CABINET NOTES: The Cabinet finalized its plans for the approach it will take in the removal of derelict houses/properties in communities across St. John’s.
On many streets, there are abandoned houses and other buildings that have been left to rot with unwanted vegetation growing in the yards and along the properties’ perimeters, giving the neighbourhood an unsightly look, serving as a place where criminals hide weapons and as dens for those engaged in the use of illicit drugs.
The Attorney General will propose legislation to Parliament that will allow for notices to be published, giving owners an opportunity to step forward to remove the buildings that are a threat to health and security.
Following a period of probably 60 days without any response by the owners, an Amenities Order will be issued that will allow the Central Board of Health to remove the derelict building and unwanted vegetation.
The cost for so doing will be charged against the property; the taxes owed by the owner of the property will also be computed and added to the liability, which the owner will now incur as a debt.
When that debt exceeds 50% of the value of the property, the DCA and the Inland Revenue Department will move to recover the debt by the forced sale of the property.
Any overage will be set aside in a special account which a Court may award to the owner or the rightful descendant of a deceased property owner.
Cover photo credit: Observer Media Group
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