A property owner says plans to renovate a building on Newgate Street have been stalled by an unresolved boundary dispute and prolonged delays involving the Development Control Authority, underscoring how bureaucratic hurdles can slow private investment in St. John’s.
Speaking during a public consultation on the redevelopment of the capital, the owner told officials that efforts to improve the property have been on hold for years because questions surrounding boundary lines remain unresolved, preventing approval for renovation work.
The owner said repeated attempts to address the issue through the planning process have yielded little progress, even as the government calls on property owners to upgrade and maintain buildings as part of a wider urban renewal drive.
The concern was raised amid broader discussions on derelict structures and stalled development, with participants warning that renewal efforts will fall short if administrative bottlenecks continue to delay compliant property owners.
Officials acknowledged the issue during the discussion, as attention turned to the need for clearer processes and faster resolution of boundary and planning disputes to support redevelopment in the city.
WATCH: A Newgate Street property owner explains how a boundary dispute and delays involving the Development Control Authority have stalled renovation plans, highlighting how bureaucracy can hinder urban renewal in St. John’s.
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I want to say I would love to see Antiguans become better at explaining themself. Why is it hard to give a completely and clear sentencing explaining things in Antigua and Barbuda. It is not just in this case but nesrly every Antiguan I communicate with. It is so annoying.
You want to help but you can’t understand what their problem is. Take your time, be specific and focus on the issue you need help with.
I did not charge for consultations and now, for that reason, I am charging anywhere from $250 to $1000 in consultation fee because of the frustration on keeping a person on the topic and communicate in a manner that can be comprehended.
@ My Way Of Helping I concur….She could of gotten to the point ages ago….
I agree with the previous commentators.
There’s way too much pontificating instead of making what you are trying to say with a lot more clarity.
You only, have to eavesdrop when waiting in line on some people’s conversations in conducting business affairs, and you soon realise that being long-winded to staffers doesn’t help, and more often than not creates more confusion.
When I conduct my business affairs I don’t beat about the bush; and before leaving I always get copies or written confirmation of what’s taken place.
Many staff love to use word-of-mouth in their transactions just to get rid of you … not me, tarl!!!
Does a boundary issue stop business owners from beautifying the facade of their building? Power washing the building? Slapping some paint on the building?
I know there are deeper issues at work here BUT we are talking about simple beautification as a start.
Drive along Market Street and see all the old buildings that used to have thriving businesses. Most are much older than I am and I am almost 50. Rundown buildings, dirty entryways, pulled down shutters that are black with dirt.
They can do better. Much better
When I lived in Antigua.That lady owned a property at the corners of Thames and Newgate streets.I have not seen her in over 50 plus years. Good to see her.Take care of yourself PAM.
@ My Way Of Helping and @ Brixtonian,
You are both intelligent, with an interest in seeing the best for our country in an unselfish way.
I beg to differ with you in this matter.
The issue here is not the property/building owner it’s a system of government that has not improved beyond Colonial days.
This owner is subjected to a failed bureaucratic system. In faction my judgment is being abused as a result of government failures.
The encroachment issue should is a sanitary issue and a building regulations issue.
Where are the building inspectors to enforce sanitary conditions.
In colonial times 75 or more years ago, the Colonial sanitary inspectors check to make sure your outhouse was not impacting your neighborhood or neighbors.
The videos issued on this meeting all shows a failure of leadership.
No clear regulations or outdated regulations.
Just the old bureaucratic colonial system that feeds the corruptive elite needs. While they literally abuse the words digital and Ai.
They gave no clue what a government using Ai or digitized system are all about.
In each and every case where the government has a truly ditized policy or system, it been forced on them by external factors.
The new biometric system announced has been forced into them by the US.
Every other digital system of any significance is a response to external operations that the Government does business with.
Let’s not put the weight on individuals such as this elderly property owner.
Let us focus on Government operations, with outdated policies, that are inefficient, staffing by incompetent and low productivity workers.
The Government leadership talks about digitization of Government functions.
They can’t and will not, for good digitized data driven systems will quickly uncover the ineffective everyday operations; and illuminate the corruptive practices.
Good and valid points made @Countryman Aboard. I always enjoy hearing the other side of forthright comments.
Very insightful. Thanks 👍🏾
I learn something new everyday!
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