LAWMAKERS TOUR VIHFA TAX CREDIT PROPERTIES, CO-OPS, AND ST. THOMAS SENIOR COMMUNITIESÂÂ
Published: May 26, 2023
Members of the Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications, led by Senator Marvin A. Blyden, toured the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Tax Credit Properties, Co-Ops, and St. Thomas Senior Communities.
Senators met with Virgin Islands Finance Housing Authority Rental Manager Nichole Johnson as tours were conducted of the facilities. Johnson stated that there is limited housing stock available. The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority is responsible for emergency housing.
Senator Carla Joseph reminded tour attendees that the Virgin Islands is in a housing crisis. Joseph mentioned that residents are concerned about rent prices in the free market and are reluctant to move from public housing. Major concerns presented during the tour included issues with unit management, maintenance, and age of some units. Some properties are completely at capacity with waiting lists from three to five years.
Rental Manager Nichole Johnson stated that a pressing issue is that tenants have been in some communities so long that they feel grandfathered and entitled to emergency housing, even if the time allotted for such has expired. Johnson further said the government should find innovative ways to introduce new housing, including container homes and modular homes.
Chairman Blyden gave brief remarks on the tour:
“It was quite informative and engaging to see what is going on in the tax credit and cooperative communities. We have seen improvements in common areas and exteriors. There is much more to be done to the exterior ground facilities and common areas. My colleagues and I look forward to working with property owners and management in improving living conditions for our people.â€Â
Properties included on today’s tour were the Staabiland Apartments, Amalie Terrace, Charlotte Emergency Housing, Celestino A. White Senior Citizens Residence, Pearson Gardens Co-Op, Thomasville, Grandview, Lovenlund, and Magens Junction.
Senators present at today’s tour included Marvin A. Blyden, Ray Fonseca, Carla J. Joseph, Kenneth L. Gittens and Milton E. Potter.
Related Content
COMMITTEE REVIEWS FY 2027 EXECUTIVE BUDGET REQUESTS FOR GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S OFFICE, AND BUREAU OF MOTOR VEHICLES
July 23, 2026
ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Members of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., met in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive testimony on the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budgets for...
COMMITTEE RECEIVES UPDATES FROM WASTE MANAGEMENT CONCERNING SEWAGE HEALTH RISKS, CANCER CARE IN THE TERRITORY
July 22, 2026
ST. THOMAS, VI – The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Health, Hospitals, and Human Services, led by Senator Ray Fonseca, met at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers received testimony concerning the potential and observed public...
SENATORS CONSIDER PROPOSED HORSE RACE LEGISLATION IN SPECIAL SESSION
July 22, 2026
Members of the 36th Legislature, led by Senate President Milton E. Potter, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers met in special session by request of the governor to consider Bill No. 36-0313, an act approving lease and franchise agreements for the development and operation of the Randall “Doc”...