BEST: “Development Being Negotiated In Secret”

October 15, 2010

One of the island’s leading environmental organizations is concerned that a “major development is being negotiated in secret,” saying that there is a “proposal is for a large-scale residential development at Tucker’s Point on lands protected by Nature Conserve, Woodland Reserve and Coastal Conserve designations.”

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce [BEST] say they are concerned that proposals for major housing development on lands zoned for recreation and tourism as well as woodlands, nature and cave conservation lands in Tucker’s Town are being negotiated without public scrutiny and that the issuance of an SDO may be imminent.

BEST say that Tucker’s Point was granted an SDO initially to build, and they are aware that “tourism occupancy at Tucker’s Point is below expectations.” They are “concerned that Tucker’s Point is looking to enhance revenue through the unnecessary development and sale of private residences on protected lands via an SDO.”

BEST has recommended the “government continue the moves toward consultative governance and include the public at every step of the way for any proposals that will eat into Bermuda’s scarce and protected reserve areas.”

The full statement from BEST follows below:

BEST has become aware of a proposal being made to government for a development that would require a Special Development Order (SDO). The proposal is for a large-scale residential development at Tucker’s Point on lands protected by Nature Conserve, Woodland Reserve and Coastal Conserve designations. The first hint about some form of development proposal pending in this area was shared in general, as we understand it, by Works Minister Derrick Burgess during a constituency meeting.

Although much of the negotiation for this development is taking place behind closed doors – meaning, the public has not been consulted or given an opportunity to make comment – the import of such development is so high that BEST feels compels to comment on the principles involved.

We have no doubt that the proposal’s impacts would be on lands under the highest levels of protection afforded by the Bermuda Plan, including Nature Reserve, Woodland Reserve, Coastal Reserve and Cave Protection areas. Implementing a housing development on these protected areas would break just about every planning rule there is.

The only way a proposal of this sort could be approved would be via a Special Development Order or SDO. An SDO may be granted when an application doesn’t fit within the parameters of Planning policy (the Bermuda Plan) but usually this is only done if the proposal is thought to be ‘of national importance’.

It should be noted that Tucker’s Point was granted an SDO for their existing mix of hotel, club and fractional units, a decision that was controversial then because the proposal did not rise to the threshold of ‘national importance’. The SDO was justified mainly because the hotel portion added to Bermuda’s tourist capacity.

We are aware, however, that tourism occupancy at Tucker’s Point is below expectations. We are concerned that Tucker’s Point is looking to enhance revenue through the unnecessary development and sale of private residences on protected lands via an SDO.

Given the environmental sensitivity of the area, we have no doubt that the government’s technical officers will advise against purely speculative development – private residence units for sale – on lands bearing the highest possible protected status. The public needs to have unfettered access to the professional assessments of these technical officers, hired on the tax-payers’ behalf and with tax-payer funds.

Before the granting of an SDO for such development, which would give the applicants unusual rights of development, the government must provide the public with a clear understanding of the scope and extent of the development, the rationale for overriding the Bermuda Development Plan, the ramifications of granting an SDO and the safeguards put into place to offset unintended consequences.

A precedent has been set by the issuance of a DRAFT SDO for the Southlands property, a step which was highly beneficial to the final outcome. We would recommend the government continue the moves toward consultative governance and include the public at every step of the way for any proposals that will eat into Bermuda’s scarce and protected reserve areas.

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Category: All, Environment, News

Comments (7)

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  1. Jose says:

    This is not just about protecting undeveloped land, it’s about hundreds of thousands of dollars being spent on developing the Draft Bermuda Plan and the Sustainable Development Plan in recent years only for Ministers (who probably haven’t read them) to disregard the recommendations in favor of their personal judgment.

    Thankfully, NGO’s like BEST work on behalf of the rational public.

  2. Sara says:

    It is unbelievable that we are continuing to slaughter our lands when we have so much affordable and luxury houses/condos on the market. This makes no sense whatsoever. Looks like we have yet another fight on our hands. Greedy capitalists versus people trying to protect Bermuda’s future.

  3. Sara says:

    Just say no to SDO!!!! Do the right thing Mr. Blakeney! Doc Brown no longer can boss you around so its time for you to step up and be a REAL minister of environment, not just a puppet

  4. Sara says:

    Anybody been checking out real estate lately? We already have TONS of EMPTY houses and condos. This type of thinking is EXTREMELY dangerous for 21 square mile island!

  5. Interesting says:

    Sounds like how Misick sold away all that people’s land in T&C.

    Doesn’t this kind of contradict the new law requiring Bermudians married to foreigners to only own one piece of land to prevent these foreigners from fronting and owning Bermuda land? I mean isn’t it this Government who basically gave away all that public land to Coco Reef, allowed exempt companies to buy fractional units and now permitting (in secret) for a foreing entity to acquire and destroy more of the people’s land? Is it really the foreigners who are screwing Bermuda over or is the people who voted the current power structure into place?

    But does it really suprise you with this current administration. Dr. Brown claims to be the most open, accessible and transparent leader Bermuda has ever had.

    That is unless you ask him a question.

  6. Citizen of Bermuda says:

    Bermudians have not yet stood up and said, “Enough”. At least not in sufficient numbers. We get the Government we deserve. Too many Bermudians are willing to sit on their fat asses and do sh*t. A few people may march on Parliament and its referred to as frustrated whites. Get off your collective asses Bermuda and do something.

  7. Will the last person to leave please turn out the lights says:

    If this proves to be correct it will just be another nail in the coffin for Bermuda.
    This Premier’s legacy will be one of racial disharmony, record unemployment, record murder rate, near bankrupt economy but don’t forget, this is the PLATINUM period.
    Me thinks he was talking about the cards in his wallet.

    Ms Cox had better get her act together and fast before we see real problems on the streets. Betcha there is an election before she has time to really screw things up.

    The workers of this island had better brace themselves for more job cuts as we hit the winter months.

    I am still waiting with bated breath as to how this government intends to repay the $1Bn debt. Another question that will go unanswered.

    We are not all stupid.