, 1959-05-05
LEGISLATIVE RECORD
CONTINUED from yesterday

In regard to- urban renewal, three applications for
planning assistance from the Federal government have
been prepared by the Authority. The application are Tor.
planning funds for urban renewal project IN the Barracks
Yard Area on the island of ST. Thomas, the Watergut Area
iii the city Of Christiansted and a small area known as the
Lagoon Street Area id the city of Frederiksted. The total
loan and grant reservation being requested from the Fed
eral Government for these projects is close to $~8OO,OOU.
When approval is obtained from the Urban Renewal Ad-
ministration for the preliminary planning work for these
projects. Federal funds will be made available to the Local
Authority for defraying the cost Of the work involved.
The Legislature should be aware Of the fact that final
authority for the clearance Of these blighted areas will
only be given BY the Federal government at such time as
v7orkable Zoning and Building laws have been adopted,
which would make the growth OF new and additional SUM
areas an impossibility.
Considerable. progress has been made in planning
emergency housing for displaced families. The use OF pre-
fabricated housing has been studied and has been shown
to be feasible, capable Of rapid development, and relative
" economical. If a site or sites can be agreed upon prompt
II. d model house or two can be completed before adjourn
ment Of this session Of the Legislature. Then, with the
cost and other data available, it is hoped that the appro-
~priations required to carry forward al reasonably adequate
program during the coming fiscal year vii be provided.
Present planning is going forward pursuant to Act 361
Bill No. 1871 passed at the Special Session in December.
In the field Of housing for elderly persons plans are
being developed pursuant to Act No. 1886 Bill No. 1861
passed at the Special Session IA December. Prime con-
sideration is being given to location of such facilities close
to our main. hospitals which would make medical supervi-
sion readily available.
do not believe that in this message should neces-
sarily give you the details Of operations Of the depart
ments Of the Government Of the Virgin Islands. i have all
ready sent to the Legislature copies of the Annual Reports
Of all Departments and Agencies for the fiscal year ended
June 80, 1858, and the Governors Annual Report to the
Secretary Of the Interior should be available shortly IN
printed form. However, / should like to brief some OF the
highlights Of current operations and plans for the innme-
date future.
GOVERNMENT SECRETARY:
Within the Office Of the Government Secretary, the
complexities Of the functions of the Board Of Tax Review
which, besides real property tax appeals, directs the IN
dustrial incentive program, necessitated the establish
ment Of 4 special Office for the handling Of tax exemption
and tax review matters. In the Division Of Tax Assess
ment and Recording Of Deeds attention is being given to
the urgent need for development Of tax maps, improved
assessment procedures and more adequate tax records
Procedures for licensing Of businesses and occupations,
for registration of corporations, and for supervision OF in
surance operations, are being revised TO meet the require
ments IF the Virgin Islands Code. Personnel of the Gov
ernment. Secretary's Office joined with other administra-