Established in 1996, St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF) has progressed towards a positive image providing housing. Gearing particularly towards that group of citizens in need of housing of suitable quality, SMHDF kept to that high perspective as the main goal.
The population bracket initially concerned involved those to benefit from lower income housing, also known as Social Housing. Proper housing is a legitimate right adopted from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It entails insuring the provision of adequate living standards as deemed by the government. This right is acknowledged in Country Sint Maarten under our laws. For example, 1,591 families are currently awaiting suitable and affordable housing on Sint Maarten of which 190 persons are in dire need. SMHDF is incurring new projects with the goal of providing housing within a logical timeframe for this group.
Importantly, SMHDF relies mainly on assistance and intervention of the government and private donations of land. Without these, the organization would not be able to meet the social housing demand. Generous donations of land have recently been made by government and by private individuals. Therefore, both sectors are upholding this important human rights aspect: “The basic quality standard of living.”
The very energetic Helen G. Salomons-Brown, who joined the organization in 1999, is the General Director of SMHDF (for more on Helen, see the corresponding Helen G. Salomons-Brown article).
SMHD is proud to emphasize the quality of life for all residents and to uphold the high living standards of the island. In order to embrace this change, SMHF insists on holding regular town hall meetings to keep these communities informed at all times.
Tackling big hurdles, such as the progressive maintenance of social housing and its growth, has inspired new thought processes expanding creative ideas for revenue. Simply imagine what the effort and upkeep of these existing housing facilities and surrounding infrastructure entail. This alone requires a consistent and regular flow of income.
Dealing with the constant natural factor of wear and tear on the aging buildings and homes involves monetary spending on a regular basis and grand scale. Salomons-Brown insists her innovative ideas demanded some constructive rethinking resulting in a fresh approach, based mainly on how to tackle the problem of the progressive dynamics for the organization. In commemoration of its 20th anniversary, SMHDF has rebranded itself with a registered trademark signifying the pride of bringing the old into the new. Hence the new slogan: “Opportunities Imagined” was incorporated with a fresh new logo.
This approach manifested itself into the SMHDF strategic plan, start of an elaborate five-year plan scaling from 2016 to 2021. The concept hopes to address the demand of a larger more versatile group of inhabitants on the island in need of housing. After much brain storming, assessing how the housing situation has changed since 1996, the conclusion was found. All socioeconomic levels are to be kept in mind: low income but also housing for the middle and higher levels of income. These revenues will enable progress and maintenance in the Social Housing sector.
One such targeted segment is that of returning students. This is a young, freshly educated group, ready to tackle the challenge of life back home, however, with a limited budget. Termed corporate rentals, this will enable returning students to emerge into society independently and avoid having to move in with relatives. The Plantz Building has already been constructed for the corporate rentals branch and consists of four single bedroom units. This pilot program will eventually expand to sixteen corporate rentals which will be strategically located on the border area of French and Dutch St. Maarten, in Belvedere, called “The Border Residences.” These corporate rentals are beautifully designed, making a fine showcase for those future constructions, and are limited to a five-year rent contract, although with the option of an ownership financed program, if interested to buy.
The Upper Princess Quarter Residences consists of 24 units for sale. On July 8, Angel Meyers, Minister of VROMI, made history by transferring this unique gem to SMHDF. This attractive new development will consist of modern semi-attached condominiums created with families of middle- to upper-income in mind. Close to Philipsburg, its tranquillity and views offer a perfect community environment.
Allamanda Estates at Foga, located on Pond Island, was also transferred on that same day. This parcel of land is the largest government land yet to be developed by SMHDF. The designs consist of 32 apartment sales units containing two- and three-bedroom floor plans. These will be up for lease or outright sale, with an attractive finance program that will eventually allow renters to own the apartment.
The Cotton Tree Villas on the Greenland, St. Rose Lane and Blue Mountain are all marketed in the sales category. Cotton Tree Villas are six stand-alone 3BR-2BA homes, all of which have already been sold; the sales were open to any ambitious legal resident. Their construction started in April. As for the St. Rose Lane, this development has 14 duplex buildings containing two and three bedrooms. It is the first Model Smart Community, gated with a pool. Solar panels, modular sewage system and recycling stations are its signature design; therefore, they are obviously high in demand. Lastly, Blue Mountain, situated next to Rice Hill, is developed in the same manner as St. Rose Lane as a Smart Community. It offers 12 stand-alone homes attached to their respective garages.
The St. Peters Property’s emphasis is on social housing and rental. The first 10 apartments will be financed without funding by SMHDF possible through the revenue projects. This project is vitally important due to the needed for renovations in Belvedere.
The Independent Living Residences are the 24 social senior home condos. These affordable units are built in several districts through the years of which one is Hope Estate. The integration of these citizens has gone remarkably well, considering initial opposition to social housing in an established community.
SMHDF is well aware that the stigma of social housing is somewhat negative, having been confronted many a time by citizens who don’t want their community integrated with the social housing aspect. The arguments are quite logical: fear of losing the value of property, more traffic and the need to preserve the character of the surroundings, amongst others. However, it is clear from studies done by SMHDF that such initial fears generally do not materialize. When affordable housing is well designed and managed, these assumptions have proven to be obsolete.
The demand of affordable housing has been recognized by many residents. Through the last six years, construction of villas, for instance, has been rapidly increasing in the Belvedere area, thus changing the make-up of the island to the true character of versatility that already defines Country Sint Maarten. As a good corporate citizen, SMHDF participates in wider segments of our society through many civic activities and has had an active part in 2016 through its acts of the “Kindness Program” in commemoration of its 20th anniversary.
