The 150-unit Pelican Court housing development in Antigua and Barbuda is expected to have a police outpost, on-site property managers and strict rules that could allow residents involved in illegal drug activity to be expelled.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne outlined the plans Saturday on the Browne and Browne Show as the government prepares the complex for occupancy.
Browne said the government initially considered assigning two police officers to live at Pelican Court but is now examining whether a permanent police outpost would provide better security.
“It’s either that or we put a police outpost,” Browne said. “Subsequently, someone said to me, rather than having two police living there, why don’t we put a police outpost?”
He said the proposed outpost could be staffed by two police officers at a time.
The government also plans to recruit two property managers who would live at Pelican Court and oversee the day-to-day management of the development.
One of the units will be converted into an administrative office for the property-management team.
Browne said the government is preparing rules for the complex and intends to conduct an orientation programme before residents move in. The sessions will explain the standards residents must follow and the consequences of violating them.
People found selling illegal drugs from the government housing development could be removed.
“If they’re renting and they’re pushing narcotics, that will be a case for expulsion to have them removed,” Browne said. “We’re going to have strict rules.”
The rules will also cover the maintenance of the property and issues such as garbage disposal.
Browne said the government wants to ensure the new housing complex remains properly managed and does not deteriorate after residents begin occupying the units.
Landscaping is expected to begin shortly, with the government asking National Housing to prepare plans to beautify the property.
The first people expected to move into Pelican Court are former residents who previously owned homes at the site. Browne said they would receive replacement units through a swap arrangement.
The remaining units are expected to be distributed mainly through mortgages.
Source: Antigua News Room VIDEO: Pelican Court, Formerly Booby Alley, Could Have Police Outpost and On-Site Property Managers.