The document outlines the importance of revitalizing downtown areas for economic health and community pride, emphasizing the role of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) in urban renewal and community revitalization. Funding for these initiatives is primarily provided through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), which supports projects meeting specific national objectives and runs an annual application process for non-profit and government agencies. In addition to housing and commercial developments, revitalization efforts are encouraged to incorporate public services, youth programs, and recreational opportunities.

1. Revitalizing Our Towns

2.  A healthy and vibrant downtown
are significant contributors to the
economic health and quality of life
in a community. Specifically, it
creates jobs, fosters small
business development, protects
property values, and increases the
community’s options for goods and
services. A healthy downtown is a
symbol of community pride and
history.

3. Re-introducing
residential living
back into our
downtown areas
contributes to a
vibrant down town
community .
Our town areas
should be known
as areas where
people live, work
and play.

4.  The VIHFA has a Urban Renewal
mandate, which is contemporarily referred
to as community revitalization.
 Although community revitalization is a
mandate, there is very limited funding
available to carry it out.

5.  The U. S. Department of Housing & Urban
Development (HUD) through the Community
Development Block Grant provides annual grants
to the Virgin Islands.
 The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
is administered by the Virgin Islands Housing
Finance Authority.
 CDBG makes available federal funds to non-profit
and government agencies to address the housing,
community and economic development needs and
priorities of this Territory.

6.  20% is used for
administrative
purposes
 15% is used for
public service
projects
 The remaining
funds are used
for construction
projects

7. To be funded, activities funded must meet one
of the three national objectives:
• benefit to low- and moderate-income persons,
• aid in the prevention or elimination of slums
and blight, or
• meet other community development needs
having a particular urgency because existing
conditions pose a serious and immediate
threat to the health or welfare of the
community.

8. • Construction of public
facilities and improvements,
such as water systems,
streets, and community
centers;
• Rehabilitation of houses and
landmark structures;
assistance to private, for
profit entities to carry out
economic development
activities (including
assistance to micro
enterprises); and the
provision of public services
such as counseling, after-
school, job training
programs.

9. • The CDBG Program solicits proposals
annually to be considered for funding within
the funding program years.
• The Territory’s CDBG program receives
approximately $1.8 million annually from HUD.
• Applications are accepted from early January
through mid-February of each year.
• An Application must be completed.
• The application describes what your project is
all about and how much funds are needed .

10.  Non-Profit Status
 Tax ID Number
 DUNS #
 Certificate of Good Standing

11. • Public Hearing held in each district
• Staff reviews application to make
sure that the project meets one of
the 3 National Objectives and
funding recommendations are
made to the Governor in the form of
a Bill.
• An Act is created based upon the
information in the proposed Bill
recommended by the Governor.
By August 15th of each year, the
• CDBG must submit the information
on the projects to be funded to HUD
in the Consolidated Plan.

12. •Public Service projects are expected to expend all
their funds within 12 months.
•Construction projects are expected to expend all
their funds with 18-24 months.

13. Downtown revitalization
should include not only
new housing and
commercial businesses,
but also after-school
programs, anti-crime
initiatives, youth
development and
employment services,
arts, recreational
opportunities, and public
transit.

14. AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT TYPES
Projects initiated by Developers who seek endorsement of their
construction projects for the Affordable Housing Program as a
means to receive Affordable Housing Tax benefits.
Projects using construction end loan financing from the VIHFA,
and marketing assistance.
Projects using VIHFA's technical assistance in particular areas,
such as pre-qualifying and servicing loans for housing applicants
and providing access to the applicant master list.
Developers responding to VIHFA's solicitation for development
proposals.

15. DEVELOPER’S QUALIFICATIONS
In order to participate in any program of the Authority which has
as its objectives the construction of an affordable housing
development, a Developer must:
Be duly organized, validly existing, qualified and licensed to do
business under the laws of the Virgin Islands and shall be in good
standing in the Virgin Islands and shall have the power and
authority, corporate or otherwise, to own properties and carry on
business as is now being conducted.
Demonstrate specific, measurable housing construction
experience, expertise, and adequate staff capacity to undertake
the proposed development.

16. DEVELOPER’S QUALIFICATIONS
Be capable of proceeding promptly to construct and complete the
housing development or project.
Demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Authority, the availability of
sufficient financial resources to obtain adequate construction
financing to complete the construction of the proposed
development or project.

17. DEVELOPER'S SUBMITTAL OF PROJECT DOCUMENTS
Site plan; showing buildings, walkways, onsite parking, utility
connections, and drainage flow - away from foundations, to street
or proper drainage way.
Typical dwelling unit plans, properly detailed and prepared for
submittal to DPNR for permits. Including, a representative cross
section of site, showing location of building and site terrain -
elevations, depicted at a maximum of 5ft elevations, 2 ft is
preferred.
Projected construction schedule, displaying milestone stages of
construction as well as details of trade work durations.

18. DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STANDARDS
The project must conform to all applicable codes of the Virgin
Islands and the Federal Government .These will include, but not
be limited, to general construction, environmental concerns,
historic preservation, land use and zoning.
Each single family home must a certain minimum square footage
of space and amenities for proper functioning of a home while the
overall design is to be reviewed to minimize detrimental social or
physical impact on the surrounding community. The quality of
materials provided will be reviewed to insure that no excessive
maintenance costs will be borne by the home - buyer and life
cycle cost is lowered.

19. REQUIREMENTS FOR CLOSING COMPLETE UNITS
Certified As-Built Drawings
As-built plot surveys
Water test for cisterns
Water Supply and Disposal inspection Report
Certificate of Occupancy
Termite inspections certificate

20. BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES
Building design should provide for an attractive living facility
and environment suited to the social economic and
recreational needs of resident families and individuals. It
should provide for ease of circulation and housekeeping,
visual and auditory privacy, appropriate light and ventilation,
fire and accident protection, economy in maintenance and
use of space, accessory services, energy efficiency, and
sanitation facilities.

21. Allowable Housing Types:
Single Family Detached
Duplex Townhomes
Row Houses
Condominiums

22. ACCEPTABLE BUILDING SYSTEMS
•Reinforced concrete block throughout
•Reinforced concrete block with frame interior.
•Reinforced concrete with concrete block or frame interior
•Reinforced concrete utilizing insulated concrete forms,
(ICF’s) with concrete block or frame interior
•Steel frame with masonry exterior
•Steel frame with lath and plaster exterior or other
acceptable composite material
Other building systems must be submitted to the VIHFA for
review and approval

23. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE DEVELOPER
During construction there will be meetings or conferences as
needed for proper controls and administration of the project,
which may include weekly meetings.
Before final inspections units shall be mopped clean, glass
washed, windows' moving parts cleaned from dirt/dust, and
lubricated as needed to be in good working order, water and
electricity turned on, and area landscaped. This shall be repeated
if necessary, upon final punch listed work is accepted.
Contractor shall keep one set of reproducible drawings marked
daily with as-built conditions. At closing, VIHFA shall be provided
with Mylar reproducible including as- built conditions.

24. SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE VIHFA
The Authority's role in construction Administration will be one of
providing input into project development in the initial stages to
influence cost, design, quality and timely development of the
project. These are essential ingredients that determine the
success of failure of a development project.
The Authority has a vital role in ensuring that the projects are
finished on a timely basis.
Each project must start with the greatest understanding of all
aspects of the project. VIHFA can perform a valuable service in
aiding the Developer with project scheduling, weekly and monthly
reporting, establishing systems for accurate Documentation.
These are all elements that if handled professionally can save
time and money for the developer.