THE EDITOR, Sir:
ONCE AGAIN we are about to repeat the mistakes of the past! The construction of the largest hotel in the island, 900 rooms, is about to begin in St Ann without the mandatory consultation and meetings with the surrounding communities.
It is only because of extreme pressure brought to bear on the developers, by adjoining landowners, that it became known that the developer intends to access water from an already compromised NWC pipeline. Upon full operation of this RIU HOTEL property, the entire communities of Steer Town, Greenwich Park, Upper Mammee Bay, Drax Hall, Village Green, Vista Del Mar and Mammee Bay Estates will return to a pre-1990 water supply problem, which resulted in the main road being blocked on a regular basis, tyres were burnt, and tourists and residents were regularly inconvenienced.
RIU, the developer, intends to construct two six-storey towers on the site. The proposed density far exceeds what would be considered to be appropriate density levels for a marine park environment and a residential neighbourhood. Additionally it appears that the manner in which sewage is intended to be treated is inadequate and may ultimately mean that in the event of heavy rains or flooding or a break down in the treatment plant raw sewage could flow to the sea. These are but a few of my concerns.
I am totally in support of a properly planned development and welcome RIU to our community, but it is their responsibility to impact our environment in a considerate and positive manner. They have started out on the wrong foot by not consulting and meeting with us. Getting 'permission' from the relative planning agencies is but one step: living in peace and harmony with your neighbours is imperative.
I am etc.,
ANTHONY MOYSTON
coyabo@mail.infochan.com
Arawak P.O.
Mammee Bay, St Ann.
Via Go-Jamaica
