Call for derelict houses to be razed

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14: Eyesore derelict houses where owners cannot be identified should be taken over and renovated or razed to the ground to create mini-parks.

The recommendation came from a Government think-tank, which said that renovating unused houses or knocking them down would improve the environment.

The Sustainable Development Unit’s round table group (SDRT) also said that – if an owner cannot be traced – Government should be able to acquire the properties for redevelopment or demolition.

Estimates vary on how many derelict or vacant properties are on the island – but it is believed that there are between 700 and 2,000.

Charles Brown, director of the Sustainable Development Unit, said: “I’m not certain, but I believe the Government has the authority to acquire such properties.”

Mr Brown acknowledged that derelict properties could be a magnet for illegal activities like drugs and prostitution.

But he stressed: “Bermuda population density is one of the highest on the planet – we’re probably in the top ten and that means open space is not as prevalent as we would like it to be.

“If we have derelict homes which could be razed, we have the opportunity to provide open space in densely populated areas.

“It’s more about providing an asset for the neighbourhood. Redevelopment is a far less cost-effective option, but it’s one that could be pursued.”

Round table member Peter Everson, who is also chairman of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce economics committee, said that there were several benefits in bringing disused and derelict homes back on to the market.

He added that derelict houses not only brought down the value of nearby homes because they were less attractive to buyers, but could also attract unwanted elements like drug users and vagrants.

Mr Everson said: “For most of Bermuda’s recent economic history, there has been a problem with a shortage of housing and the housing that has been available has been too highly priced.

“Past generations have built a house and put resources into that – if it’s not deteriorated too much, an abandoned house represents a wasted resource.

“From a sustainable development perspective and from society’s perspective, it makes sense to resolve these issues to bring the house back in to production, as it were.

He added that an inability to take over homes was often a result of family disputes over ownership – which rumbled on as homes continued to lie empty and deteriorate.

Mr Everson said: “We need some sort of arbitration and conciliation services to deal with this so we can do something about these homes.

“Whatever the Government and community can do to bring these homes back into productive use will help the community.”

The National Trust said there were several important buildings lying derelict — but stressed the organization wanted them saved, rather than demolished.

Last year, then-National Security Minister Lt Col. David Burch said Government would speed up the process required to take over properties used for “criminal or anti-social behaviour.”

Proposals

Among other round table housing proposals to Government are the need to create “an effective organizational structure to assume responsibility for the policy development and the strategic direction of Government’s housing efforts.

“The SDRT recommends that the Bermuda Housing Corporation’s  (BHC) mandate and resources be expanded to absorb and be responsible for coordinating the development and administration of Government’s housing policy.

“This should enable a more broad-based, integrated approach to managing Bermuda’s housing stock.”

The report also recommended that the BHC should have a policy unit designed to lead on the expanded mandate and eventually be responsible for all data collection activities so “informed and reasoned” decisions can be taken on housing issues.

The report added that Government, through the Bermuda Housing Trust, should start planning for assisted housing to cope with the expected spike in the number of seniors living on the island, so older people can maintain their independence, but get help where they need it.

The Sustainable Development Unit, formerly a business unit of the Cabinet Office, is now part of the Ministry of Environment.

It was set up to help maintain quality of life on the island , without compromising the sustainability of Bermuda for future generations.

It takes a three-pronged approach to meet its objectives – concentrating on social, environmental and economic issues.