By John Myers, Jnr., Staff ReporterA DECISION by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) to grant approval for the establishment of a gated community on Bamboo Avenue, Liguanea, on the request of residents, has led to yet another split in the Corporation.
People's National Party (PNP) councillors, referring to themselves as the Minority Caucus of the KSAC, say they are opposed to the stance taken by the KSAC's Roads and Traffic Committee to implement the change without getting the input of the public and the National Works Agency (NWA).
They insisted that ascertaining the impact on traffic was a necessary prerequisite to the decision.
"Bamboo Avenue is neither a cul-de-sac nor dead end road; (it) is a through-road. Therefore, the impact on traffic patterns in the immediate neighbourhood differs from the impact of approving a gated community," the caucus said.
For residents of the area, the issue is about safe and unfettered access to their homes.
Tony Kelly, a resident for 50 years, told The Gleaner that the high volume of vehicles in the community has been causing discomfort.
"I think we would be all happy if the (heavy traffic) doesn't have any access. In the morning it is difficult to drive," Mr. Kelly said. "It is a residential area and I don't think, as a matter of principle, it should be made into a highway."
One resident lost his life as a result of a motor vehicle accident on the same road, he added.
US EMBASSY GIVES SUPPORT
The United States Embassy, which is to be relocated to that area, has also thrown in its support behind the request. Orna Blum, public affairs officer, said it would suit the embassy from a security point of view.
Speaking on behalf of the dissenting councillors, Angella Brown-Burke, KSAC Minority Caucus leader - while not totally opposed to the KSAC approving the residents' request - said there was a need for that road to filter some of the traffic, having noted that there were several developments taking place in the area.
"Ottawa Avenue, for example, is right next door. I'm sure if you closed here, there would probably be a little bit more pressure (on that road). Should they then say, do the same for us as well?"
MISCHIEVOUS CLAIMS
However, Mayor Desmond McKenzie, in defending the stance taken by the JLP majority-controlled KSAC, described the action of the PNP councillors as mischievous and unwarranted.
"All due diligence was observed based on the laws that govern the closure of roadways that fall under the control of the KSAC," he told The Gleaner.
Moreover, he said, the laws governing the KSAC do not require prior consultation with the NWA in such a situation.
The KSAC is required to consult with its internal technical officer whom, the Mayor added, has assessed the situation and gave approval for the KSAC to grant the residents' request.
He said the residents, who have all signed a petition along with copies of their land titles, submitted their request over two years ago.
