The story on a new housing development at Dawn Beach in Thursday’s paper was probably welcomed by the many people in need of affordable accommodations. The project of Vidanova Pension and Retirement Fund spearheaded by Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Minister Christophe Emanuel calls for a gated community totalling 160 homes.
The property to be purchased from a private landowner for this venture reportedly measures 80,000 square metres, making possible a spacey design. Despite that, the target group is said to be first-time home-buyers.
With the mention of 100 per cent financing and mortgages to range between US $850 and $1,100 per month it already seems like a great deal, certainly by St. Maarten standards. Housing on the island is usually pretty expensive and even rent prices, especially for new units, tend to be higher.
Nevertheless, if Vidanova can swing it, that’s basically up to it. Hopefully the fact that it is based in Curaçao did not lead to underestimating the cost involved so these amounts later turn out to have been “too good to be true.”
All in all, if the plan is realised it could help alleviate the acute shortage of adequate, affordable housing on the local market at least somewhat and the Minister should be commended for his worthwhile initiative. Some important details are, of course, still lacking, such as ensuring the proper upkeep and maintenance of common areas, facilities and services, but those can no doubt be worked out moving forward.
