Residents have 30 days to comment on the official discussion draft of the Virgin Islands Abandoned and Derelict Real Property Conservatorship Act, Government House announced Monday as Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. released the proposed draft legislation that he said incorporates comments raised by members of the community who attended two town halls on the subject in August.
The Virgin Islands Abandoned and Derelict Real Property Conservatorship Act provides a means by which derelict and abandoned properties can be rehabilitated or developed without a change of property ownership, according to Government House.
The proposed draft legislation will add a new chapter to the V.I. Code, providing a definition for the term “abandoned property” as it pertains to real property and providing for third-party conservatorships to undertake the rehabilitation of abandoned and derelict real property.
“With a goal of working toward drafting legislation that is as fair and effective as possible, the Bryan-Roach Administration is seeking community feedback by means of a 30-day comment period that begins now,” according to Monday’s announcement.
Bryan has said previously that the number of degraded properties has increased in recent years because of the 2017 hurricanes, and they impede economic growth. Some of the buildings are unsafe and health hazards as well, he said.
The plan includes the use of a conservator — an individual or organization — to represent property owners and manage rehabilitating derelict properties. The goal is to preserve and revitalize towns and, later, outlying areas, the governor has said.
The conservator would be appointed for 10 to 20 years and would handle architectural planning, permits for renovation, and, depending on the renovation, renting or selling the restored structure. The entire process would be overseen by a judge.
“Although the conservator is taking control of the property, the title and the legal ownership of the property would remain with the family, individual, organization, whatever it was before. The owner would retain the legal right to that property,” Bryan said in July.
Individuals may submit comments via email to comments@go.vi.gov, as well as by letter or in person to the Office of the Island Administrator on St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix. The proposed draft legislation may be viewed here, and copies are available upon request, said Government House.
