The Department may set aside such portion of the island as it shall deem proper as a residential area. It may divide this area into building lots and may lease the lots for such terms of years, for such annual rentals and upon such conditions and covenants as the Department may determine. Each lease shall contain suitable covenants requiring the lessee to erect and maintain, within such period of time as the Department may prescribe, habitable dwellings of design and structure satisfactory to the Department. Each lease shall contain provisions for the forfeiture of the rights of the lessee upon failure to pay the annual rentals and, upon a forfeiture, all dwellings and structures that may have been erected on any such lot shall become the absolute property of the Department. The Department may also require, in its discretion, further and additional covenants in all leases to insure proper use of the leased premises for purposes consistent with the proper development and maintenance of the residential area. Such leases shall be available to all applicants but preference, so far as possible, shall be given to citizens of this State.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 51-242; 1952 Code Section 51-242; 1942 Code Section 3284-5; 1940 (41) 1785.