Mystery bridge on ETHE
Posted on Wed, 09/05/2012 - 07:54 in Local News
(CNS): The emergence of a bridge along the Esterley Tibbetts Highway extension being undertaken by Dart has begun to raise public concerns that it will be spanning future channels which may cut through the island from the North Sound to Seven Mile Beach. A selection of pictures taken over the last four weeks by concerned citizens also shows the clearing of mangroves and dykes along the extension route, which is fuelling local fears about the scope and scale of the development around the new road. The extension forms part of the NRA agreement within the ForCayman Investment Alliance deal between the islands’ largest developer and government.
With few details about the Dart Cayman’s long term plans regarding the complete project, which is tied to the development of a five-star resort at the former site of the Courtyard Marriott, speculation over the bridge is mounting about the possible dredging of a channel, which would effectively slice through Grand Cayman at its narrowest point.
CNS has contacted Dart, the NRA and the planning department in an effort to find out more about the bridge. Dart and the NRA have so far failed to respond to questions about what it will span and any plans for future canals or channels that could cut through to the Seven Mile Beach area or into the planned resort. The Department of Planning confirmed that no permission has been given by them for any canal or channel development.
“Our department has not been provided with any details about the extension of the Esterley Tibbetts Highway other than what we've read in the media or on the ForCayman Alliance web site,” a spokesperson for planning stated. “To date, an application for planning permission has not been submitted for any canals associated with the works shown in the photograph or anywhere in the area of the road works undertaken over the past few months.”
The planning department did state that the NRA would not be required to apply for planning permission when building roads, with or without bridges. However, if there is associated development that includes canals, that development would require planning permission. The spokesperson also noted that the current situation with a private sector developer constructing the road, as opposed to a government-owned company, is something of a grey area.
The photographs, which show the clearing of dykes and removal of mangrove at the edges of channels in the area as well as raised areas between the water channels, coupled with the clear and evident construction of a bridge are leading some residents, particularly in the West Bay area to speculation that the developer could be planning to link the sea on either side, which raises a number of environmental concerns.
“There is a very real potential for loss of life and massive destruction upon virtually all of West Bay in the event of another Ivan-like hurricane if this bridge is an indication of a plan for channels linking the North Sound to Seven Mile Beach,” a local activist stated after pictures of the bridge were circulated last month.
“The sea surging inland from the North Sound will be even worse and more extensive, since its path would be made easier and more dangerous due to the deep and wide yacht channels.”
There is no confirmation however, that Dart plans to construct any new waterways in the area or why it has constructed the bridge.
Photos above were taken 2 September.
See series of pictures of the extension taken in August below.
See plans associated with NRA/Dart agreement here
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| ETH-Ext Bridge 15-aug (1st three pix).pdf | 1.56 MB |
| ETH-Ext Bridge 15-aug (2nd three pix).pdf | 1.79 MB |
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The phrase "storm in a
The phrase "storm in a teacup" springs to mind. I am sure it will be a lovely building and setting when it is finished.
So I log in and start reading
So I log in and start reading about the proposed bridge and scroll down to the comments section only to see most people talking nonsense, insulting each other and bickering between themselves. If 50,000 people in a small community such as Cayman can't get on with each other, what chance has the world as a whole got.
Its ridiculous wrap it up.
In respect of the bridge if it saves travelling time and in effect cuts down CO2 emissions from cars that spend less time on the road as a result of it, isn't that "preserving the environment"?
Dart or the Government should be open and up front about the project and invite the public to see the plans.
How can a bridge on a road to
How can a bridge on a road to West Bay save on Co2 emissions?
(a) Close the bridge; (b)
(a) Close the bridge;
(b) Keke is trapped on the other side, where he can't argue with people; and
(c) gas emissions go down. Fewer brains explode as well.
Typically mindless trite
Typically mindless trite comment from someone who presumably is here for the shortish term, and has no vested interest in the long term interests of Cayman.
"Dart or the Government
"Dart or the Government should be open and up front about the project"..... therein lies the problem. Neither party is open or up-front about anything, which is why everyone is suspicious.
Dart and the Governemtn are
Dart and the Governemtn are getting closer and closer to being the same thing.
CNS - Whilst we understand
CNS - Whilst we understand what you meant, Grand Harbour RedBay area is Caymans narrowest point per the 1932 storm anecdotes.
Actually we can all measure
Actually we can all measure it on Google Earth now, and while the Grand Harbour is indeed narrow at 1,120 feet (canal water to shore), the Palm Heights canal to SMB is only 907 feet.
16:51 - Thanks for grasping
16:51 - Thanks for grasping onto my general comment re "can't leave", when perhaps I should have said "choose not to leave", as it is more accurate. In my case, I'm a successful, middle-aged (nearing retirement) professional, so from a personal perspective I am more accurate in my assertion that I can't leave - being the most sensible option for me. That is a strictly personal choice. However, I can assure you that it is not for fear of competing in the "big world", as I've done both educationally and professionally, and succeeded! In fact I hold the distinction of being a selected employee of Her Majesty's Government (UK, not Cayman Islands) in a specialist field - one of only two in the Caribbean!
I have the good fortune to have been raised by open-minded parents, benefited from a secondary and tertiary overseas education and the total acceptance by the overseas communities in which I lived and studied. I entered said communities with open-mindedness and assimilation - unlike many who come to our shores. These factors have assisted in creating a tolerance in me that unfortunately does not exist in many Caymanians who have not had the good fortune to be similarly "exposed". Because of this I can accommodate the prejudices I experience in my own country better than some but that does not mean they do not exist. What grabs me is that said prejudice is invariably meted out by persons less educated and successful than myself. And then I have the last laugh because prejudice is bred from ignorance, such as your own comment.
"You are here because you are
"You are here because you are doing better in the wonderful Cayman Islands that you would in your home country. If you do not like it you can definately leave. There are planes leaving daily and don't let the door hit you on the way out. Others are desperate to come here and you will not be missed." Or so the post usually goes . . . .
Did anyone think about just
Did anyone think about just informing the public. It might not be so bad and it would stop all the speculation.
13:46 - I would definitely
13:46 - I would definitely not put up with racism and xenophobia in any society in which I live, if I had an option. Unfortunately, as a Caymanian, I can't leave. Expats who experience that in Cayman can. I'm a Caymanian who called a SMB restaurant last week to make a reservation. I was questioned (by the foreign maitre-d of course) as to whether I was "local or visitor". When I arrived and asked if there were any specials for locals or visitors (hence justifying his question) he acknowledged that there were none. My wife and I were handed the same menus as other guests - many obvioulsy visitors and chaged the same prices. So what was his question based on - if not "profiling"??
Take that example plus the different levels of service Caymanians receive at many such establishments, vs that given to "visitors". You want to talk about enduring racism and xenophobia? Talk to a Caymanian living in his own country!
Examples of racism and
Examples of racism and xenophobia of course can be found in all countries and cultures, Cayman being no different. I would argue there is generally less in Cayman as those feelings are generally bred from ignorance and the broad mix of races, nationalities, etc in Cayman I think does minimize that. However, I find your example and premise quite confusing. I suppose you can call what you experienced “profiling”, but I don’t see how any racism or xenophobia could be attributed to it. It seems like Marketing 101. You want to know who your customers are and if you’re marketing dollars are being effectively spent. If a business wants to increase its tourist clientele, it will likely advertise in in-air magazines, produce flyers to be distributed to hotels, make agreements with hotel concierge services, etc. Then of course, they’ll need to know if the money spent on those activities are having the desired effect to decide if they should continue down that path or reevaluate. Nothing too sinister I can see in any of that.
The fact that in your example, you specifically state you were treated in the exact same manner as every other guest you saw makes the whole thing even more confusing. The only taste of xenophobia I can spot in your entire post is “(by the foreign maitre-d of course)”. What possible difference to your example could it have made if the maitre-d was foreign or local, black or white, gay or straight? The fact you felt in some way compelled to throw that out I think points more to an issue with your feelings on the issue than any issue with an establishment attempting to run a modern marketing operation.
Possibly locals don't need
Possibly locals don't need directions or travel assistance, where as visitors do. Locals probably also have a local cell number that the restaurant can ask for, whereas visitors don't. So someone asked you whether you were local or a visitor, and suddenly you are Cayman's answer to Rosa Parks?
I have no ideas about your
I have no ideas about your certain situation, but I, as a tourist, know there are actually 3 levels of standard on most islands. There is the "local" rate, the "repeat visitor" rate and then the "tourist" rate. The "local" rate is in fact cheaper so I am not sure what type of "racism" you would feel you would be receiving in your own country? I know this is for hotels, rental cars, tours, sailing....
Maybe in your situation the maitre-d wanted to sit you in "prime seating" since you said that you were a local?? Don't always think the worst...life is too short.
I've never understood why
I've never understood why Caymanians say "as a Caymanian, I can't leave."
Why not? If the expats can leave their home countries and come here, what's stopping you from leaving yours? Scared of having to compete in the real world?
Restaurants where I am in the
Restaurants where I am in the US will ask you if you're in a hotel or local. It makes a difference to them in terms of the liklihood of cancellation, whether or not to impose a cancellation fee, how to get in touch, etc. Believe it or not people will make four reservations and blow three of them off without notice when the gang finally gets together and decides where they want to go a half hour beforehand. I think you're too touchy.
Basically, you've drawn a
Basically, you've drawn a conclusion out of thin air and then relayed it as fact. The restaurant owner may be polling people in order to figure out where to spend money on an advertising campaign, which would depend very much on the proportion of customers that are local (i.e. living here, nothing ethnic in the question) or visitors. Or perhaps he has noticed a different trend in what people eat (local v. expat) which would affect what produce he orders. There! Two possible scenarios that are more plausible than yours.
Based on the first paragraph I am sceptical about the second - perhaps you see insults where none exist.
You do realize that there is
You do realize that there is a "bridge" right behind the Ritz Carlton that you drive over everyday. Do you see a canal going under it? Stop assuming and making a fuss out of everything, it only makes you look stupid and ignorant.
In fact there is water under
In fact there is water under that bridge, it was done for golf carts and for the Ritz boats....
if a bridge can be built at
if a bridge can be built at this point why o why could one not have been built to go over SMB road instead of the public losing it ?????????????????????????????????????? I always new caymanians did not count ,but I at least thought that the fancy white folk paying 3000+ in strata did . oh well.
West Bayers are to blame for
West Bayers are to blame for this one. Without Mac and his fries, none of this would happen.
Anonymous 14:21 - "Caymanians
Anonymous 14:21 - "Caymanians build a mountain of trash"!!!??? This is the height of foreigner disrespect and prejudice which has casued many Caymanians to react in kind.
May I ask if the garbage generated by persons residing in Cayman other than Caymanians is dumped somewhere other than Mount Trashmore?? So why is it only "Caymanians" building this mountain of trash?
CNS, I respect the right of most blogs to be posted but crap like that is purely xenophobic and inflammatory and should not be posted.
Wow, you should try being an
Wow, you should try being an expat in Cayman for a week and live with the xenophobic, racist crap you have to put up with.
It is not inflammatory or
It is not inflammatory or xenophobic. Since only Caymanians are permitted to vote for the politicians that stood by and let the dump grow and grow, it is a perfectly accurate comment. Had the islands been a touch more democratic things may well have been different.
08:32 you are so correct.
08:32 you are so correct. Can y6ou imagine if we have more foreigners here than Cayman population, then pray tell me where the garbage is comming from.
Chill out for goodness
Chill out for goodness sake...
I have vivid memories of
I have vivid memories of IVAN. Folks the time may come again and I may not be around, but trust me the next time the beautiful 7miles beach may not be that beautiful. I can visualize the dirty North Sound meeting up with the beautiful 7 miles Beach. It nearly happened as it was, with all this cutting through and mangrove buffer destruction, its inevitable. Most of you bloggers, were not here to see what happened, but trust me...it nearly did. West Bay interior did not get too much storm surge, but with all this destruction of protective barriers, West Bay may not survive the next big one. Remember the formation of these Islands, especially Grand Cayman. The North Sound has a crater like image and Hell was not a happenstance, lots of dormant dirty ash lies within, if disturbed it can become activated too, proceed with caution plese kind greedy investors. Beauty is only cosmetic, check what is within and see the ugliness. Be warned and proceed with caution, mother nature is a very deceiving and controlled force. Bigger than anything human!....Just Saying.
West Bay is some of the
West Bay is some of the highest rock on Grand Cayman (pardon the pun). The only ash in Hell is from the spliff you're smoking.
I going to save a lot of gas
I going to save a lot of gas no having to go round NW Piont to get to SMB, I just hope that the mutant north sound bara does not mate with the snaggle toothed west coast poisoned bara, and it's toxic offspring invades Georgetown and destroys the GOAP !!
What a sad mess we have put
What a sad mess we have put ourselves into.
Government pays money to employ qualified staff at the Planning Department and the Department of the Environment.
Government does not pay attention to any report from either of these departments.
Developer is getting duty concessions everywhere you look.
Developer hides under Government's frock...to avoid Planning and DOE
Developer is getting richer and more land by the day.
Government more indebt everyday (financially and otherwise)
Planning & DOE receives notification of road/bridge construction and mangrove destruction from the media.
Politicians are getting fatter and richer by the day.
Average person is getting poorer by the second.
Unethical people run this country.
I gave up prayingg for an election as the Developer will have everything he needs and wants by May. Now I pray for less greed and more brains in our voters.
Build the
Build the bridge............finish the road..........just get somthing moving and finished
on this rock. Cayman needs a stimulous and it needs it now !!!!
Yes
Yes
As an individual who lives in
As an individual who lives in the Cayman Islands Yacht Club who has seen this project progress from the begining i would just like to clarify somthing. In regards to the clearing of the mangrove and dykes, the MRCU placed a machine in the dykes several months back to clear out these water ways as they were grown over and filled in. If anyone would like any further proof that the MRCU is working on the dyke system in West Bay i encourage them to take a drive into west bay where the same excavator cleared those dykes over a year back. THESE WERE TWO DIFFERENT PROJECTS TAKING PLACE IN THE YACHT CLUB. As caymanians we are making ourselfs look ignorant by not using the facts and relying soley on our observations which in this case are incorrect.
Who needs facts when there is
Who needs facts when there is a chance to complain about Dart or the government?
Those are the MRCU dykes that
Those are the MRCU dykes that have been there for years.
Gonna save me time and money
Gonna save me time and money getting out to the Banks. Thank you again Dart!
Just a thought...do bridges
Just a thought...do bridges only traverse water.
Did anyone ever think that it might just be a bridge so an access road can pass under the by-pass instead of creating another round a bout.
Some folks are very narrow minded thinkers. Lets find out the facts before we jump down the developers throat!
I hadn't thought of that, and
I hadn't thought of that, and bridges are so much cheaper to build than roundabouts. This way the north-south traffic from West Bay to George Town will not be slowed down by the east-west traffic from Little Cayman to Cozumel.
If Mac's deal with
If Mac's deal with the Chinese for the port project goes ahead, you will want to kiss the ground that Dart walks on.
Jimmy Hoffa is buried under
Jimmy Hoffa is buried under this bridge.........
Bridge Loan, Bridge
Bridge Loan, Bridge Loan........ya that's it.
This had been planned and approved (quietly I might add) some time ago.
This bridge is being built to allow the Dart Water Taxi Service to ferry customers
from 7-Mile Beach (cruise shippers) and guest of the new hotel (For Cayman) to
Camana Bay to wine, dine, and shop in Dart stores. Along the canal that will be
built is a path for golf carts for the 18+ hole golf course that is being planned for the new
resort and to be connected to the three "links style" 7-Mile beach front golf holes
and The North Sound Club.
FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORE CAYMAN !! ie. look out !!!!!
Unless yuo can show me the
Unless yuo can show me the masterplan, there is only one thing I have to say to you...BULLCRAP.
Really silly comment. Who
Really silly comment. Who would drive the cruise ship folks 2 miles PAST camana bay to put them on a boat to sail back to camana bay? Instead of a troll button we should also have a fool button for these posts.
Interesting to note a local
Interesting to note a local activist is concerned with "Sea surging in from North Sound"..!
Whereas the developer of the South sound canal and bridge project (on land which he does not own), is blind to the possibility of sea suge from South Sound where hurricaned normally cause the most damage....
Let's hear from the local activist on this one which is not rumor but fact.
Oh stop moaning!!! The CPA
Oh stop moaning!!! The CPA would never have passed this as a bridge over a canal. There is no-way that Dart has any influence with CPA decisions. There is no proof of that. This is clearly a Conservation Enhancement Toll & Nature Building Tunnel. The purpose of which is to allow returning turtles to travel far inland to lay their eggs and avoid being slaughtered unless they live at the Turtle Farm. It will also provide a safe passage for all of those crabs who need to get back to the sea instead of always trying to pull everyone down with them and finally, if there is still any room left, it will be designated part of the Economic Zone where non indigenous iguanas can be traded tax free along with Cayman Roosters and other chicks that are causing certain people problems.
If you are a developer by
If you are a developer by definition you have influence with the decisions of a CPA chaired by Mr. A.L. Thompson, Jr.
Cool it everybody. Just
Cool it everybody. Just relax. Dart owns both sides of the road and is sensibly making sure that both sides can be accessed without the need to interrupt the flow of traffic north/south on the new highway extension. There are no plans for a canal.
However, all of you so outraged at the thought of canal and bridge will no doubt be objecting to the Emerald Sound development planning to destroy South Sound's tranquility.
You are wrong. The bridge
You are wrong. The bridge will be there for a canal. The plans have not been made public yet but that is what it is for.
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