Government Takes Action Against Abandoned Buildings in St. John’s City

In the recent meeting with the Cabinet, the Commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and a Tax Enforcement Officer highlighted a pressing issue affecting the commercial sector of St. John’s City: the growing number of abandoned buildings.

Presenting evidence in the form of photographs, the officials identified over 20 unoccupied properties concentrated along Vivian Richards Street, Market Street, Newgate Street, and Independence Avenue.

The IRD reported that these abandoned buildings account for more than $1 million in unpaid property taxes. Beyond the financial implications, these structures have become significant health and safety hazards. With reports of rodents and litter, the community is increasingly concerned about the negative impact these sites have on the surrounding area.

To tackle this situation, the Legislature has recently enacted a new law enabling the government to act decisively. The law allows for the court to grant permission to the government, following notice to the last-known owners, to address the hazards posed by these derelict properties. If owners do not comply, the government can forcibly acquire the buildings. This move will not only help remove the unsightly and unsafe conditions but also ensure proper sanitation in the city.

The initiative aims to clean up the commercial district, returning these properties to a state that benefits the community. Once the government disposes of the properties, any financial surplus will be returned to the recorded owners.