eda newsletter v1 i2 july 2008

Thousands of people on a daily basis drive through the towns of Christiansted, Frederiksted and Savanne and never actually see the historic, architectural and economic significance of what they are passing. The Enterprise Zone Commis‐sion, along with stake‐holders St. Croix Founda‐tion, Our Town Frederiksted, Frederiksted Economic De‐velopment Association, VI Heritage Museum Founda‐tion and We Saveneros, Inc., decided that we needed to take a “Cultural and Eco‐nomic Development Walk” through these communities.

EZ conducted three success‐ful walks through our his‐

toric towns of Christiansted, Frederiksted and Savanne. These walks were led by native sons and local histori‐ans Mr. Gerville Larsen in Christiansted, Attorney Wayne James in Frederik‐sted and Mr. Felipe Ayala in Savanne.

The purpose of the tour was to enlighten the community about the challenges and

economic potential that each zone faces. The zones were at one time vibrant living and working commu‐nities, and the EZ is striving to bring back that vitality to these areas.

In attendance were mem‐bers of the stakeholder or‐ganizations, Senators of the 27th Legislature and/or their representatives, EDA Board Members, the media (The Virgin Islands Daily News, The St. Croix Avis, TV2, WSTX Ra‐dio, The St. Croix Source and St. Thomas Source) and other members of the Com‐munity.

On each walk, we toured

(Continue on page 10)

EZ Walks … Press Captures Events

On May 30, 2008, the Enter‐prises Zone Commission held a meeting with Brian Modeste, Counsel to the Delegate to Congress Donna Christiansen, to discuss EZ’s goal of federal designation for the Virgin Islands Enter‐prise Zones.

Although it was originally

contemplated in 1999 that the local enterprise zones would be federally desig‐nated, it was determined that the VI would not qualify because the entire Territory would have to be declared blighted. The requirement for the federal designation zone was that there be a

population of 100,00 people in the zone.

Since then, the law has changed. There is, however, so much competition among the states that it is almost impossible for the Virgin Islands to be awarded fed‐eral designation.


EZ meets with Office of the Delegate

VI Economic Development Authority’s Enterprise Zone Commission

July 1, 2008 Volume 1, Issue 2

Interview with the 2

Citizen’s take action 3

Christiansted & Sa-vanne surveys begins

3

EZ applies for Red 4

VI Heritage Museum Foundation

4

Blighted Properties 5

Out of the Past/Into the Future:: Farrelly’s

8

Inside this issue:

Special points of in-terest:

• There are citizens who have taken action and brought taskforces to work for them. Find out how you can do the same on page 3.

• Find out what you can do to deal with blighted properties in your neighborhood on page 5.

In the Zone

In Our Community: Ann Abrahamsen

10

EZ Appreciates: Sean 11

Are EZ Companies in Compliance?

9

2 In the Zone Ju ly 1, 2008

From the Desk of the Editor

Strategic Plan: Public Safety & Crime Prevention

First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to all for the kind words of praise and encourage‐ment regarding the inaugural issue of In the Zone. It seems that the second edition is always harder than the first, because you have to make it better than the first. EZ will continue to strive to provide solid information about the zones. We have been busy this quarter, and as a result, the newsletter has expanded to 12 pages packed, hopefully, with useful information for you.

Public Safety & Crime Prevention is the second goal in the EZ Strategic Plan (page 2). It not only speaks to crime but also to the issues of health & safety. This issue of In the Zone features public, private and non profit organizations and individu‐als in the community that are involved in public safety and crime prevention. As Mario Moorehead says, “One –one fills the basket.”

Learn how neighbors take public safety & crime prevention into their hands in the right way (on page 3) and how you can take action too. In Our Community (on page 10) features Mrs. Ann E. Abramson and EZ Appreciates (on page 11) con‐gratulates Sean Brown of the Department of Pub‐lic Works. Both columns discuss how Ms. Abram‐son and Mr. Brown are contributing to public safety & crime prevention. I have heard on many occasions that if we could clean up the abandoned properties we will have accomplished a great feat. It’s not that easy. Check out Issues Corner (on page 5) for a story on blighted properties. Along with my all‐time favorite, the Picture Reel (page 5‐6), this issue features two new columns, which are also favorites called Out of the Past and Into the Future (page 8) about a special house in Frederik‐sted.

Finally, special thanks to native sons Gerville Lar‐sen, Wayne James and Felipe Ayala for leading our Cultural and Economic Development Walk, along wth the St. Croix Avis, Virgin Islands Daily News, TV2, WSTX Radio, and the St. Croix, and St. Thomas Source for telling the story our precious communi‐ties.

N. Marchena Kean

The EZ 5‐year strategic plan requires that the Commission creates an environment safe for businesses and residents in which to work and play. To accomplish this, EZ will work to publicize outreach programs available to at‐risk youth, the homeless and residents in general. EZ is also tasked in working with the proper authorities to remove chronic and violent street criminals and eliminate drug sales from the Zone by strengthening EZ’s relationship with the neighborhood, DPNR, Health, WAPA and the Fire Department to decrease areas of criminal activity. EZ is utilizing alternative tools to assist with law enforcement by devel‐oping a neighborhood watch program and business watch program to eliminate crime.

Interview with the CEO: Percival E. Clouden

EZ member, Kizzy Moscoso, interviewed Percival E. Clouden, CEO of the Eco‐nomic Development Authority, on what his thoughts and ideas are for the Eco‐nomic Development Authority.

Q. Since you became the Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Authority, what have you contributed to make the EDA a successful agency?

A. I have worked with the Board and staff to focus on the collections of delin‐quent loans through the lending and legal staff. The processing of EDC appli‐

cations from the date of receipt to approval by the Governor of the Virgin Islands, an 85‐90 day completion deadline date for all new appli‐cations. Regular meetings with Managers and staff to keep them abreast of new and existing issues and to get suggestions to improve processes.

Q. What accomplishments have you seen from last fiscal year to this fiscal year for the EZ Commission?

A. I have not seen offhand what occurred in the past, being that I came aboard on October 1, 2008. I have however, been involved in numerous activities that the


In the Zone In the Zone 3

Surveys of Christiansted & Savanne

Taskforce: Citizens take action on public safety

The phone rings at the EZ offices and on the other line is a concerned citizen. One of the buildings on her unoccupied property in the zone recently had a fire due to squatters breaking into her property and using drug paraphernalia and candles for lighting. They had brought garbage (mattresses, humans waste, etc.) into her property. She was con‐cerned about the safety of her neighbors. Another concerned citizen stopped an EZ specialist out in the field and inquired about a foul odor in a gut which had stagnant standing water. Patrons of two nearby restaurant pass over the gut on a daily basis to get into the restaurants. She was concerned about health issues regarding the restau‐rants and the safety of kids who might end up playing in the water.

EZ took action. A call was made to taskforce members that are responsible for dealing with these issues. The Department of Health (DOH), Fire Department and DPNR’s State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) came together to do an inspection of the property. This resulted in the DOH & Fire issuing a letter stating that the buildings were unfit for human habitation due to increasing fire hazards, lack of sanitary facilities and vagrants occupying the buildings. Additionally, the collection of rainwater created breeding ground for mosquitoes, rodents, flies and other feral animals. The buildings which were deemed dangerous and detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the residents in the area, were recommended for demolition. The owner was advised by the SHPO officer that the next step would be to present a request, using the DOH and Fire letters and the petition signed by the neighbors to the Historic Preservation Committee to allow the demolition to proceed.

In the case of the stagnant water in the gut, the Office of the Governor’s Administrator, Office, DOH and the Department of Public Works are working to locate the source of the problem and deal with it before it becomes a larger public health issue.

If you have you have similar issues, take action and call the appropriate government en‐tity. We are here to serve.

In order to assist the towns of Christiansted and Savanne to develop community plans, EZ has undertaken the gathering of information about the towns in the form of a survey.

The Enterprise Zone Commission is currently conducting surveys on several streets in the towns of Christiansted and Savanne. The purpose of these surveys is to accurately iden‐tify the owners, addresses and current status of the properties. Information from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor enables us to fill out part of the surveys. EZ will go into the field, contact the owners of the properties and get more information to further com‐plete the surveys.

Surveys on several streets have already started. In Savanne, streets like Regjerings Gade, Gamle Gade, and General Gade are 60% completed. In Christiansted, Hill Street, Queen Cross Street, Fisher Street, New Street and East Streets are 50% completed. For more information, call EZ at 774‐8104.

4 In the Zone Volume 1, Issue 2

Stakeholder: VI Heritage Museum Foundation

Inside the EDA: Economic Development Commission The EDC Continues to put forth ef‐forts to strengthen its internal opera‐tions and share its message with the rest of the world. Despite a weak‐ened economy, continuing IRS issues, a backlog of pending actions and sev‐eral attempts by local legislators to modify the program, the EDC has pressed on with efforts to build qual‐ity into its product and team effort. The following is a listing of efforts undertaken during the past six months:

EDC has implemented agency‐wide technology upgrades to include docu‐mentation handling, email, network

The VI Heritage Mu‐seum Foundation is one of the Enterprise Zone Commission stake‐holders.

Mr. David Blyden, Presi‐dent, and Mrs. Priscilla S t r i d i r o n , V i c e ‐President, of the organi‐zation have been instru‐mental in mobilizing people in the Savanne Enterprise Zone area. It was Mr. Blyden’s idea to start the church leadership group. He was aware of various outreach programs that the churches had for at‐risk youth and the homeless and thought this would be key to public safety and crime prevention. Mrs. Stridiron has graciously found space for Savanne community meetings. The organization has also hosted guest re‐questing tours of the neighborhood. This year the or‐ganization plans to open a Virgin Islands history mu‐seum offering cultural tours that will exemplify life in the VI, especially as it was in Savanne.

ing and shared access, security, web‐site redesign and relaunch and many other technology upgrades to in‐crease service delivery level, account‐ability and efficiency.

EDC compliance staff received na‐tional certification. EDC staff has im‐plemented an ongoing beneficiary visitation program to provide higher visibility and accessibility to benefici‐aries.

A comprehensive RFP was published for the creation of a Strategic & Mar‐keting Plan as well as for Cost Benefit Analysis. Additional staff members were hired to assist in critical areas

of operation.

Interim marketing efforts are under‐way to ensure that our message is disseminated locally and abroad.

EDC benefits are also available to small businesses in the Virgin Islands through the small business program. It requires a minimum of two em‐ployees and at least $20,000 in capi‐tal investment. The benefits include 90% exemption in income tax, 100% exemption on gross receipt and property taxes. If you have any questions, call the EDC at 340‐773‐6499.

Benefits to You: “Red Roof” Project

The Enterprise Zone Commission is request‐ing funding assistance from the VI State His‐toric Preservation to fund a grant for a bricks and mortar project called the Red Roof Project. The project would entail painting

the roofs of the buildings located in the EZ areas of Frederik‐sted, Christiansted and Savanne in the traditional red color. It is typical of the types of projects funded by the state His‐toric Preservation Office.

It is hoped, if funded, that residents would apply. Paint will be donated and contractors will actually do the work. We will keep you updated on this grant request. The “Red Roof” project seeks to restore the historic characteristics that were once prevalent in these historic communities. This project will not only work towards enhancing the general appearance of the community but will also enrich the tourist value of the town.


Issues Corner: Blighted Properties

It has been said many times that there should be a law against people who allow their properties to become hazardous to others. The truth is that there are at least seven ( 7) government departments and/or agencies that are involved, one way or another, in dealing with blight. They include the Departments of Health, Public Works, Fire, Police, Planning and Natural Resources together with the divisions of Historic Preser‐vation & Building Codes and the semi autonomous agencies of Housing Finance Au‐thority and Economic Development Authority’s Enterprise Zone division. The ques‐tions are: 1. Who is responsible for allowing blight to happen? 2. What can you do if your neighbors property is blighted? 3. Why do we still have blight? 4. And what is be‐ing done about it?

Who is responsible for allowing blight to happen?

Everyone. Even if you don't contribute to it, if you saw it happening and did nothing about it, you have become responsible.

What can you do if your neighbors’ property is blighted?

There are several avenues you can take. Try to contact the owner of the property to see if he/she can clean and properly secure the property. If this does not work, try the following procedure:

1. If you believe it is a fire, safety or health hazard, call the Fire, Police or Health De‐partment. They will do an inspection and make a finding which will be forwarded to the Commissioner of Public Works , or

2. You can send a petition signed by 25 neighbors of the blighted property to the Commissioner of Public Works who, will hold a public hearing to determine if the property is fit for human habitation. If he so finds it, he will inform the property owner of the corrective action that must be taken. If the owner does not re‐spond, then the Commissioner can take corrective action.

HOWEVER, if the blighted property is in the historic district, before most work can be done, the property owner must first check with and file an application with the His‐toric Preservation Committee. Once approved, the owner can get a permit from DPNR to demolish the building.

Why do we still have blight?

Often there is an absentee property owners. This contributes to the blight of many properties that are in the historic district.

What is being done about it?

Governor John deJongh has had several meetings with EZ stakeholders and is cur‐rently researching how he can rectify this issue. Senator Liston Davis is also working on legislation that will deal with the issues that have been brought to light .

What can you do to help? Get involved! Join your commu‐nity group to organize more consistent cleanups. Find out how to properly board up a house and talk to your neighbors about estate plan‐ning.


PICTURE REEL

In the Zone 7

Picture Reel Thoughts

• One One fills the basket.

• People make things happen.

• Hard work & perseverance leads to success.

In the Zone

8 In the Zone Volume 1, Issue 2

Out of the Past: #2 Market Street Frederiksted

Into the Future: #2 Market Street Frederiksted

EZ Meets the Public: Open house & Small Business Week

Alexander Farrelly was about 10 years of age when the family moved from Estate Carlton to Frederiksted. It was exciting because Frederiksted was alive with activity. There was St. Patricks where he attended school and the field where he would practice base‐ball.

No. 2 Market Street was a focal point for lots of activity as it was positioned right at the corner of Market and Princes Street. On the first floor was a grocery store, barber shop and a one room apart‐ment. The Farrelly family lived upstairs in a home big enough to fit all six children. The yard was used by the future Gover‐nor to practice boxing. He probably played the trumpet there too as he listen to music from the Thomas’ next door.

No. 2 Market Street was the childhood home of Governor Alexander Farrelly who served as Gov‐ernor from 1987 to 1995.

Whenever tours are given of market street, guides speak of #2 Market Street with fondness as a home that was a nurturing place … a place where people had hope and could imagine the future.

Currently, however ,the property has fallen into dis‐repair. It has long since been abandoned and now a tree surrounded by walls rises where the home once stood.

Our Town Frederiksted, an EZ Stakeholder has proposed that this property, in honor of Governor Farrelly, be turned into the VI Science & History Center.

In the Center, young people would be able to experience a hurricane, earthquake, tsunami or tornado and find out the science behind what causes these natural occur‐

rences. Visitors will also be able to look and touch bones and see brain matter and get a real understanding of archeology and anatomy. All exhibits will be accompanied by information on local history.

From a nurturing home to a place to nurture young minds , the Science & History Center is a fitting future for this home that nurtured future Gover‐

nor. Out of the Past , Into the Future.

The Enterprise Zone held an Open House on Carnival Fair Day, April 23, 2008. The open house was to inform the Savanne community, business and home owners that have prop‐erty in Savanne, that are in blight or distressed, can rehabilitate their property and can get tax benefits for it. This open house was significant because it offered property owners who live away but who came home for Carnival to find out more about EZ tax credits.

On the week of May 29, 2008 the Enterprise Zone participated in the Economic Development Authority (EDA), (SBDC) sponsored

Small Business Agency & Small Busi‐ness Development Center Small Busi‐ness Week Conference that was held on all three islands. Small Business Week gives business owners and persons that want to start a business the opportunity to learn how to go‐ing about doing so.

The EDA provided information to the public about the guidelines and pro‐cedures on how to apply for loans, tax benefits and tax credits. Each Division spoke on the law and Rules & Regulations (the Do’s and Don’ts) of their program.

Ms. Carolyn Henry, Senior Loan Offi‐cer and Mr. Wayne Biggs, Director,

presented on behalf of the Small Business Development Agency and Government Development Bank. Ms. Joy Penn, Compliance Officer and Ms. Esther Joseph spoke on behalf of the Economic Develop‐ment Commission and Ms. Nadine Marchena Kean, Director spoke on behalf of the Enterprise Zone Com‐mission.

There is an open house planned in St. Croix in the near future. If you would like to know more about any of these programs, please call the EDA at 714‐1700.


Are EZ Beneficiaries in Compliance?

Follow‐up: CDBG Continued from page 2:CEO Interviewed

The Enterprise Zone Commission is still awaiting in an‐ticipation of the response from CDBG on the grant re‐quest application submitted in Community Develop‐ment Block Grant Program regarding the status and staff recommendations on the “Reshape our Street‐scape” and “Scrape, Paint and Rejuvenate” program proposal.

The CDBG staffs recommendations has been forwarded to the Governor of the Virgin Islands for his review. The Governor’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Legislature and the Senate will hold a public hearing to consider the recommendation and make determination as to which organization will be granted funding.

The CDBG has until August 15th to submit the Senates determination to Region II headquarters for funding. If you would like to help us help you, please call your fa‐vorite senator in support of the project.

This quarter EZ focused on reviewing the compliance of its Beneficiaries. The compliance team in‐cluded Teresa Vanterpool and Sean Krigger of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) along with EZ Specialists Cusa Holloway and Raheem Smith.

The team members from the SHPO office are checking the Beneficiaries’ compliance with the historic rehabilitation as permitted by their office. The EZ team members are checking the Beneficiaries’ compliance with EZ law. It includes maintaining a valid business license with EZ, investing at least $10,000 in business or building, being a resident of the Virgin Islands, being the actual investor, meet‐ing standards of ecological compatibility established by Federal and Territorial law, employing at least two (2) residents of the VI and complying with Federal and Territorial laws. Additionally an ac‐tual cost benefit analysis is being conducted for each beneficiary to determine whether the program is working.

Currently we have a total of eleven (11) beneficiaries participating in the program, nine (9) on St. Croix (seven (7) in Christiansted and two (2) in Frederiksted) and two (2) on St. Thomas (Savanne). The Beneficiaries engage in different activities such as space rentals (5), a laundry, bakery, guest‐house and law firms (2).

This was the first time that a compliance audit had been conducted in this relatively young program. This means however that the team needed to go back several years to determine compliance. The Enterprise Zone Specialists has performed audits on nine (9) of the beneficiaries thus far and plan to complete the remaining compliance reports by the end of July 2008. Then the following questions can be answered: Are the EZ Beneficiaries in compliance? And does the EZ program really work?

EZ has conducted: The Cultural Economic Walk for Christian‐sted and Frederiksted, the public hearing for the Commu‐nity Development Block Grant, and other events. The En‐terprise Zone became more active and the agency has very good leadership.

Q. What are your short and long term goals for the EDA?

A. My short‐term goal is to obtain a larger and better facil‐ity to accommodate staff and clients, ie., adequate parking. My intermediate goals for the next 3‐5 years are: 1) To bring self sufficiency to the agency. 2) Recognize the human re‐source is one of our most valuable assets in order for the entity to be successful, therefore we must motivate our employees. 3) I am a strong believer of small businesses flourishing in the territory, and it will be in the authority’s mission to see that they grow and succeed by providing capital and training needs.



Continued from Page 1 EZ Walks ...

Continued from Page 1 Office of the Delegate

In Our Community: Ann Elizabeth Christian Abramson

historic landmarks and identified homes and build‐ings that were in desperate need of repairs.

The walks highlighted four main issues facing these communities:

1. The proliferation of noise from certain establish‐ments that stunts the growth of the community.

2. Lack of knowledge being passed on to younger generations that lead to a non‐caring attitude and a lack of pride in their neighborhoods.

3. Lack of estate planning. There are properties which have multiple owners that can’t come to a consensus on how the property should be handled.

4. Lack of funds to fix these aging buildings.

Recognition and action on the issues will help bring vitality back to the communities. They will again be bustling with activity and inviting to locals and tour‐ists alike.

Ann Elizabeth Christian Abramson was born April 7, 1924 as the last of 15 children to Peter and Whilhemina Christian. Upon graduation from St. Patrick’s Catholic School in 1941, she went to work for the former Department of Welfare in Frederik‐sted as an executive secretary.

An advocate for advancing oneself by using one’s skills to earn extra income, Ms. Abramson became the first female taxi driver in the Virgin Islands to actually own her own taxi service, which has blossomed over the years to the very successful Ann E. Abramson Enterprises, a school bus transportation company.

Some of her other successful busi‐ness ventures included Hannah rest

Properties, Inc.; Spic and Span Laundry, Inc.; The Children’s World; and Tranberg Tour and Travel, Inc.

Ms. Abramson has also served in key public service positions, com‐mencing in 1958 when she was tapped by appointed Governor

Archie Alexander to compete the unex‐pired term of Senator John D. Merwin. Her final position in government was that as Commissioner of Public Works.

In addition, to her private and public sector involvement, Ms. Abramson was also active in civic and community affairs. She was the founder of the USO‐St. Croix Chapter, past President of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce, active member of the Business and Professional Women’s Organization, Member of the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix and sev‐eral other groups.

Mrs. Abramson has worked to assisting EZ with community aesthetics beautify‐ing the town of Frederiksted and with our goal of education, job training and entrepreneurship by offering a building she owns for an incubator Entrepreneur‐ship program. She is a star in our pro‐gram.

Attorney Modeste sug‐gested perhaps separate legislation for the Terri‐tory might be the answer to attaining the same benefits as being feder‐ally designated as an empowerment zone/ enterprise community. EZ looks forward to working with the Governor and the Office of the Delegate to achieve this goal.

Continued from Page 9 CEO interviewed

We need to grow our Economic Development Com‐mission portfolio through marketing nationally and internationally. EDA is now embarking on both a stra‐tegic plan and cost benefit analysis to be used by the Authority. The latter will enable us to analyze the cost and benefits of the EDC program in the territory and accurately allow us to make more informed decisions.

role In the maintenance of our roads and highways. The Commissioner of Public Works, Darryl A. Smalls stated that “Shawn is a very knowledgeable, efficient and responsible to assigned job duties. He has built a reputation of being dedicated and dependable, and his commitment to his Department is an immeasurable asset.”

Shawn has directed several residents of Savanne to the Enterprise Zone to

seek assistance.

Always on call , always available and always willing to provide a helping hand to the people of Savanne earns Shawn Brown the EZA Award for this quarter.

We appreciate you Shawn!!!!!!!!!

11 In the Zone 3

EZ Appreciates: Shawn Brown of the Department of Public Works

Calendar of Events

July 2008 1 EZ Board Meeting

7 EZ St. Croix office relocates to the 1st floor of the EDA office. EZ publically thanks Federiksted Economic Devel‐opment Association for the use of their offices.

23 Christiansted Community Meeting

24 Our Town Frederiksted hosting a luncheon with the Governor. Open to the Public. Call OTF for more information.

August 2008 5 EZ Board Meeting

12 Savanne Community Meeting

15 Frederiksted Open House & Block Party

19 Savanne Church Meeting

29 Stakeholder (Fundraiser)

30 Survey of Christiansted & Sa‐ vanne complete

September 2008 8 Poster Contest Announce‐

ment

9 EZ Board Meeting

20 Savanne Block Party

25 Estate Planning Training

30 Look Forward for 3rd Quarter EZ Newsletter!

Shawn Brown has been employed with the Department of Public Works from June 5, 2006.

Shawn is the Enterprise Zone ‘s con‐tact in the neighborhood of Savanne. He knows the history, people and challenges that the neighborhood faces.

In EZ’s two first initiatives in Savanne, Commissioner of Public Works Darryl Smalls was called to assist. On both occasions (one on a weekend) without hesitation the Commissioner called his man in the field Shawn Brown. “He’ll be able to evaluate and resolve the is‐sue,” the Commissioner stated. Indeed both issues were resolved within two days.

As a Project Supervisor, Shawn plays an important

Economic Development Authority Enterprise Zone Commission

1050 Norre Gade # 5, St. Thomas, VI 00802 Phone: 340‐774‐8104 Fax: 340‐774‐8106

We’re on the Web: www.USVIEDA.ORG

EDA Governing Board: Chairman Albert Bryan, Jr., Vice Chairman Nathan Simmonds, Secretary Lynn Millin‐Maduro, Members Randolph Allen, John Lewis, Jose A. Penn and Henry Smith, PhD.

EZ Committee: Chairman Jose A. Penn, Vice Chairman Henry Smith, PhD., Secretary Lynn Millin‐Maduro, Members Randolph Allen and Albert Bryan, Jr.

Staff: Percival E. Clouden, Chief Executive Officer, EDA, Nadine T. Marchena Kean, Director, EZ and Members Cusa Holloway, Kizzy Moscoso and Raheem Smith.

Mandate

Title 29 VIC Chapter 19 section 1002 states that the intent of this agency is “to provide the necessary means to assist local

communities, their residents, and the private sector in creating the proper economic and social environment to induce the

investment of private resources in productive business enterprises located in severely distressed Enterprise Zone areas and

to provide jobs for the residents of such areas. In achieving this objective, the territory will seek to provide appropriate in‐

vestments, tax benefits, and regulatory relief of sufficient importance to encourage the business community to commit its

financial participation.” The laws additionally states that the intent is to accomplish these goals by “removing unnecessary

governmental regulatory barriers to economic growth, and to provide tax incentives and economic development program

benefits.”

eda newsletter v1 i2 july 2008

Documents