Mark Vanterpool, leader of the People's Leadership Movement, has reversed course on a plan to redevelop the Ralph T O'Neal Administration Complex in Road Town into a commercial hub, following resident backlash.
Vanterpool disclosed the shift during a recent episode of his People's Mic podcast. He acknowledged that islanders had made clear their preference for keeping the building as the seat of government administration.
The proposal, introduced earlier this month, would have introduced a hotel, retail shops, shopping facilities and business spaces into the complex. Vanterpool had positioned it as a strategy to boost activity in Road Town's commercial district, especially during evening hours after government offices shut and foot traffic dwindles.
Residents objected to the idea, questioning whether converting public property into a commercial enterprise was appropriate.
Vanterpool said the PLM now backs retaining the building for government use. "You told us that you want a central administration building. We're with you on that. Let's go with it and hopefully we'll see the government move back into the admin building," he said.
He indicated the party would continue refining its policy positions in response to community input. "We've been listening to your feedback. Some of them, we will take what you're saying and make adjustments in our policies as we go along because this is a listening tour first," Vanterpool stated, adding that resident input would shape the PLM's direction.
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