Brac residents object to pond-side gas station

Plans for a new four-pump gas station near Salt Water Pond in Cayman Brac have led to objections from a homeowner and landowners who say it will spoil the tranquillity of the area.

Developer Damien Dilbert’s project was presented to the Development Control Board for approval on Monday, 11 Sept. The decision will be published in minutes in the coming weeks.

In the meeting agenda, the application shows that the $44,000 gas station would be located on a 0.76-acre plot at the corner of South Side Road West and Gerrard Smith Avenue.

It would include two 8,000-gallon above-ground unleaded and diesel storage tanks, and two parking spaces. The 2,425-square-foot facility would be set just 20 feet from the nearby pond.

According to the plans, there are existing tenants on Dilbert’s parcel, including a liquor store and a hair salon, and there is a hotel on the adjacent parcel.

A peaceful community

Two letters were received on the project from three objectors.

The first, a resident who has lived directly opposite the site for 23 years, said they “strongly object” to the proposal.

“I feel the gas station would cause increased traffic, noise and another hangout place at night just like Coral Isle [restaurant],” they wrote.

The second and third objectors sent a joint letter to the Development Control Board in which they said they owned nearby plots.

“We purchased this lot along the southern shores of Cayman Brac, as this is a very peaceful residential and tourism community, and it is our intention to build a home there,” they wrote.

The objectors said they had grave concerns about the potential danger to the surrounding environment.

“The adjacent pond and bird sanctuary are critical to the island’s ecology and economy as an attraction for our eco-tourism product,” they said.

“Having large fuel tanks buried in such a low-lying area adjacent to such an important and fragile eco system does not provide much comfort.”

The landowners added that history has shown it does not take much of a storm to cause the adjacent pond water levels or the nearby ocean to rise and bring flooding to the area.

“Any leakage from these fuel tanks would be detrimental to this fragile environment and would be devastating for the bird population residing there,” they warned.

‘Seven Mile Beach of the Brac’

The objectors also said the gas station would ruin efforts that had gone into promoting eco-tourism and the strip along the coast “fondly considered the Seven Mile Beach of the Brac”.

They said it would bring a different feel to the tranquil tourist-oriented district as well as unnecessary traffic coming into the area for gas and convenience store purchases.

“That would not be in line with the current and perceived tranquillity of the area, where biking and walking are enjoyed and encouraged as part of the eco-tourism product,” they said.

The landowners added that their plans to build a home on the land would be deterred by the new project.

“As Cayman Brac builds its tourism product, it is very important that the vision remains in the forefront and all aspects of its growth are well thought out and managed accordingly…

“Whilst we agree this service may be needed, we believe there are many more appropriate locations as you head inland to higher areas.”

The Department of Environment, in commenting on the application, said there is potential for contamination of the nearby pond.

It said the applicant should ensure that run-off does not impact the pond and that the site is graded away from it.

“Historically, this pond has been subjected to poor water quality issues likely resulting from nearby farming practices,” the department wrote.

The application was first presented to the Development Control Board on 23 Aug. when it was adjourned to allow for a site visit.