "to take corrective action against the violators that have been cited," the release stated.
Abandoned cars, vans and trucks that are towed will come back to haunt their owners: O'Bryan said a $250 lien is placed against the future registration of any motor vehicle by the persons listed as the last owners of record.
As for the illegal repair operations, the release said that patrons of the shops "should reclaim their vehicles immediately or be prepared to pay to reclaim their vehicles once the launch of removal operations has commenced."
The locales targeted by the task force "can best be described as massive illegal dump sites operating within residential areas," O'Bryan said. "We are determined to bring an end to this blatant violation and disrespect of health, environmental and solid waste laws."
Publisher's note : Like the St. Thomas Source now? Find out how you can love us twice as much — and show your support for the islands' free and independent news voice … click here.
