Comments on: Photos: Grand Atlantic Housing Units

By: Wingate: Eroding Cliffs Under Condos | Bernews.com

Wingate: Eroding Cliffs Under Condos | Bernews.com — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:38:48 +0000

[...] David Wingate has warned that the cliffs underneath the new condos being built on South Shore are eroding. The conservationist said it is a vulnerable cliff that is diminishing [...]

By: My two cents

My two cents — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:09:35 +0000

To be honest, it’s really all about what one values. What one person values is not the same as another. A priority to own a home isn’t something everyone has or should have.
If one wants to buy jeans instead of a house that is their prerogative. To you it’s asinine because you value home ownership.
Please stop judging people.

By: Linda

Linda — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:54:03 +0000

No it is not OK to put a hot water heater in the closet its against the code. Just so you know not one Planning Inspector has been on sight. I am sure lots of things are not up to code.

By: bermyshotta

bermyshotta — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:53:03 +0000

@ Clinton – Lopes lol

By: ridiculous

ridiculous — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:25:32 +0000

The key is putting down a downpayment and making a balloon payment as often as possible…you can pay of a house a lot sooner than 30 years.

Learn the ins and out. Homeownership is not that difficult. It’s called committment. This may or may not be directed to you, but people with this attitude are the same ones going to Perry Footwear and buying $500 shoes, buying $300 pair of true religions and/or out every weekend and living off of someone else cause they have Champagne taste on a Beer (or should I reduce that to Koolaid) budges. To all that have this assinine thinking, get your priorities straight.

By: Lineage

Lineage — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 18:00:06 +0000

Bad move IMO…. key word HURRICANES!! Should have left the trees, those units can do nothing to protect this 22sq mile piece of earth…. smh… Then we wonder y mother nature is so pissed off …

By: My two cents

My two cents — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 16:59:20 +0000

You don’t own your home until it is paid off. So basically your renting from the bank and paying hefty interest on top of that. Sure you will hopefully own that condo in 30 years, but you will have paid double for it. IMO I think owning a home in this day and age is a bit overrated.

By: drunken ursula

drunken ursula — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:18:27 +0000

Thank God,I live in the Ghetto and drink in the hood¤…don’t need any south shore view ..I think that bye Lopes is in govt pocket….

By: Sandy Land

Sandy Land — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:35:40 +0000

I think this song sums up this housing project.

http://youtu.be/zgJXIb_0Rwk

By: US Observer

US Observer — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:29:48 +0000

I’m hearing these 2 bed/1.5 bath condos in Somerset have been discounted by 100k with top stainless steal appliances, granite counter tops, travertine tile, washer/dryer, central heat and airconditioning, storage, parking, beach access, and low monthly condo fees, etc…oh and you can choose to have everything on one level or bedrooms/bath upstairs and living + 1/2 bath downstairs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Q0BBPWpJ5c

Contact: http://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/associate/180-a-840-4600496/erna-degraff

Capital G is doing the financing and is working with interested buyers…

By: Dazzle

Dazzle — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:21:46 +0000

I own a unit at HarbourView and the walls are drywall over block so one punch and your fist will be broken!

By: Fed Up Bermudian

Fed Up Bermudian — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:38:14 +0000

Been done for years, actually- it’s a typical place to locate a water heater. The little bit of ambient heat that comes off of them helps keep mold down in the closet- but very good point…if you have a leak, you’re in a mess, let alone being in a potentially dangerous situation!!

By: dawn de toilet

dawn de toilet — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:16:19 +0000

Just wanted to let the person named Emeka47 know that i too have a water heater in my closet ( l live in a studio apartment) and it also sprung a leak. Thank god I noticed the wet floor before it made it to my carpet. Small apartments have the water heaters in the closets cause there is no other place to put them and on top of them if they put them anywhere else they would be an eyesore. As to this development, I dont like the look of it and the safety factor after viewing it from the beach does not look good for those places on the cliff. I guess we will have to have a bad hurricane or surprise strong earthquake to see how the cliff ones survive before we say “i told you so”! As to ever affording one of these places if I ever could…not bloody well likely! I cant afford anything on this island to buy as they are all beyond affordable. I wonder how many have lost their homes due to this recession?

By: 1minute

1minute — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 10:20:36 +0000

Wasn’t a hotel supposed to be built there as well?

By: Say Say Say

Say Say Say — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:31:01 +0000

Your Government keeps allowing bigger and bigger cars, and decreases the ferry service. Pretty soon, if you live west of Hamilton it will take 2 hours to get to work. You could walk it in that time.
If there was a brain cell between them, they’d increase the ferry service and decrease the size of cars. Clearly, this government couldn’t run a bath let alone a country.

Yeah I know someone will call my remarks racist or some other BS. Its just the truth thats all. And you know it!

By: Emeka47

Emeka47 — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:44:31 +0000

WHY WAS IT OKAY TO BUILD THESE CONDOS AND NOT THE HOTEL JUST AROUND THE CORNER, SAME LOCATION, SAME RESULT, SAME EFFECT! NO ONE PROTESTED IN WARWICK…CONFUSED!!

By: Emeka47

Emeka47 — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:41:32 +0000

Is it still ok to put a hot water heater in a closet? I was living in an upstairs apt and the heater was in the closet. I struck a leak and the water ran all through the apt. Carpet soaked and the heater was still plugged in the wall. A terrifying situation to be in!!!! I sat on my bed for hours until the house owner had to get the current shut off. If I were any of the new owners to have those heaters moved and placed in a safer location BEFORE you buy. Um jus sayin!

By: Truth (Original)

Truth (Original) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 21:40:13 +0000

@specialgirl4- why do you make the assumption that every negative comment about the Government comes from an OBA or a UBP supporter? Is it not possible that some PLP supporters are unhappy with the Governments performance?

I’m just saying.

By: B, a Lady

B, a Lady — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 21:35:08 +0000

You stick with that position, and check back with us in 18 months when you are still renting (and thereby paying someone else’s mortgage) because of your asinine thinking.

By: GMS

GMS — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:26:11 +0000

That’s funny. I lived in one of the units at Prospect when I was young as it was all my parents could afford to buy at that time. It was a great place to spend the early years of my life. Lots of great folks and plenty of young kids to play with, with a great variety of people – young, old, black, white and others. I would in no way characterize it as being a ghetto. I don’t know what it has become since my family moved elsewhere in the late 70s, but the character of a neighbourhood greatly depends on the character of the people who populate it.

By: Tickled Pink (and Blue)

Tickled Pink (and Blue) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 19:07:23 +0000

Seventy-eight more vehicles on the road !!!

Quite frankly I’m running out of options of getting to Hamilton in the mornings without sitting in lines of stationary traffic.

Anybody want to join me and buy a small commuter boat for Belmont/Darrell’s ? Lol !!

By: Lorne

Lorne — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:46:39 +0000

They have ruined the wild beauty of that part of south shore. Also, when a hurricane comes, they are in big trouble.

By: Lion

Lion — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:21:52 +0000

This will not sell because it is not low income housing. There are no people out there to either buy them or take the chance and than lose their job. If you could afford it who live in a ghetto type, not condo, dwelling with a view for that price. They should be much cheaper. In addition did you ever think of the people that lived across the road who lost the value of their homes because they lost their views of the ocean. Let’s see how many of them sell. The Minister responsible for this is now looking to bring people with satelites here. His head is really in the clouds.

By: Unbelievable

Unbelievable — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 16:01:42 +0000

If you compare Loughlands to the Grand Atlantic Housing – Loughlands is by far more attractive, rooms much more spacious and you don’t have to walk across a neighbors window to get to your unit. The BHC had a hard time selling the units at Loughlands as the Banks were not offering 100% financing during the final phase. Currently there are 5 units up for sale at Loughlands as the ‘middle class’ Bermudians can not afford to keep up with the mortgage payments and maintenance fees. Which I would say on average are approx. $3,900 per month. So I definitely am curious to how BHC is going to sell the Grand Atlantic Units!

By: O I C

O I C — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 15:47:50 +0000

“a good starter investment”!!!??

No way! thats a 30-50yr mortgage. You are are not going to buy one an then later on go buy something else. Its a condo. You cant expand on it. Its nothing you can leave to your kids. All they will do is sell it when your gone.
Condos are ok if u have one child or NO children at all.

By: Mark

Mark — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 15:22:45 +0000

How much is the monthly maintenance fees?

By: Simple question

Simple question — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:31:47 +0000

That was my point. They’re overpriced (and ugly) and really aren’t designed for the market that they’re supposedly targetting.

In today’s economy you can do much better for a lot less.

By: My two cents

My two cents — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:10:51 +0000

High supply low demand. Also, you would have to have around $75,000-$100,000 for 15% to 20% down. The days of 100% mortgages are gone as they should be. Not a smart move if you did that. So how many people that don’t already own a home have $100,000 sitting around for a down payment? Not many in this economy.

By: My two cents

My two cents — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:55:52 +0000

The prices of condos that are already on the market around the same value will further reduce because these idiots are still building. They should have waited on this plain and simple. Here is the real point people.

Legally an SDO is granted for emergency like conditions. But here we have a surplus of “affordable” condos already on the market and our government grants an SDO to further the surplus of “affordable” condos on the market? in the most densely populated area of the island? on a questionable cliff side? on sand?
Not one SDO since 2005 has been granted for an emergency like situation. Thus they have all been unethical. We should be appalled at the amount of woodlands that have been torn away in the last five years simply for real estate ventures. I will spell it out THERE IS NO LONGER A HOUSING CRISIS from the buyer end. Plenty available and still developments to build. Stop building condos, please read about the basics of supply and demand.

By: Street talk

Street talk — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:54:58 +0000

I feel robbed and have not even bought one!

By: The Messenger

The Messenger — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:46:59 +0000

The units at Harbourview have walls constructed with drywall. One good punch and your fist will go through the wall. These units also have the same floor plan as mass produced apartment buildings in the U.S.

By: The Messenger

The Messenger — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:41:22 +0000

These condos you mentioned are NOT for low income families, I am not misinformed……look at the prefabs, Cedar park and prospect….ghetto. And owning a condo doesn’t mean you actually own land which is what I would prefer to own and not some bricks and mortar on the 2nd floor of a 3 story building.

By: bystander

bystander — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:39:38 +0000

people…these places were built for bermudians…..as the deal was done years ago when the economy was booming and there was a huge rent problem with Bermuda……Remember going to look at places and they were run down with 30 year old nasty kitchens and walls that paint was peeling off? All for $3500(rip-off) and believe me l have seen places that were $5000 in worse condition!

Now we have created jobs-we have made some of these folks that charge rediculous amounts for rent, renovate(more jobs) we have brought 100′s of new, clean places to a discusting market place where only a couple years ago we should have been ashamed of ourselves for charging the foreigners the rent we did for the crap they got.

And still we complain

By: stop the BS

stop the BS — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 13:30:46 +0000

Wasn’t this taxpayers land to begin with? price does not reflect it.

By: Clinton J.A. Paynter OBA Affiliated

Clinton J.A. Paynter OBA Affiliated — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:50:03 +0000

1. The quality of construction does not justify the high price. 2. Look at how close that unit is to the edge of the Cliff! 3. I really have to wonder how well these will stand up to south shore conditions… high winds, salt spray etc.

By: Truth (Original)

Truth (Original) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 11:46:16 +0000

@bermyshotta- I am sad to inform you that if you are working and paying taxes, you are “making the Govt richer” because whether you purchase one or not, your taxes are subsidizing developments like this. lopes has gotten paid already, he has no skin in the game. The government is an entity and since no individual member of the government is personally liable for this potential disaster, they have no skin in the game either. The only individuals who are carrying the risk for this project are the taxpayers. People like you and me. Let’s say that Government doesn’t sell one of these units. Lopes still gets paid. From who? You guessed it, we, the tax layers. We are being taken to the cleaners are few a benefiting from it.

Use your vote wisely.

By: Simple question

Simple question — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 10:47:06 +0000

Simple question. If these are such a great deal why haven’t they sold a single one as of yet?

By: Lawless

Lawless — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 07:54:54 +0000

From what i’ve seen, those Harborview Village places are of much better quality… bigger rooms, better counter tops, cabinets, closets. appliances…oh, and I have been in one1 of the 2 & 4 & 2 bedroom units and they look to be worth around 400.00 (2bed) 600.00 (4bed)….Oh, and it is far from a ghetto….thats why so many of us bermudians don’t have nothing, we spend too much time putting our people/island down….tell you what, there are going to be some ghetto fabulous families in a few years….especially since they don’t have to pay a high mortgage for the rest of their lives….. Good for all who ventured out into greatnes!

By: Clinton J.A. Paynter OBA Affiliated

Clinton J.A. Paynter OBA Affiliated — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 04:23:26 +0000

Judging by the photos I would say the bedrooms are 10ftx10ft, bathrooms 7ftx5ft, living room/ kitchen area appears to be 12ftx20ft. Cheap cement board roof construction with glued on styrafoam profile tiles… cheap cabinets and appliances… cheap countertop material. It seems everything has been done to keep costs down yet the sale prices are outrageous! I could see these places going for an honest price of $199,000 like the Harbour view village ones at Southside. Someone will make a lot of money on the sale of these condos… the question is who?

By: specialgirl4

specialgirl4 — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 02:15:56 +0000

Why should a good business man with good sense of direction not be associated with this government? Mr. Lopes is a good citizen and hard working business man. He does not just talks but performs on a high level like any professional business man. To suggest something sinister is just an attempt to decry this government down. This government has done great things for the people of this country and continues to do many more. While this government may have not done everything correct, it not uncommon for all any government to make errors. But to suggest they are of any sinister evil-will is extremely nasty and is playing the “I need votes card”, which can end with a big slap you’re in the face. This is not the only government vs. private projects that have been done with great success. Mr. Lopes has done extremely well, and many more private & government projects will continue to be done in the future as well. These condos are a good starter investment, for any person who wishes to get a start. If these Condos were built by the UBP/BDA/OBA would your negative opinions reflect the same comments?

By: Observations

Observations — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 01:18:29 +0000

electric stove & range
electric clothes dryer
electric water heater – see pictures
solar roof mounts on the South side(good) and North side (wtf)…

No tender invitations for the renewable energy contract which was awarded to a group that does not even install there products.

the complex is a complete eyesore.

By: freddyg

freddyg — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:49:45 +0000

over priced !!! get a life gov ! why not make it a lil easier for your people, this is SAD ! Look nice though…………………

By: Down 'n' Dirty

Down 'n' Dirty — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:31:07 +0000

Shut it , you TRUSTFUND babies .

By: PEPPER

PEPPER — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 00:11:54 +0000

Lopes. is in bed with the current government… this guy is all about money..how sad is this…

By: PEPPER

PEPPER — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 23:59:31 +0000

Lopes…should be ashamed of his liason with this government….

By: Mark

Mark — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 23:08:36 +0000

You got to be pretty desperate to buy one of those condo’s…small bedrooms cheap counter tops, cheap cabinets ,cheap sinks…whole place looks cheap….no value for money.The only good thing is the view and location…you can get a much better place for less in the current market…maybe I watch too much house hunters Idk!!!!

By: B, a Lady

B, a Lady — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:54:08 +0000

You are woefully misinformed about condos. There are vibrant condo communities with a diverse age group of residents. Also, I have been to some condo developments that can never be classified as ghettos. You have not been to St. James Court, Palmetto Bay, Manor House, Strawberry Hill, Inwood, Mount Wyndham or Tucker’s Point. I have. They are nice places. You are misinformed. You do not own a house, yet you will not start to build equity by buying a nice condo. You are destined to remain a renter for the rest of your life

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:53:22 +0000

Also…those railings look a bit rotten to me!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:52:08 +0000

I agree…is it just me…or do they look like they were built on the beach – I see a lot of sand!!!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:50:45 +0000

Only a Bermudian would call a condo a ghetto – especially, when you don’t own a piece of the rock already. If Bermudians would only think to start small when they are young, they might get rich by the time they are old! Then they can pass on this wealth to their children. Imagine that – what is wrong with a two bedroom condo – my family (2 adults and 2 children) fit quite comfortably in a two bedroom condo. Beats renting and leaving nothing to my children!!