Ex-CPA chair’s wetland project will fuel more flooding
(CNS): Al Thompson, a local hardware merchant and former chair of the Central Planning Authority, has been given the green light for a $7.5 million subdivision in the wetlands in Bodden Town adjacent to the proposed East-West Arterial extension. According to minutes from the 28 August CPA meeting, Thompson was granted planning permission and a density waiver for more than 300 residential lots in a mangrove forest currently acting as a flood basin for existing nearby homes.
The proposed sub-division, which is denser that the planning law requires, is situated east of Hirst Road. Thompson told the CPA that it would be developed and sold as affordable homes, mostly 6,000sqft lots — smaller than the 10,000sqft lots required in the legislation for a low-density residential zone.
The CPA granted permission despite the objections of neighbouring homeowners whose community will provide a thoroughfare for the sub-division, the issues raised by the Department of Environment and the density of the proposed project. According to the minutes of the meeting, the CPA found that, except for the lot sizes and widths, the application complies with the regulations.
The CPA said, “The Authority is of the opinion that pursuant to Regulation 8(13)(b) there is sufficient reason and exceptional circumstance to allow the lesser lot sizes and lot widths” because the lands will be bounded by two major public roads, making the site “suited to higher density development”.
Thompson has said he intends to apply for a government-approved low-cost housing programme, and the proposed lot sizes and widths would exceed the minimum allowed lot sizes and widths for government projects. The CPA said there were similar-sized lots in the area, and as the project is a design-build development, “there will be more control to ensure minimum setback requirements are met and maximum permissible site coverage is not exceeded”.
The CPA said it was satisfied the lots are in suitable locations with the access arrangement, and that it would be a phased project that “will ensure the land remains in its natural state until the subdivision lots are absorbed into the market phase by phase”. The board said it was of the view there were no objections that raised sufficient grounds to refuse permission.
However, the DoE stated in its submissions that the project poses a serious risk of increasing flooding in the area. Yet again, critically important wetland habitat will be sacrificed for this project in the absence of any national stormwater plan or even proposals for a plan.
“With the proposed conversion of wetland habitat and increased urbanisation adjacent to a low-lying residential area, drainage must be properly assessed,” the DoE stated. “The vicinity of the site is prone to flooding, and the site is likely acting as a stormwater drainage basin for the surrounding area. The clearing and filling of this site may exacerbate flooding in the surrounding area as it will reduce the site’s natural capacity to retain stormwater.”
The environmental impact assessment for the East-West Arterial still underway. This means that the route could still be changed, which could affect the proposed project. More importantly, the EIA will be based on this site remaining a wetland and therefore providing drainage services.
The scientists conducting the EIA may even require ponds on this site to be part of the drainage management for the controversial road, given the threat this new highway posses to the Central Mangrove Wetlands and the additional flood risk.
See the minutes with details of the application and the planning approval in the CNS Library
(scroll down to “Thompson, A.L.)
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
Category: development, Land Habitat, Local News, Science & Nature
I hope all in sundry, including you CNS, took the same stance in the approval of DART clearing acres of mangroves for a football facility. Oh wait, never mind, it’s west bay road. Move along nothing to see here.
They will more likely overlook actions by Dart group as the Darts are not multi-generational Caymanian as is A.L.Thompson Jr.
CNS: Comment deleted because it was written in all caps.
affordable homes?…what does this mean?
alt will sell them at highest price market will tolerate.
Filling this swamp land could be expensive, so the price of the lot may not end up in the “affordable” range.
What do you mean he’s probably going to get away with digging a 60’ deep lake and fill surrounding lots to 3’ AMSL.
This greedy b’tard is the first in the gate after the flood gates have opened with the back door done deal established route of new East West arterial. Others will no doubt be hot in his heels. Those that live in lowlands will be sucking septic waters from here on. Do your politicians care? HELL NO!
Until Caymanians vote for intelligent, moral and ethically sound candidates who actually foster their long term sustainable future instead of short term gains from MP handouts, favours and other crumb benefit schemes they will sink and be forced out of here!
Don’t let imbecile kleptocrats ruin your future!
‘You’ (Cayman) voted for the power-brokers who are bought out by the money-brokers. Look into a mirror for who can change this. Quit complaining of others – take some da.n responsibility.
what responsibility, I for one did not vote for any of these degenerates. The one man I did vote vote for was forced out, essentially he became a pearl floating in a cesspit. The chief turd we have for premier now was installed as a result of a few Braccer luddites. The real is the train wreck of an electoral system called one man one vote, which needs to end. It is and never was fit for purpose.
He was no Pearl, he fit right in with the other Turds!
We the people are waiting on some good new blood to take over and make some good changes to make this a better place for the people.
FIX THE DUMP
But… but….. how are our wealthy overlords going to make money from THAT? I mean, their cars have to be months old by now. Really, I think we should just risk the health of everyone around the dump by tearing it apart, and haul it out of sight somewhere and dump it, like Mr. Dart suggested. Then, he could flatten out the remains with barged gravel from the Brac, and he could build a total wonderland for all of us to frolic upon. Ahhhhhhh. Makes me all aglow just to think about.
Oh, the people in Bodden Town? Well, buncha broken bottles, throw them a few dollars and keep hauling the trash there. What can they say about it once we start. Right? RIGHT? RIGHT???
Sad thing is, the above is the best plan the collective mental might of two decades of MLAs and MPs have produced. We are doomed.
FIX THE DUMP guy, we’re all with you. Unfortunately, all of us have no social or political iron.
…”Unfortunately, all of us have no social or political iron”. So why the rant if it is meaningless? I actually agree, Caymanians actually have no comprehension of the factors dictating their future. Lemmings waddling to the cliff.
Dey not listening, shall we just burn it and get rid of it..bonfire night.
Build more mountains!
the last thing cayman needs is more sprawling low rise subdivisions in the middle of nowhere with no amenities nearby!…absolute madness and will be a disaster for traffic and the environment.
Then get the prices lowered at Camana Bay so normal people can afford to live there
Funny how CNS writes these scare mongering, one sided articles and not a word of consideration to addressing the shortage of reasonably priced housing and that is actually being addressed by allowing higher densities on a small island where space is limited. The parcels are not all swamp land as is inferred. A bit of balance would add some journalistic integrity.
CNS: Don’t be silly. The housing shortage is noted in numerous CNS articles and the reasoning for smaller lots is reported on in this article with no criticism from anyone. I don’t think that’s a controversial idea.
However, it is noted in this article that this for-profit development significantly increases the flood risk for existing residences in the area, which any sensible person would not consider a good way to deal with the housing shortage.
The risk we reported on is in the findings of the scientists who studied it. That may be “scaremongering” to people who either aren’t able to understand the issue, don’t want to understand the issue or who stand to profit from such developments, but to the people whose homes are likely to flood, it might be called “heartbreaking reality”.
Except that they don’t end up priced reasonably – they get priced at the maximum that people will pay just like everything else.
Thumbs up for CNN reply.
CNS even!
Well said CNS! Intelligence and common sense speaks..deep breath!
Thumbs up for the excellent response by CNS!
Cayman Islands have the same problem now that they had 20 years ago. A culture of corruption and apathy. It can’t be fixed now and will just run its course. How many Billions are they in dept now? And they still need to borrow more to keep afloat. Not too hard to see how this will end.
Word on the streets from donkeys years ago is that using this hardware merchant for your development(s) would get your CPA application approved…..
He’s a Big Wig and an Untouchable, the man has business interests in everything locally and as far as I know is probably a billionaire by now. Greed is a bad thing and trust me those who buy those homes will reap the consequences of not respecting mother nature.
AL Thompson has provided an incredible hardware store for the island for many many years as well as chaired the planning board for an extensive period of time. Without people like him to organize things, Cayman would be in tough shape.
CPA Chairman and the owner of the largest hardware store on island….no conflict right?
CNS: Comment deleted because it was written in all caps.
You mean his bank account would be in tough shape.
Doesn’t mean sh*t in this instance. I hope he’ll give the homeowners a huge discount when flooded out.
respect mother nature and stop the greediness full stop! Can’t take billion$ with you when you kick the bucket! smh
If he would keep his costs at a reasonable markup instead of almost 5 times what it is in the US I might agree with you, but honestly, why do people NEED SO MUCH MONEY?
He’s got plenty already. Help out your community with fair prices and sleep better at night knowing you’re doing the right thing instead of “raping” your fellow Caymanians. SMH!
Good try Alt.😂
You must be shooting for employee of the month.
9:14 thankfully he is a Caymanian, big home and all, who keep the income and money in the islands. Not too common as in days gone by. You do realize you speak of a generational family of wealth and giving back to these islands?! I often wonder why our wealthy Caymanian families are not on the surface investing more into the island especially for housing. This is it but still criticism. Where else can he build? 60-75% of land on Grand is swampland. What do we see today as development?
I’m not sure if you’ve noticed but the hardware store the home depot store with most things are cheaper than any other place on island who may offer the same products. Can you offer a service but not expect to be successful as a merchant in the category of services?
I know what your position is so I’ll tell you mine. I would rather a wealthy Caymanian live in a big house in South Sound while still giving back to our community moreso than investors coming in and taking advantage of the value of the Cayman Islands dollar and only looking for dividends and returns.
CHEAPEST ON ISLAND? I think NOT!
I always google the prices when I shop there to see how much he is ripping us off, sometimes, I have no choice, but if I can wait and order online, I will and DO.
Patricia Seriously ?!!
This man has built his empire based on his wheeling and dealing with the Party in Power over the years. He rushed and bought up the land along the EW Arterial just before the road was gazetted. That means he had inside knowledge of what was to come. His financial poliical contributions has assisted some of the worst politicians we have ever had to endure and his tenure on the CPA has enriched his busness. Yet no investigation, no corruption found, all smooth sailing for the elite, merchant class. Looks like only dark skinned crooks get arrested and charged in the Cayman Islands.
There has never been any favorable treatment given to lighter skinned multi generational Caymanians than to darker skinned ones. From my understanding, Mr. Thompson pays his bills on time and seems to be a fair minded employer
Many Caymanians do not wish to see other Caymanians prosper especially if he is a Caymanian of the complexion of the developer that is subject of this article. They refer to such people pejoratively as merchant class and rather see wealthy North American or British expatriates prosper
Lots at 6,000 sq’ will transform into high density as there is minimum space for adequate setbacks , or will there now be a waiver on adequate street and side margins? Houses will be crammed in with each other. You will be able to look in to next door and see what’s cooking for dinner. I won’t ask to see the bedrooms.
In other parts of the world people do just fine with lots of 6k or smaller.
This is actually a positive step as the current level of density only exacerbates the housing problem.
Has he not made enough money already?
He’s also developing that huge lot on SOUTH Church Street – next to Windsor Village. Buyer beware!!!!
That place used to be filled with protective plants and trees. Looks like it was carpet bombed now.
Sad!
No, he has developments all over the place and just finished filling the land beside Windsor Village…
His places are fecking expensive.
No, he hasn’t. This is the manner in which the uber-rich measure themselves. There is never enough. The worst of it is that those who have reached those milestones believe that whatever they think is the Truth, with a capital T and that rhymes with B and that stands for Bitch. They think in great swaths, and have zero consideration for the minions under their feet who have been responsible for their cumulative wealth. They see themselves as self-made, and look down upon us who are still struggling.
ALT has willfully joined the forces of the underworld. He no longer cares about people, just money. More money. Still more money and influence and wealth. His will be done.
No
Meantime elsewhere: Adopt a Mangrove event helps protect Sanibel’s shoreline
https://winknews.com/2024/10/03/adopt-a-mangrove-event-helps-protect-sanibels-shoreline/
Cayman deserves what is coming and it is noting to be pretty.
I have no problem with his idea. I think it is time that we build in the central mangrove and cut the B###%^. No one who has children can tell me this is not a good idea? A third of an acre lot from West Bay to East End is sky rocketing from over CI$150,000 to CI$300,000? Where are your children going to live? With their mom? That normally doesn’t work? They need their own house and land! If you go to Cayman Brac you can buy a lot cheaper and they dont have a cargo dock that can facilitate a ship. But goods and services, takes 2 days to travel 90 miles, disgusting. Grocery stores are higher prices because of it. Research by going there and see for yourself. A lot of Brackers go back and forth just to get groceries and other supplies. They’re SAVING the environment by flying a 737 jet? How ingenious! Build a cargo dock in the Brac. Cut costs.
I just hope being a good corporate citizen that he will guarantee a lower price to Caymanians and put in drainage and approve it.
We will never be able to create as much supply to meet the demand of tens of thousands of people moving here every year. The prices will never go down, and ALT is motivated by making money not the goodness of his heart.
Dem CPA smokin crack mon!
I wonder what is the developers meaning of low cost housing? 500k, half mil for a 2 bed 2 bath? i hope myself as a single Cayman parent making 3000 ci a month can qualify at our outstanding financial institutions,doubtful
Now all we need is the cruise pier and we will be in business !
A.L. Thompson can get anything approved which he wants. Either you see this as a problem or you don’t.
There are those around me that believe that their MPs owe them various goods, and that is their purpose. I am appalled to realise this.
Perhaps I don’t belong here, wishing that the laws were applied equally for all of us. Fool, me.
You are not alone.
It seems the primary criterion for planning approval is the destruction of our mangrove wetlands. The CPA may have a few qualified individuals, but political appointees, following orders from their influential backers, have turned this statutory body into a cesspool of corruption. Rational decision-making and adherence to the law are sacrificed, with political expediency taking precedence over any consideration for sustainable development.
It’s so entrenched in the Cayman way of life that you could put it up there with a plate of Stew Turtle.
just build the s***, whatever it takes to get us to this 100,000 utopia 🙄
Corruption is rampant in Cayman. Lady Governor, Lady Premier, what say you?
🦗🦗🦗
Not a thing. Why as this is normal business for Cayman, the rich and powerful do what they want with the help of the elected officials and their cronies. First issue is get rid of that CPA chairman.
#leegesaywha
“A local hardware merchant” I’m laughing my bollocks off.
“The monopoly hardware merchant with the egregious southern USA plantation house” would be more accurate.
And I’m not even anti him. He’s a decent man. Has flaws like all of us.
Someone should dig into how he REALLY got the leg up over every other Caymanian on island back in the day…. Just saying.
You forgot Former CPA Chairman who rubber stamped every controversial project. One hand washes the other in Cayman. It is always about the money and it’s payback time.. Follow the money people, it’s always the money…
He is not a monopoly as there is Kirk Home Centre and Hardware and there at least two establishments which, as far as I know not owned by local Caymanians, who deal in supply of building materials
Again, this is private land. A buyer that pays for private land where development is permitted, is permitted to develop the land.
If you dont want the land developed, then put in an offer to buy it, and if successful, enjoy your swamp.
Only to exacerbate flooding for many Caymanian residents?
Why is this good in your eyes?
You didn’t answer the issue above! Buy the land if you want to dictate it’s path forward. Put up or shut up. Complaining with no stake in the game will not get changes done.
7:34, Yeah, well just don’t ask the CIG and Caymanian taxpayers to bail out the area when the flooding inevitably occurs in that area because of the development.
Oh, and good luck paying the home insurance payments if you live in that area.
Suggest any buyer in the area get a copy of the CIG environmental report for the area before buying.
The problem with those who posit the notion that anyone can do what he pleases with his own land is totally at odds with the knock on effects of large developments that burden the public infrastructure system (especially the road network) and the natural environment without any contribution from the developer. Basically developers get a free ride (and often receive concessions and incentives) and the public purse has to bear the cost.
It is past time for developers and their projects to be subject to appropriate revenue enhancing measures that offset the impact on the government,the public and the environment.
I’m waiting to hear what Planning and DOE have to say about this. I think I already know the answer to my query.
7:31 are you serious? You must read headlines only. If you’re that interested, open the planning agenda and minutes which are published here https://www.planning.ky/wp-content/uploads/meetings/Mcpa2224.pdf
As if it wasn’t bad enough charging double or more than the US$ price of everything in the store. Money and power rules.
You are welcome to buy online from the US and have items delivered to Cayman and pay the shipping and duty etc. You may or may not come out ahead. (Cant really do any exchanges or refunds with the seller in the US.
No one is forcing you to buy local.
Said like a true employee.
Not an employee. If you don’t like their prices then DONT buy there. You, or get your friends together, and buy from the US and get it shipped in. You will pay duty, shipping from, say, Miami, and pay for logistics. You can use a local provider (such as US Link) to take care of Cayman customs clearance (and pay for it), or line up yourself
You may or may not come out ahead. No one is forcing you to go there. Less people at AL Thompson on a Saturday.
Ha, one time I tried to return something and they charged me a 10% restocking fee. Then they made me go put the item back on the correct shelf.
TRUTH! I buy where I find value. In Cayman that is often NOT from Caymanians.
if we are going to develop on such lands, then retention ponds should be mandatory to be put in place here.
@6:32 p.m.💪💪🙏🙏.
Of course he got permission. It is part of the Code. It’s entitled Bu##s#^%. More proof that Cayman is for the rich, by the rich and everyone else including the environment be damned.
yup…who gives a !@#$$;^ anymore is the REGIME!!!
4:21, that’s always been the regime which is why this place is so upside down and dealing with 42elewneteen hundred problems all at once.
Best Government Money can Buy.
There is no corruption promise…….