U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. today announced the official launch of the Resident Sales Period for the Bellevue and Calabash Boom housing communities on St. John, marking a significant next step in a major affordable homeownership initiative supported by the Bryan-Roach Administration.
This announcement follows Jackson Development Company’s recent acquisition of three major housing complexes in the territory, including Bellevue and Calabash Boom, and represents a continuation of the administration’s broader push to expand homeownership opportunities across the Virgin Islands.
The effort is being carried out through a public private partnership between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Jackson Development Company, with financial support from Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery and Mitigation funding administered by the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority and the Office of Disaster Recovery.
“This is more than just another housing initiative,” Gov. Bryan said. “It is a turning point for residents of St. John who have faced rising costs and limited options for years. We are delivering real opportunity through meaningful investment and long-term vision.”
Through this initiative, 120 residences at Bellevue and Calabash Boom will be made available for qualified tenants to purchase. Each leaseholder will receive a welcome packet in the coming days formally launching the Resident Sales Period and outlining the steps toward homeownership. The launch comes at a fitting time, as the Virgin Islands commemorates Emancipation and Independence Day—milestones that reflect freedom, progress, and self-determination.
At Monday’s press conference, Jackson Development Company partner Clifford Graham emphasized the significance of the project. “We began with a promise to provide long-term affordable rentals. Now, we are helping residents become owners. That is the true measure of community development,” Graham said.
To ensure personalized support, three Homeownership Specialists based on St. John have been assigned to guide residents through the process. Each specialist will work one-on-one with approximately 40 leaseholders, conducting individual meetings over the next 30 days and providing support on financial literacy, mortgage preparation, the closing process, and other essential components of responsible homeownership.
Simultaneously, Jackson Development has launched a renovation effort to upgrade the homes, improving quality, comfort, and energy efficiency prior to sale.
Governor Bryan underscored that this initiative is part of a comprehensive approach to affordable housing that includes the VI Slice Moderate Income Homeownership Program, which provides up to $200,000 in assistance to first-time buyers, and the Own a Lot, Build a Home program, which helps families construct homes on land they already own.
“We have not just talked about affordable housing. We have prioritized it,” Bryan said. “This administration has mobilized funding, built strong partnerships, and remained focused on opening doors to ownership for Virgin Islanders. That is what leadership looks like.”
The governor also extended his gratitude to Jackson Development Company, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, the Office of Disaster Recovery, and all the local partners who have contributed to this milestone.
“When we invest in our people, when we work together toward common goals, we create lasting impact,” Bryan said. “This is the future we are building for St. John and for all of the Virgin Islands.”
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