CPA chair behind controversial project
Casa Luna
(CNS): The Central Planning Authority chairman has received planning permission for a controversial South Sound development that has raised a number of environmental concerns. Although Al Thompson recused himself from the 3 August CPA meeting, his Coriander development was granted planning permission by his deputy Bob Watler, according to the minutes of the meeting. The presentation was made to the CPA by a local architect but Thompson owns the company behind the project, which includes another controversial man-made beach along the coast of a marine park.
CNS has contacted Thompson to ask about his involvement as there have been concerns that the chair of the body that awards planning permission should not be placing his own multi-million-dollar development before his colleagues for approval, but we have received no response.
The $19.5 million project, situated close to Windsor Village on a 4.2 acre site along South Church Street, which has been presented to the CPA a number of times over the last fifteen years, was granted planning permission at the 3 August meeting. Thompson, who acquired the company sometime last year, according to company records seen by CNS, is proposing to build nineteen houses, all with pools, a clubhouse with a pool, a retaining wall and a boundary wall, as well as shoreline, a beach and seawall.
However, the project is not without controversy as the seawall at the southern portion of the site does not comply with the 50-foot setback, according to information supplied by the Department of Environment, leaving the houses vulnerable even “under relatively benign sea conditions”, the DoE stated in its recommendations.
Also of major concern is the proposed man-made beach.
A similar project at Casa Luna further along the same shoreline has proved to be extremely problematic, with sediment washing into the marine park. Concerned that the creation of another artificial beach in this location is unsustainable, the DoE said the sand will wash into the sea and need to be re-nourished, which means sand had to be sourced in an area with very little remaining beach.
“The issues surrounding this are most notable from the Casa Luna development on South Church Street, which resulted in chronic sedimentation in the Marine Park and resulted in numerous complaints from the public and watersports sectors,” the DoE warned, as it “strongly” recommended that if the CPA approved the application, it “should only be on the condition that the source of sand for the creation and maintenance of the beach is identified prior to approval and only … for a temporary period to allow for monitoring of run-off and sand washing into the Marine Park.”
The approval was granted before that was established, and while the minutes state it is contingent on this detail, it is not a temporary approval. In his presentation to the board, the architect, Mike Stroh, who appeared on behalf of Thompson, said that the DoE’s concerns regarding Casa Lunar were confined to the construction period and the beach is no longer a problem.
“There is no problem there now and it has been an absolute success,” he told the CPA.
But the DoE disagrees.
A spokesperson from the department said the sediment problem from Casa Luna continues and they are even more concerned about Coriander because the man-made beach will be even more vulnerable and will see the sand washed into the marine park. They also warned that with the set-back as narrow as just 27 feet in some cases on this project, the development is simply too close to the sea.
DoE experts warned that this is not the first time the CPA has approved a project that could see the properties undermined by the sea a few years after construction.
Following the implementation of the National Conservation Law on Monday, the DoE has confirmed that if this project had been up for approval after that day, the CPA would not only have been lawfully obligated to give proper consideration to the DoE’s recommendations, they would have also needed to follow any directives from the National Conservation Council because the project is on the shore of a marine protected area.
The application was heard and approved just twelve days before the National Conservation Law was fully implemented.
The CPA has traditionally ignored DoE and other environmental recommendations and there are concerns that have been raised by the DoE, local conservationists and NGOs, as well as the Office of the Auditor General. In an audit examining the issue of development and planning, the OAG said the CPA was heavily weighted in favour of construction and that having the owner of the largest hardware store on the island as chair of the CPA was of real concern.
It is now clear that Thompson is also heavily engaged in development and has managed to see his environmentally sensitive development through the CPA process before it could have been subject to the conservation law.
The auditor had warned that government should reconsider the make-up of the planning board to remove the perception and possible conflicts of interest. However, that recommendation was ignored when shortly after the report was completed, the PPM government re-appointed Thompson and many more members involved in construction, included Watler, the deputy chair.
One of the few members of the board not involved in construction was lawyer Sharon Roulstone. CNS has learned that she reigned just a few weeks ago but it is not clear why she left the CPA.
With the DoE barred from sending representations to the meetings, decisions by the CPA continued to be made in the absence of environmental representation other than written observations submitted at the point of application. The DoE cannot therefore respond when developers or architects make contrary claims when they appear in person.
Category: development, Land Habitat, Local News, Science & Nature
When its all gone it is gone for good. Such a shame. Ive watched the decline of the reefs. The fish life. The mangroves. I know because i see it everyday. The north sound is affected by the dump. Tarpon alley used to be one of the more popular dives here and now the whole area is covered in green goo. Soon it will all be gone in the name of progress. A certain few will make out but those who earn a basic living and care about the enviroment will be left behind. At this point its all downhill.
Nothing more nauseating than the combination of ” in your face ” Power and Greed,
Oh, come on. When the trough is deep enough there is room for all the snouts!!
Evan a casual look at Cayman over the past 40 years shows that the trough is never deep enough.
Let him be, he is Caymanian. Where was the objections and public outcry for numerous other projects expecially when the the barracks built by the American was demolished to make a parking lot. This site should have been restored and perserved. Did we not allow the Marriott to build too close to the beach? Have we forgotten the destruction of the mangroves on West Bay road to build a hotel? Have we forgotten the closure of the West Bay road? There are many more, Leave Mr Thompson alone.
Shouldn’t we be grateful that someone like Mr Thompson is chair of the CPA with all of his building experience? Should we really give that position to someone who doesn’t have experience?
Absurd amount of speculation on here, if you have any proof he received favours or even if the RCIP’s think he received favours and can prove it in a court case, then step up. Otherwise it just sounds like a lot of jealousy. Remember ALT was the man bright enough to make sure he had proper insurance which got him back on his feet after Ivan and then it was he that supplied the rebuild of GC. Although I do agree that the board should be independent it is just not possible here. Unless Cayman is prepared to let its expat community in on the act, most of whom have no axe to grind and would want to ensure the best is done for Cayman.
This is precisely the type of comment that promotes corruption. Bring proof you say, because there isn’t any. Corruption is about securing processes that eliminate advantage among many other things. Do you really expect a deputy to go against his boss, the answer is yes we do if it is wrong, the reality is that it rarely happens, but if a mechanism existed outside the CPA such as a referal due to potential conflicts of interest then I would support your argument
I remember there was a lot of price gorging at the peak of Ivan. Ironically prices never did came down? ALT for Premier!!!
The key for the ACC here is in the timing, Helen Keller could have seen that it was rushed through just in time.
Wayne? You have lost my vote in Newlands
Come now Mac don’t you know we see through that?!
And they most likely say “Dis nutin’ new, we’s done dis way from long time”. Time to crush the CPA and start a fresh. And you, Alden and your posse expect votes for letting this slide? Well think again…
What if the ACC is corrupted within itself?
Food for thought….
“PPM government re-appointed Thompson and many more members involved in construction”
The above sentence is the key point to be taken from this article. PPM must be removed from office come election time.
Sadly this is just an example of what goes on in most countries and jurisdictions around the world. Those “in the know” always get preferential treatment and always seem to be in the right place at the right time.
Shame on Mr. Thompson who at this point in his life should be focusing on doing good for the island and those without the incredible resources he has. If he were a man of honor, he would resign from the CPA and channel his interests towards helping those who have made him a rich man.
Mr Thompson gives a huge amount to charity every single year and has the biggest heart of anyone I know. You should do some research before writing stupid unqualified comments like that. He was also treated exactly the same as anyone else submitting a planning application.
The single most destructive force in the world is mankind!
You sure it’s not Caymankind?
Vampires all slaves to the hidden khazzar hand.
I have always been proven right… Its not who you KNOW …. BUT who knows YOU>>> and where you fall in the two lodges the M & M t for those of you that are lost its the Mechanics & Masons . Help me help you to help others like US and to hell with the rest.
It’s not who you know, it’s what you are.
yup! Lodge strikes again!
Just Another Day in Absurdistan!
Pure greed!! Disgusting!
They paved paradise and put up a parking lot. When is enough-enough? Mr Thompson couldn’t spend his fortune in four lifetimes so WHY is greed such a cause of strife here?
Gluttony It is the 3rd circle of Hell, but we all allow these greedy cronies to continue when we should publicly shame XXXX them. XXXXX
And of course our politicians push this greed agenda because unless we hit 100,000 population they cannot afford to keep up their wasteful spending and pocket habits.
Calling ACC! Calling ACC! Where are you, ACC? You’re needed! The CPA has gone wild!!!
Neither of these men should be on the authority, they are friends and both developers. Its actually comical what you can get away with here!
What about that hideous new development next door to palm springs? Surely they broke a few rules with that one? Those cottages are way too close together not to mention the tacky plastic fence they put up around it.
I will not cross the threshold of that hardware store again. Never.
Sadly nothing will be done because XXXXXX is endemic in the Cayman Islands and greed always wins.
Disgusting.
No more like, dislike, LOL or troll?
That’s a big DISLIKE right there!
Now I can’t tell if someone likes this comment 🙁
CNS: Oops! Sorry, we seem to have a technical glitch with the ratings buttons. I’ve got the like/dislike buttons back but the troll and LOL buttons will take a bit longer.
Wow. What if the board didn’t approve the project?
The head of the planning authority is also a major property developer who happens to own the island’s largest hardware store. You couldn’t make this stuff up….
This is preposterous!
ALT MUST resign, and so should all the others on the CPA with conflicts of interest.
This should be looked into by the newly appointed ACC.
What a laugh, National Conservation Law, was fully implemented and cannot stop such powerful money lovers!! It does not matter what law is passed, they will never stop their money loving friends, from destroying the environment. This is why the little man, is breaking the laws also. Just listen to the talk on the street. The small poachers are saying, “if the money man can destroy the environment and make millions, why can’t we, the little ones do the same?”. It is wrong for the poachers to do this, but on the other hand, it is absolutely wrong for the developers to get away with this also!!! What a sick island, truly disgusted with how things are handled here!!! Things won’t change, until there is an uprising, then it will be too late my people!!! Remember my saying some time ago, ” it will be a sad day, when the good has to turn bad!”. Things are really smelling foul on our beautiful shores now. Love you my people, but total destruction, is unfortunately, an unavoidable solution!!
Things that make you go hmmm..Does anyone think that Bob would have turned down AL T’s project? Wonder who sets the agenda? Got that one in right before the law takes effect…Can’t make this $hit up! Such a blatant and don’t care attitude…CPA is the “good old boys club arm of the PPM.”
“Bob I ga step out ya lil bit, unna make sure unna take care of dis for me now.”
Alright de Al’t, we take care you man, don’t worry..
So shocked by this news, XXXXX. Likely when they are replaced the same type of things will continue. You and I, however, seem to have no luck with the CPA but the members themselves seem to have no problem getting approval for their projects, How Odd.
Typical Cayman, your kids don’t have paper in the schools your housing is a disgrace and this happens.
How about all housing developments have to provide social housing at a percentage of the cost of the development, but sorry that is helping Caymanians and this corrupt greedy country who only care about a fast Buick for themselves really don’t care.
Everyone blames the ex pat community but really this small lovely island needs to look at itself
So really what is the point of an anti corruption commitee? It appears the CPA can approve anything they like with consideration given only to the multiplication of dollars.
I do not support Mr. Thompson or his CPA, but, we cannot argue that board members do not have a right to have those boards hear ‘their business’, as the first and second paragraphs suggest, provided they appropriately recuse themselves, etc..
When you are buddy pals with the rest of the board, it makes a nonsense of the recusal process. In such prominent cases as this the whole board should be “recused” and the issue subjected to a judicial review.
How many times do we hear Caymanians bleating how they are disadvantaged by expats?. How many times do these same people admit how priviledged they are in getting favourable treatment from their Caymanian cronies or family members on the various Gov’t boards?.
1) Anyone can be buddy pals with the rest of the board, even if they don’t sit on it.
2) ‘Anyone’ can bring a judicial review.
2b) All a judicial review does is review that the decision was made properly, not that the ‘right’ decision was made. (That’s an appeal.) And as long as the person in question recused themselves, etc., the JR will fail.
Submitting an acceptable application – and the CPA has a low threshold for that for anyone – is not evidence of conspiracy.
He’d better grant himself permission at the same time to build a dike to keep the rising sea level out of his little project, unless he plans on selling with short warranty.
Psych. Good bye reality
CaymanKind.
Same s**t , different day. How many times recently has the “CPA” featured in the press on controversial planning issues, including the weird waterfront development on Harbour Drive. The perception is growing that they are a law unto themselves – irrespective of the applicable legislation.
This whole scenario neatly encapsulates the problems of a very small rich jurisdiction where powerful wealthy players, mostly in this case indigenous Caymanians, are both the developers and the regulators of the development or are the politicians and also those who benefit from the political decisions made by the politicians. Of course it shouldn’t happen – we all know that – but it has been going on for years. Which real estate company (among others) benefited from the major real estate operator James Manoah Bodden’s introduction of the strata laws which set off a massive building boom and real estate sales? And what about the variations to the import duties which allowed for a reduction on certain dairy products that happened to end up on the top of pizzas when the Jeffersons brought in Dominoes? Just two small examples. Auditor Generals are right to say it should not happen but it will never change as long as Cayman is ruled and voted on by a tiny number of people compared to the overall number who actually live here and have to pay “taxes’ every time they do or buy anything.
Man the pressure is just building and building and it is good for Cayman. Too me it seems that potential conflicts of interest and corruption are getting rooted out of Cayman.
Keep up the pressure CNS, RCIPS and all regulatory bodies.
A disgrace of the highest order. Recusing is meaningless in a tight knit community of back scratching. But just another day in Absurdistan.
PPM version of transparency, accountability and good governance on display again for the world to see.
Pi$$ Poor Management
As a long time supporter of the PPM who truly believed in their motto to “bring all into the sunshine” I am beyond disappointment that the Chairman of CPA as appointed by the UDP was not only endorsed by the Government but reappointed.
This action is in direct conflict with the ethos of the PPM and their quest to differentiate themselves from the UDP!
PPM you have bowed to the “merchant class” that continue to allow greed to shape this country! Who is really in charge?
By its very nature (small population and many people not just friendly but also family) this country will experience difficulty with conflict of interest. However, when it is blatant and we allow it to go on unchecked and established rules are broken (set back) we have no excuse. We have taken the country back into the “dark”.
So go back to your base and reexamine your core values PPM!
What are you doing PPM? Pleasing one greedy developer and then losing the sunshine and eventually the Government. People won’t forget this by May 2017.
Shame shame shame! Shame on you PPM Government!
CPA members and PPM looking out for a key supporter again just in time for elections. This government actively condones conflicts of interests look at the Port Authority Board of Directors and Deputy Chair Jerry Kirkonnell and ALT on CPA.
Where is the Auditor General’s office and Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate these matters? There is zero chance PPM will replace ALT as chairman no matter what evidence is presented and decisions made which look suspicious.
What a shame, chairs and tables and deputies and inspectors. Total collusion total destruction, aint
This is the same as leaving the fox to guard the hen house.
PPM don’t care about the environment and it’s clear to see. Also, Bob Walter is member of the PPM executive committee for BT, so why is Wayne Panton the minister for environment allowing him to do this. Shame on you Mr Panton and PPM.
You are correct. Shame on Mr. Panty.
Well Roulstone would have left because she is planning on running in the next election and if this is a controversial matter she would want no part of it as it would definitely cause people to point fingers at her.
It’s OK. The new anti corruption band can look into it and confirm that there is no corruption in the Cayman Islands.
Money talks.
The old boys club is still alive and well in cayman……