Revised plans for a $32 million luxury apartment block next to the four-way stop in West Bay were scrutinised by the planning board in its 12 Sept. meeting as objectors also made sure their views were heard.
The two-hour meeting, which took place in the South Sound Community Centre instead of its usual location at the Government Administration Building, heard arguments from the developer Heritage Holdings as well as eight objectors who lived within 500 feet of the proposed development.
Clash of views
Planning board officials will now have to make a decision on the proposed development, that developers say “serves the community’s needs” but which, according to objectors, is “incompatible” with the character of the surrounding area.
The proposed ‘The Residences’ apartment block will be located on the two parcels of land known as Heritage Square, which are currently occupied by a car park, a liquor store, an electrical store and a clothing shop.
The block will contain 12 apartments with a total of 40 bedrooms and will include a swimming pool, a gym and a generator as well as basement and ground-floor storage units available for public rental, a revision from plans originally filed last year.
Developers are seeking permission for a height variance to 46 feet 4 inches, above the regulation 40 feet height, and a set-back from the road of 18 feet 3 inches, less than than the 20 feet regulation distance.
Waide DaCosta, who is acting on behalf of the applicant, told the meeting that the current site around the four-way stop was “cluttered” and an “eyesore” and that the development will actually improve the view by opening it up to “see the wonderful Caribbean Sea.”
Neighbourhood Commercial zoning
But Ezmie Smith, one of objectors at the meeting, said the building is going to “overshadow” the neighbourhood which is a popular place for tourists to visit due to its open views of the sea.
She added: “This building has nothing of the traditional workmanship and historic nature of the area … the current plaza suits the neighbourhood.”
Other objectors and long-time West Bay residents recalled the area being a site of a community hall, a theatre and a place where people used to go for dancing and ice-cream, but DaCosta, who also grew up in the area, said that those days were long gone and buildings in the area needed to be demolished anyway for safety reasons.
Planning department’s own analysis of the plans notes that “the proposal includes the demolition of Heritage Square” adding, “The loss of commercial space at a busy intersection will negatively impact the whole district and is especially important as there is a lack of Neighbourhood Commercial zoning in the immediate area. The chance and likelihood of introducing new commercial uses in residential areas of West Bay will be difficult as uses are long established.”
In a letter to the planning board, Craig Burke, director of Heritage Holdings, said that “the introduction of a high-end residential development at Boggy Sands Road will
enhance the character and value of the West Bay community” and said the building’s design featuring traditional Caymanian colours on the exterior “ensures that our project not only serves the community’s needs but also proudly displays and celebrates its long maritime heritage.”
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