Attend meeting to voice concerns, hotel developer urges
Residents were urged by the owner of the Fairmont Southampton to use a town hall meeting tonight to voice any concerns about proposed development at the resort.
A spokeswoman for Westend Properties said the company was "very much looking forward“ to the event, to be hosted by government MPs Zane DeSilva, Jason Wade and Crystal Caesar, at Heron Bay Primary School from 7pm.
Representatives of Gencom, a Miami-based investment firm leading redevelopment at the hotel, will also be there.
The meeting is for discussion about a special development order request submitted to the Department of Planning this month.
Westend Properties, an affiliate of Gencom, sought in-principle permission for up to 114 tourism and 147 residential units in buildings of up to six storeys at the resort.
A company spokeswoman said yesterday: “This will be an excellent opportunity for local residents to hear more about the proposed development, ask their questions and voice their concerns – and we encourage them to do so.
“We will be on hand to answer those queries, clarify our plans for the Southampton property and clear up some misconceptions and inaccuracies that are currently circulating.”
Environmental groups raised concerns about the scale of the proposed project and the impact it could have on open space.
A petition launched in opposition to the plans has attracted more than 3,700 signatures and is expected to be presented at the Cabinet Building on Friday.
Former premier Sir John Swan said he believed the Fairmont Southampton development “could be an asset to Bermuda” and that, in part, it represented a chance for the island to become “a world-class destination”.
The Bermuda Industrial Union also backed the project.
A BIU spokesman said the island’s economic recovery will be stalled if the Fairmont Southampton remained closed.
An SDO granted in 2009 provided planning permission in principle for 71 fractional tourism properties, 37 residential villas and 22 town homes.
It was never executed but remains in effect.
Recent statements from those who are opposed to the SDO application for the Fairmont Southampton property have contained some inaccuracies.
Left uncorrected, these inaccuracies may lead to the public having an incomplete picture of the proposed development. That’s why it’s important to clear up any misconceptions that are circulating.
Acres of green space: opposition groups have stated that 34 acres of green space will be developed through the SDO. This is incorrect and has been exaggerated by 42 per cent.
Golf course: the golf course will be reconfigured, but will remain an 18-hole course. Groups opposed to the SDO have stated that 25 per cent of the course will be lost to development. In truth, that number is much lower at just over 10%.
Proposed units: close to half of the proposed units will be designated tourism units, while the remaining will be residential. No fractional units are planned.
Fairmont Southampton renovation: one of the most concerning comments has been from those that question the integrity of the hotel building. We can assure you that Fairmont Southampton is structurally sound on all levels.
If you would like to confirm the numbers for yourself, the SDO application is available for public review until May 3.
A spokeswoman for the Progressive Labour Party said last week: “The town hall aims to provide a platform for local residents to voice their concerns and be informed of matters relating to the SDO application.
“The PLP encourages all residents to participate in this important dialogue to ensure their views are taken into account by their Members of Parliament representatives.”
She added: “The PLP firmly believes in the importance of transparency and open communication between all stakeholders, and this event will serve as an opportunity for meaningful discussion.
“The PLP is committed to hearing from its constituents and making well-informed decisions that serve the best interests of the community.
“All residents of constituencies 29, 30 and 31 are encouraged to attend and let their voices be heard.”
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