Up Front
Leader of Government Businessand
Planning Minister declares:
"Ritz to Enhance Tourism"
News that the embattledRitz-Carlton development project, worth close to some $300M, hasagain been given the green-light by the Central Planning Authority(CPA) to go ahead with their development plans for the easternportion of the scheme, has evoked mixed reaction here in Cayman.
Approval, which is subject to a number ofconditions, is for the construction of a nine-hole golf courseand club house; four tennis courts; and provision for an 11-lotsubdivision and excavation for waterways.
While National Trust Executive Director, Mrs Barrie Quappe deferredcomment until the organisation received documentation outliningthe reasons for the conditions attached to the CPA's grantingthe Ritz-Carlton group permission to build, she did say that thedecision came as no surprise to them.
"....I will state for the record that we are not surprised;that was the response we anticipated," Mrs. Quappe said lateWednesday afternoon. She promised, however, that once they receivethe documentation they are after, which was promised them by latethe same afternoon, "then we'll be able to react to it ina detailed fashion."
By contrast, one could well say that Mr. Billy Culbert, a directorof the Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association (CIREBA)was ecstatic at the prospect of what investments by the internationally-acclaimedRitz-Carlton chain of hotels could mean to Cayman.
"Right now," he said, "the industry could use anygood news it can get." He went on to say that with the kindof development the Ritz-Carlton was getting into, he was prettysure that not just the real estate industry will stand to benefithandsomely, but the entire construction industry as a whole.
"All the people that supply the development and constructionindustry will be thrilled. It's a pretty big project, so I thinkit's a positive thing for Cayman," Mr. Culbert said.
He further commented that the nature of the Ritz-Carlton developments,as witnessed in particularly Florida and other areas, was suchthat they bring a substantial amount of buyers to whatever communityit happens to set its sights on. "It brings a whole new groupof people that have never come to Cayman before.
Meanwhile, Leader of Government Business, Hon. Kurt Tibbetts whohas portfolio responsibility for planning, communications andworks, said he was pleased to hear that the CPA was able "tocome to what might be considered a final decision with regardsto application for the Ritz-Carlton project."
Noting that the approval was not without certain conditions, hedisclosed that both the Department of Planning (DOP) and the CPAwill be meeting shortly with the principals of the project todiscuss those very provisions so as to ensure that they were attainablein order that the project can progress "in a smooth and timelyfashion."
Having had occasion to meet with Ritz-Carlton's Regional Vice-President,Mr. James Veil, Mr. Tibbetts said he believes that there is astrong commitment from the Ritz-Carlton grouping to see the projectthrough.
"They have given the government their commitment that theyintend to be part and parcel of the project and to operate themanagement franchise as soon as the project is completed,"he said.
The Minister said he is of the firm belief that once all the CPA-ledconditions are met, the Ritz-Carlton project will serve as a boonto the tourism product available along Seven Mile Beach.
He further gave the assurance that "as soon as constructionof the hotel and the condominiums is to a reasonable stage, thegovernment will also be pursuing the continuation of the by-passroad which now ends with the Galleria Loop."
Asked whether he anticipated that the National Trust, which isagainst development on the said site because of environmentalconcerns, may again appeal the CPA's decision, Mr. Tibbetts said:"My information is that the Trust aired its concerns, andthe conditions that were applied to the approval was a clear attemptto satisfy those concerns."
Among some of those conditions are that:
* a minimum of 35 per cent of the building construction valueof the hotel, condominiums and ancillary buildings (excludingcost of filling) of the project should be done before any clearingand filling of the land east of the proposed by-pass road.
* The developers submit to the CPA for approval, detailed drawingsand specifications of the golf course, incorporating best- managementpractices as laid out in the development manual submitted to theOA&D, and that this should be done before starting any physicalpreparatory work and/orclearing/filling for the golf course.
* detailed drawings and specifications of the waterways, incorporatingbest-management practices, are submitted to the CPA for approval.
* a service area must be shown on the site plan which addresses(a) location of opaque screen(s) for solid waste container(s;)(b) the necessary manoeuvring area for the collection of solidwaste; and (c) proper loading spaces for service vehicles whichpose no obstruction to the flow of vehicular traffic on the premises.
"Once the conditions are met," Mr. Tibbetts said, "Iwould presume that while everyone is not a happy camper, thatit will be a satisfactory situation that the project can moveforward."
Tourism and Environment Minister, Hon. McKeeva Bush's reactionwas that "Government will support and advance the approvedRitz Development project and explore other opportunities to diversifyour accommodations offering."