Jan. 21, 2005 – After years of traffic congestion en route to the Tutu Park Mall area, St. Thomas residents should soon see a welcome change in traffic flow.
On Thursday, a prominent St. Thomas family transferred almost 3.5 acres of land to the V.I. government for the construction of a new road.
The Harthman family, owners of Parcel No. 34 Estate Charlotte Amalie that stretches from Edith Williams School on Weymouth Rhymer Highway to McBean Park in Old Tutu, gave the land to the government for the purpose of alleviating the traffic jams plaguing the Eastern end of the island.
Albert, Arthur and Sammy Harthman signed off on the transfer of the property during a brief ceremony at the offices of Birch, deJongh, Hindels and Hines.
Sen. Celestino White Sr. and former senator Carlton Dowe, who had submitted an amendment to provide funding for the road project, signed as witnesses to the transfer of the deed.
Others ipresent were Wystan Benjamin from the Public Works Department Federal-Aid Highway Program; attorney James Hindels, counsel for the Harthmans; Franke Hoheb, White's chief of staff; and Karl Callwood.
"I have talked to Commissioner Wayne Callwood at Public Works and am certain that this will get done because it is in the best interest of the people," Dowe said during the ceremony, according to a release from White's office.
White agreed to monitor the progress of the roadway and to name it in honor of a long-time Harthman family friend and community activist, Leonardo "Nardo" Trotman, according to the release. The old Harthman Pond will also be turned into a protected wetlands and wildlife sanctuary.
"With completion of this road," White said, "one of the most congested areas of St. Thomas will finally see relief."
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