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.
