Committee advances Chantel Quinones for Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission

Chantel Green Quinones, a St. Croix native, former teacher and current special projects coordinator with DPNR's Territorial Parks and Protected Areas, received a favorable recommendation from the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for appointment to the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission.

Quinones described her experience exploring Christiansted's historic buildings, her work with territorial parks, and her interest in community engagement and preservation education. She told senators she plans to focus on public outreach, helping property owners with restoration information and funding options, and learning the technical rules so she can explain them to residents.

Committee members asked about balancing development and conservation, alternatives to demolition, adaptive reuse, and strategies to increase public awareness. Quinones said the commission should weigh safety and reuse options, conduct site visits when demolition is proposed, and help property owners access technical and financial support. She said she would rely on the expertise of architects and longer‑serving committee members while using her teaching background to communicate historic values to residents.

The committee voted favorably to forward her nomination to the full Legislature. Senators commended her local roots and community perspective and asked her to help expand outreach and documentation on historic assets in Fredericksted and other towns.