Proposed Frigate Bay development irks residents
By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
 |
| Rudolph Morton, Managing Director of the Frigate Bay Development Corporation |
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -DISSENTING voices filled the conference room of the Frigate Bay Resort last evening April 16th as residents of the area gathered to express their concerns about the proposed Frigate Bay Park development during a town hall meeting.
“Frigate Bay Park is a recreational/commercial plot on the forty acres around the Salt Pond that is designed to make a better use of the space and to enhance the area for residents and tourists alike,” said Project Manager, Calvin Esdaille. The proposed park would be comprised of a children’s playground, a running/walking track, a general recreation area and a commercial space for merchants.
Though the residents of Frigate Bay welcomed the idea of a track and grassy recreation area, they were in opposition to the proposed 200 vehicle parking lot and commercial district. “I don’t see how this will be a better use of the space for residents. We already have a beautiful natural setting that everyone can use for recreation, and I fail to understand how a commercial development is going to make life better for us,” said one concerned citizen.
Rudolph Morton, Managing Director of the Frigate Bay Development Corporation, countered these remarks by saying that the
 |
|
Project Manager, Calvin Esdaille
|
proposed commercial spaces would be available at a more reasonable price than those of places like Port Zante, giving vendors a better chance to make a living.
Noise was another major concern for the residents, many of whom are already unhappy with what one resident called a “noise war” taking place at the bars located on ‘the strip’.
“I’m in the business of selling sleep, Mr. Morton,” said Richard Boon, Manager of the Timothy Beach Resort, “and I think I have a right to oppose anything that threatens my business.”
Morton assured the residents that neither the construction, nor the normal operation of the facility would create any more noise than is customary in the area.
~~Adz:Left~~
Construction on the park is expected to begin later this year and the Frigate Bay Development Corporation stated that the company chosen to do the work would be done so through an open bid.
Other issues arising at the town hall meeting revolved around the naming of streets in the area, animals from the southeast peninsula grazing in Frigate Bay, high property taxes and the passing of legislation to regulate noise levels in the area.
Dr. Asim Martin, the Minister responsible for Public Works, Utilities, Transport and Posts, served as moderator for the event, and assured residents that their concerns would be noted and taken under consideration by the proper officials before the next town hall meeting.
