Historic Preservation Signage Rules Stir Controversy Among St. Croix Business Owners

Businesses challenge HPC's stringent signage regulations; claim uneven application and lack of legal clarity disrupts operations in historic districts

Frustration over Historic Preservation Commission signage regulations dominated a meeting of the St. Croix HPC last Thursday. A number of businesses were before the HPC board for signage violations, including several located in the Pan Am complex in the town of Christiansted.

One of these businesses was Marley Natural, which had been cited for non-compliance due to the preponderance of decals affixed to the display windows and front doors. Despite facing pushback, committee members stood firm about the need to ensure that one by one, businesses within historic districts come into compliance with prevailing regulations regarding signage and other aspects of the physical premises.

“There is a level of compliance that across the board needs to be administered throughout the district,” said Kurt Marsh, chair of the VI Historic Preservation Commission.