Dart gets to work immediately on extension
West Bay Road tunnel, March 2018
(CNS): Grand Cayman’s largest developer, landowner and investor wasted no time getting down to work on the controversial tunnel this week after the Central Planning Authority granted one of Dart’s network of companies planning permission to extend the length of the underpass by another 170 feet. Following the CPA’s decision to allow a longer tunnel, despite considerable concerns, work began almost immediately. Work will now continue along the West Bay Road past the former entrance of the Royal Palms, after the entrance road was moved, as the tunnel will now extend to the edge of the Westshore Centre.
Traffic congestion in the area is increasing and CNS observed tourists on a cycling tour struggling through the tight tunnel as construction continues, underscoring some of the problems that the National Roads Authority noted about safety in the area when it submitted its concerns about the extension to the CPA.
News that the extension was granted last week generated more than 220 comments from CNS readers, which reflected the polarization in the community over the project that will in time see the Dart Group construct a hotel that will extend across the top of the tunnel.
There is no indication yet when the work on that will begin or how high the development above the tunnel will be, but there were indications at last week’s planning meet that it could be as high as ten storeys.
Category: development, Local News
Lord help us if this thing ever pancakes like the one that happened in Miami today!
Or the one under the English Channel!
or the one through the alp mountains
There will be some attrition of return visitors to the island as a result of the changes and rampant development. Some will cash out and sell their second or third homes and seek the next up and coming place.
Many will adapt, not liking all the changes, but seeing the positive for which Cayman still has. They will be the majority I expect. People expect change. Wherever they are visiting from has likely changed significantly in the past 30 years so most accept this.
The blind spot- is the first time visitors, who know Cayman as no different, that are the question mark in the equation. Will they find it too expensive? Too crowded? Too Miamiesque? Are there enough wealthy people in the US (primary market) to support the more upscale hotels and restaurants? These new visitors arrive with fresh eyes and Cayman may still shine to them compared to other destinations they regularly visit.
It would be prudent for DOT to invest in some solid departure surveys with guests to hear the feedback, especially from the 1st timers, many of whom would have previously visited the Caribbean islands that were damaged by storms in 2017.
A new slogan for the new tourist initiative, courtesey of Dart…
‘Seven Mile Beach – home of Sun, Sand, Sea and Shade.’
Maybe that should include “shady deals” as well?
How about “Home of your new island concrete playground”?
Plastic palm trees anyone?
Like the ones outside Mariposa?
Oh yes! Polystyrene please!!
Noting that the purpose of the USF bridge that collapsed today was to improve safety, I wonder if any where else in the world a bridge was built for the only reason that a private developer wanted to expand his real estate holdings.
Home of sun,sand, sea and lots of Cement!
Not a fan of the new look!
All I know is; EVERY long-term, repeat visitor to the Cayman Islands (some for 40+ years) with whom I have discussed the issue, is bitterly disappointed with the rate and type of development along SMB – including Camana Bay, the road changes, and hi-rise infrastructure.
Caymanians and residents can argue until we’re blue in the face, at the end of the day, the verdict by those who made Cayman “the place to visit” is not positive.
Now what?
– Whodatis
I agree , what do you want Cayman to look like in 20 years it’s sad you need progress but in the way that you are trading away your identity as a small natural beautiful island, I couldn’t believe the traffic the first time I was there in 1995, how many more residents and visitors can co exist on a tiny island
Let’s get real. Cayman really isn’t that beautiful compared to most of the Caribbean. We’ve got one nice beach. That’s pretty much it.
nonsense….cayman has never had so many visitors.
if people like old cayman so much…why isn’t the brac overflowing with tourists???
1. Yes, true, and that is often because return visitors are unaware of the head-spinning rate of change and development.
An older couple expressed to me last summer that would be the last time they come to visit and will instead head elsewhere – because of the changes.
The wife was especially upset because they’ve been bringing their children and grandchildren to visit since 1988.
2. Re the Brac, my guess is a lack of connectivity – but who knows, that may just be the change we see in the near future.
– Who
The repeat tourists I’ve spoken to all have the same sentiment.. Too much development!
You know nothing but we all knew that already.
Ok bub.
– Who
I love me some “who” first thing in the morning, so boo-hoo to you losers.
Go WHO!
Right on, Whodatis! Add one more to your list.
-18 year visitor-
No one likes it but the ones who are filling the new hotels and hi rise condos. I started coming in 1976 and the tourist accomodations were mostly crap. Only 4 decent restaurants. The unspoiled beach was great, however. Of course there was hardly anyone there which is the only reason it was unspoiled. You could even see lobsters while snorkeling. But it was very third world. Lots of people think natives living in poverty are charming to see. They are in the group who don’t like the development.
Old people don’t like change shocker! Conversely friends of mine from NYC in their 30’s visited with their young family for the first time last Christmas, loved it so much they already booked the Ritz for Christmas this year… world doesn’t stand still
So our precious beach rock gets to stay? Hallelujah!
you will have a lot to eat now
Get your head out of what ever you may have it, the country was sold from the moment Dart set foot on this island and had his closed door meetings with the Government at that time. Think back carefully to when that was and remember who was in power. NO Government can do anything about it, as Cayman is so far in DEBT with Dart from that time, that we would need someone else with pockets as deep to buy us out in order to stop our island from becoming the 100% concrete jungle that Dart wants for his money spending clientele that he is building up Cayman for. Tourists do not fill Darts pockets, at least not those that come on the cruise ships or for family vacations for a few weeks. He controls both side of the access from West Bay to anywhere on the island and NOONE does ANYTHING about it, that should tell you SOMETHING!!!
when we get more money than Dart we will do something about it
Sad and true. And funny.
Have you tried building a successful business and investing wisely?
Tell you what? That he believes in easier access from Camana Bay to the beach for people who live here and visit? Stop with the conspiracy theory and move on.
Who can afford camana bay?
Mark my words, when the cruise ship berth eventually takes place, if he doesn’t part fund it, he will own plenty of real estate / retail around it to benefit from the cruise ship coin.
go uncle dart go….you caymanian…so we happy to have you as a fellow investor?
one rich Caymanian wont hurt
Lots of rich Caymanian. Just don’t employ locals or invest their real money here
How has dart not invested money here or not hired locals? The amount of complaining on the local side is amusing. As someone who promotes locals to be hired and moved up the chain when they deserve it I can tell you are one that doesn’t. Gimme gimme isn’t going to get ya.
And we really like your beach rock removal that won’t cause erosion….it’s just sand going back to the sea right?
I wish he would get to work immediately on finishing the ETH between CUS and Butterfield- or is that the NRA?
nra are not friends with dart anymore.
Can’t believe what is happening here. It’s such a crying shame. I am all for progress but this is too much. I’ve been coming to the Cayman Islands on and off for 30+ years and the charm has gone. Greed is rampant. It’s heartbreaking.
the great USA started the same way
Let that be a lesson.
You can always join us in North Side.
Sheesh I’m not for the dart group at all and can agree that the development happening is a bit much, but people are acting like SMB stretch is the only place to see or go swimming on the entire island / country.
Too developed here now? Hop on over to the Brac or LCM. No tunnels there! And they need all the economic help we can give.
we left cayman Brac for guys like you
“Tell me, when does it all end, huh? How many yachts can you water-ski behind? How much is enough?”
“You can never get enough of what you don’t really want”.
You can’t really water ski behind a yacht. There’s too much turbulence. You’re better with a high powered speed boat that can come in close to shore where the water is calmer.
Sound advice
North Sound that is
Can’t you people see what this company is doing to Cayman? They have UNLIMITED financing and a stranglehold on our politicians. None of them will stand up to him because they’re afraid he will pull out. How can he at this point. And if he does, it will open doors for other investors which is BEST for Cayman.
Unlimited? I got to get me some of that. Is that a new type of credit card?
Trolls live under the “bridge”…haha underpass that.
Can we stop the faux outrage every time this happens. Look the sea to sound development plan was envisions over a decade ago. It already contained these tunnels so it was already determined that planning approval would be given as part of the myriad of exchanges between Government and Dart. Dart has known for over a decade exactly every single thing they were going to do down WB road. Giving the illusion of it being developed as they go along is so you with the short memories won’t realise it.
Er, no….anyone paying close attention can see that Dart keeps changing their plans along WB road….and as to faux outrage, not all of us speak franglais
why don’t you all ask to see Dart 30 years development plan for the area
it will slow the grey hair
Kind of like remodeling the Holiday Inn… oopsie I mean building a totally different hotel. Is that what your telling it’s like? STFU oh you of lined pockets.
Traffic was at a standstill in awed disbelief at the frantic pace of extension in the days after the decision. So much urgency for a plan that purportedly doesn’t yet exist. “Get it done quickly before someone appeals” is the modus operandi of almost every development in the Cayman Islands.
stop being a fool its all in the thirty year plan check the www
There was a time in Cayman (and its immediate attraction) when wealth wasn’t extolled and divisiveness because of it never existed. As much as Dart claims their developments are for everybody this couldn’t be further from the truth. The flighty few soar with him within their perceived circles and establishments and everyone else burdens and endures the trial whilst the destructive construction continues.
Our elected Officials are so out of their depth, fooled fools but comfortable in the lap of their Master who serves the canned ego nutrition and occasional treats. This is no underlining philanthropic effort to hoist Cayman to betterment, – this is purely business with a self serving movement to bolster the select few. Those in the LA keeping the Kings cloak above the mud at the expense of your own fine footwear, thank you.
Let’s not be done for the tunnel is not done either. For when it is done divisiveness will truly exist but then we will at least hypothetically be able to walk from one side to the other in exaltation
8.32, very elegant words, but too late, you missed the boat. Although I do agree that there should be a bit more for everyone. Most of the Camana bay shops are outrageously priced and I refuse to pay their prices, even though I can afford it (mostly).
And the shops on Cardinall Avenue aren’t outrageously priced? Get real.
6.53pm..: please go check and see who owns most of the shops on Cardinal Avenue..
if my money cant buy a steak then I buy chicken
who was the first to put bridges over west bay road or is they forgotten already?
do anyone checks to see how strong or weak they are before they drop,
I know Dart steel and cement is strong.
The fountains are free. The walkway from cb to the sea will be too. Use away and keep complaining like always.
Well written comment.
Thank you. @ 8:32 am
Extending anywhere beyond the Dart loyalists this is such an ill conceived concept. Dart and “Kelly-Ann’ Doak have self acknowledged the inconvenience of it themselves with:
“Officials said they would be protected by a raised walkway with barriers along either side of the tunnel, while elevators and stairs will be incorporated into the structure so people are not compelled to walk through the entire tunnel.”
Superb, – has anyone extended the thought of this inconvenience to those physically challenged or in wheelchairs etc. So instead of enjoying the scenery now on the way to local merchants and eateries, – enjoy either the hum of traffic through two football fields of concrete or endure the chore of the alternative., – Cayman Kind.
All for one, Dart for Dart
Keyboard warriors may be able to read but comprehension appears beyond them. I’ll give you a hint: Elevators.
hmmm, ironic, – read it again, – ‘instead of enjoying the scenery on the way to local merchants and eateries’, – keywords ‘enjoying the scenery’.
The option of elevators was never omitted, – ‘the chore of the alternative’ used instead. Think of as it being at the airport ‘the chore of the alternative’ over use of an open view escalator, – i suppose if you’re ‘keyboard warrioring’ to your latest message on the phone in the elevator it wouldn’t matter anyway.
Enjoying scenery on the way to local eateries? Seriously? You mean looking at the ESSO station whilst driving to Wendy’s? That part of Westbay Rd is a dump.
Your house is a dump as well, but for you I’m sure it is quite special.
We’re confident the 120’F elevators will be super-convenient and reliable, just like the Hyatt and Ritz overpasses.
Don’t worry about anything,because the day will come when too much concrete structures and weight is put on this little island and we break off from the ledge that is holding us up from disappearing into the Cayman trench,this is an island not a state,and when it decides to sink(which it will) I hope that all of the so called captains of this vessel is willing to go down with their ship.
You need some help, quickly.
How do you know the poster is wrong? Who has studied the walls of our drop-off to ensure that no sections are in danger of breaking off and sliding into the sea?
11:01 Anon- Catastrophic thinking is not good for ones health. Look it up.
Dude, it’s not catastrophic thinking; it’s realistic thinking!
You know how small Grand Cayman is????
5.12pm… it’s called reality dude. You and all like you need to wake up. What is happening is called environmental destruction.!!!!!!! This place is an ISLAND!!!!! You all get it yet!!!!
what about runners. ALOT of staycationers run. You can see them doing it, daily. what do they do?
run……then run up to elevator, press button. wait for elevator while runing in place waiting for elevator. *ding* run into elevator, while running in place, hit the button. wait until elevator goes top floor while running in place.
Then door opens, they run across the road, still have to look both ways, its’ also a highway up there. Then run in place at the other elevator across the road, while they hit another button *ding*. wait for elevator while running in place.
door opens, run into elevator. Press button while running in place. wait for elevator to go bottom floor. door opens they run out.
NO ONE is going to do this. They are going to run through the tunnel. I can guarantee it.
I have never said a negative word about dart. Not once. But this bridge idea is a very very very bad idea.
its’ just that simple, He could have built stop lights and a 4 way there, to get to his royal palms oasis.
the bridge is just a very very very bad idea.
You really forgot to take your dumb pills this morning. Joggers/runners are coping quite well already on the walkways (me included) and whilst it is currently not pretty, Dart has always eventually provided the best and safest routes, including bike lines up the ETH. Sadly many people think of those bike lanes as extra car lanes, however we will deal with the neuron challenged over time. In the meantime go take your tablets.
Enjoying the scenery of fast food restaurants, strip malls, and Honda civics driving 70 mph down the center lane. We would all be better off if the entirety of WBR was ripped up and turned into a boardwalk like we now have down at the Kimpton.
Agreed, WBR is an ugly mess of crappy strip malls, gas stations, power cables and nasty fast food restaurants until you get up north of the Ritz there’s nothing much worth saving. The area was ruined long ago. Obviously the overpass is ugly now but if it looks half as good as Darts other developments it’ll be an improvement on what we’ve allowed WBR to become.
interesting, the kindred Dartbots have already realized subconsciously looking West towards the sunset will no longer be an option focusing instead their gaze the other way
if you go on mt. trashmore you can see the sun and the moon very clear
Oh dear, apart from the hotels you show me anywhere that ever thought about the disabled, whereas ironically Camana Bay, Kimpton etc all do that very well. So what was your point? Think that’s not going to have been thought through by Dart? Think again, they are way ahead of the game.
when was the last time you saw wheelchairs on west bay road?
Wheelchairs??? Are you nuts? There wasn’t even a proper sidewalk to the west and no sidewalk at all to the east before Dart. I don’t remember you campaigning for sidewalks out of concern for wheelchair users then. There are plenty of roads in busy areas without sidewalks. Why no mention of the plight of wheelchair users there?
Thou doth protest too much my friend.
It was never in doubt. A mere flexing of the muscles and an open cheque book and open religious hand is all that is needed in Paradise.
there is also struggling through the airport extension
Yep, and no one cares about that..cos its not DART…just proves my point, there is a hate campaign here, with all kinds of stupidity being dreamed up..did you see the comments? Never seen so much rubbish and I suspect deliberate misconceptions in my life. Suspect the Pro Porters trying to upset the apple cart so no one notices when they slip that through…
Hey, 9:51, Here’s some facts that weren’t dreamed up. There is a lot of info on the “Vulture Capitalist” on the internet, but you can save time by reading some facts on Wikipedia ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Dart ) I believe Wikipedia a hell-of-a-lot more than Dart and all his trolls.
You really have no idea what happened there, do you? If you did, you would not have quoted that argument. People take over other peoples debts all the time and try to collect them. Are you saying people shouldn’t pay their debts back? I think we know what kind of person you are.
“I believe Wikipedia”, there you have it folks, everything you need to know.
or even the ‘New York Styrofoam wars’ – New York City decided to ban the use of styrofoam containers due to the impact on their immediate environment and inability for it to be recycled effectively. Fear not, our Golden Prince headed up a court appeal contesting the claim and had the decision overturned producing evidence of picture frames from the recycled material
Our Govt embracing the shameless continues
Its really only one or two very bitter commenters, nobody pays them any mind. This tunnel does not change the fact that daddy ran his inheritance in to the ground or that the price of duck eggs on this island is just too damn high.
money talks BS walks there is always a calm after the storm
what if Dart submit a plan for a bridge from Rum point to 7 mile that should ease
traffic from the east
Think about it Dart
Ye, lets add a bridge to the Brac to while we’re at it!
NOT.
You read what you sow. Welcome to the crime ridden concrete jungle know as the Dartman Islands.
Dart hires more Caymanians than any other private company. the reason it’s crime ridden is due to the fruits of shit families. Shit families, creates shithole nations.
Your use of the term ‘shit families’ shows you have no clear comprehension of, well… anything
babies raising babies
That is much nicer, and more productive than calling human beings ‘shit’. (See above)
Shit hole families from shit hole countries,northward prison wasn’t built until the 80s when the population was small and mostly caymanians,you all foreigners come here with your foreign crosses,keeping in mind that the reason why you all left your shit hole nations in the first place was to come here to get away from the stench that you all made and left behind,now the shit has hit the fan you all make it seems like this is the first time smelling it but yet you all decided to stay,(I guess the shit here doesn’t stink that bad)why don’t you all learn a lesson from the biggest shit hole nation to the north of us and try don’t make the same mistakes as they did.
You got anger issues buddy, ranting never proved anything. You read like one of those NRA nutters in America.
Yes the 68 million households nutters . Arrogant twat
So agro! You really need help. I hope you get it soon for your families sake.
Agreed – praise to the wonderful Dart Group but most importantly or great Premier and the Unity team!
P-f-f-f-f-f-t-t!!!
Sure wish I could fart on command. Kudos.
Hear hear, good to see Dart (a caymanian) giving employment to his fellow islanders
hahahaha “read” what you sow. Education level zero.
Ye, I was thinking negative zero bro. WOW.
the sooner he starts the sooner he finishes….
but not impressed with the progress of esterly tibbets extension or the open ended completion date for that project…..
Ask yourself honestly as to who you think might actually be responsible for any delays.
Not Dart of course. Always the obvious response.
You can’t handle the truth.
At least you can spell it.
I T
why are you so eager to fly on Dart super high ways?
Good news.
I have largely been supportive of Dart’s developments…….until this hideous thing. What a complete ugly mess.
So it is not possible for any architect in the world to design a large, unique hotel using one or two connecting walking bridges similar to that over West Bay Road at the Ritz?
What kind of monstrosity are they going to eventually put up?
yawn….you know nothing of the completion plans……
Considering Dart didn’t know even know he needed the extension when he started, Dart knows nothing of the completion plans. Dart constantly changes what the “completion plans” are.
how long has Miami international airport been extending ?
the roof top bar at MIA has just reopened , how many years has that been closed for renovations?, got to bee at least 7.
Since they shut down the little hair salons in front of E .You used to be able to get a hair cut for $16.50 from the Colombian senoritas..
AIUI, this was the original plan shown to the public years ago. It was derailed for a while when they were going to build the 4 Seasons north of the Kimpton but as that’s not happening now, it looks like it’s back to the original plan… which looked awesome.
one day you will be bragging about your tunnels, don’t you see every bank is moving to camanabay soon it will be the government building
Spill milk…And now you complain..zzzzz.back under that rock
Anonymous st 8:45 pm I fully agree with you. Even though I don’t agree with how the Dart company has been allowed make such changes to the Cayman Islands I must say his developments have been nice looking so far. However this plan to build up 10 stories over the road is rediculous. It is as if they all went to sleep one night and had a terrible nightmare. This is certainly a blotch on Cayman, but moreso an ugly boil on the forehead of every one connected to the Dart group. Does Greed really have to be so unattractive??
How do you know it is ridiculous if it is not built yet,
you have lived to see 12 stories in our little silver thatch cayman
our children and grand children will one day see 50 stories.
you are another one that has not seen the plan
Hadn’t it already begun, those footings have been there a while haven’t they??
It begang at least 10 years ago. The real question is when does it end.
this is still part of his plan that comes in stages….. google the original plan.