Abandoned buildings in downtown St. John’s may face government intervention following a report to Cabinet by the Inland Revenue Department.
Over 20 abandoned and unoccupied buildings in St. John’s commercial district have been identified for potential government intervention, following a presentation to Cabinet by officials from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
The Commissioner of IRD and a Tax Enforcement Officer presented photographs of derelict structures within the area bounded by Vivian Richards Street, Market Street, Newgate Street, and Independence Avenue.
According to the Cabinet notes, these properties collectively owe more than $1 million in outstanding property taxes and have become “an eyesore” in the heart of the capital.
The Legislature recently enacted legislation that empowers the government to seek court permission to address safety and sanitation threats posed by these buildings, following notice to the last-known owners.
Under the new law, failure by property owners to take remedial action could result in the government forcibly acquiring the properties, removing buildings and unwanted vegetation, and disposing of the properties with any excess funds paid to the registered owner.
The IRD officials documented various states of disrepair among the buildings, many of which have been vacant for extended periods despite their prime commercial locations.
