Local protest to massive property development has once again come to a head.
This time the objection is to a $232 million Hotel and property development at Long Beach Christ Church on a site of 92 acres land which includes wetlands that has become a habitat for migratory birds.
But this time the protests is not simply coming from residents of the neighboring area, but there is strong objection from 3 University professors, The Barbados National Trust, hoteliers, environmentalists all with concerns about the plans of the developers Anthony Abed and Beachside Properties Inc. to put another “concrete jungle” on an expansive open space.
All of this came to a head on March 18th at the St. Christopher School at a public meeting to discuss the Environmental Impact Assessment of the proposed property.
Professor Robin Mahon head of CERMES is among the university professors that voiced his concern and moreover cited his reasons behind such protest. In fact the professors are so much against the building of the proposed development that Mahon noted they will be submitting their objection to the Town and Country Planning department as it considers approval for the development.
Additionally Carl Watson head of the Barbados National Trust also announced the Trust discontent with such a proposed development. While Professor Watson noted that the Trust did not want to be obstructionist or against development, its chief concern was “the last open space to Barbadians…”
With elements such as an onsite Sewage Treatment plant, development on a wetland and possible heritage site, construction over a 8 year period, among the chief concerns of the objectors and possible flooding, it has once again become hard not to hear the over powering message of “NO, go somewhere else” to the proposed development.
The three hour meeting brought alarm bells from the Future Centre Trust as they too voiced concerns about the removal of open spaces from Barbadians that would come if the proposed development was to take effect.
