(CMR) An objector to an application for a $3.7 million commercial & residential complex, which includes 82 apartments on Batabano Road in West Bay, said the major development could cause flooding for properties nearby.
The objector to the 92-bedroom development proposed by West Village Development Company is expected to appear before the Central Planning Authority today, Wednesday, 28 February.
“The majority of land in the Batabano area is zoned Low Density- Residential, so I guess it has become commercial now, and that said which means all are considered flooding parcels in rainy and hurricane season. However, the new development the developer would be filling their parcel much higher than the surrounding parcels where homes have been built for decades,” a letter from the objector to the CPA stated.
According to the agenda, on December 8, 2021, the Authority granted planning permission for a Commercial and Residential complex (P21-0556) on 4D 129, 132 and 514. That project contained 179 apartments and 280 bedrooms. If the current project is approved, it would supersede P21-0556.
On January 31, 2024, the current application was adjourned to re-invite the applicant and objector to attend the meeting. The applicant was present, but the objector was not.
The subject property is located in West Bay on Batabano Road, just west of the intersection with the northern terminus of the Esterly Tibbetts Highway (ETH).
The proposal is for a total of four buildings on the site in Phase 1. Phase 2 plans have not been submitted or applied for yet. There would be a total of 65,314 square feet of retail space, 82 apartments with a total of 92 bedrooms, and storage units totaling 21,014 square feet.
The first building would have 31,758 square feet of retail and 58 apartments; the second building 5,999 square feet of retail and 12 apartments on the second and third floors; the third building 604 square feet of retail and 12 apartments on the second and third floors; and the fourth building would have 20,953 square feet of retail with 21,014 square feet of storage units.
The properties are split-zoned Neighbourhood Commercial and Medium Density Residential. The Neighbourhood Commercial zone extends along Batabano Road for a depth of approximately 450 feet. The unit and bedroom counts have been based on the Medium Density Residential Regulations.
A specific issue, according to the agenda, is suitability. Under regulation 9(7), the Authority needs to determine if the location is suitable for apartments. Likewise, Regulation 9(3) states that commercial development may be
permissible in a residential zone in suitable locations. A review of the area shows a gas station constructed on 4D 515 with several vacant parcels in the immediate area.
The National Roads Authority is concerned that the entrance of Rubis gas station located next to the proposed development is too close in proximity, which will cause visibility and accessibility issues for motorists exiting the new development. There is also an electrical pole near the entrance of Rubis that is obstructing the view.
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