|
$100 million,
700-acre property development proposed
BY KEVA LIGHTBOURNE
GUARDIAN STAFF REPORTER keva@nasguard.com
Although it is
unclear as to whether environmental concerns over the
Bimini Bay project have been resolved, the first phase
is well underway, the Guardian has learned.
Valentine Grimes,
lawyer for the developer, Geraldo Capo, said in a
telephone interview on Tuesday that Phase One of the
project, which entails the construction of five homes,
57 condominiums and 60 marina slips began some
two-and-a-half months ago.
However, an
operator for a proposed hotel has yet to be found, he
said.
"We are in
discussions with several operators to determine who
will be best suited for the project," according
to Mr. Grimes.
He said that when
the initial phase is completed, some 72 homes would
have been built, with approximately 280 condiminium
units, and an additional 100 marina slips.
Already, a water
desalination plant has been built, he said, along with
a 120-foot wide, and 15-foot deep channel.
Included in the
first phase will also be a sewage treatment plant, and
5,000 square feet of commercial area, along with
infrastructural necessities such as water, light, and
telephones, he said.
The $100 million,
700-acre property development, proposed by Mr. Capo,
and sanctioned in July 1997 under a five-year Heads of
Agreement, called for a hotel of not less than 200
rooms, a residential sub-division, a marina capable of
handling more than 150 boats, an 18-hole golf course,
a commercial centre, gourmet restaurants, a boutique,
a health spa, a marine shop, tennis courts, children's
play area, and a 10,000 square-foot casino.
However, the
project has been scaled down.
Over the years,
there have been a series of "on-again
off-again" starts at the site. Island residents
and environmental groups were petitioning the
government concerning the project.
They claimed it had
caused serious environmental and ecological damage to
the island, with several local fishermen claiming that
dredging for the project was causing a serious decline
in conch, lobster and crawfish.
Ambassador to the
Environment, and Bahamas Environment Science and
Technology commission chairman, said that the
government had "put a stop" to the project,
pending further environmental impact assessment
studies.
However, Minister
of Public Works and Utilities, Bradley Roberts, later
"corrected" the statement, stating that the
project has not been stopped.
He said the
government was intent on attracting investments to The
Bahamas, and the developer wanted to proceed.
Mr. Grimes said
Tuesday that "everything is going along
fine."
He said that there
is a good market for second home purchases in The
Bahamas, and that there is an "over-demand"
for the project's initial phase.
Posted Wednesday 23
July, 2003
|
