There is a considerable degree of disquiet in the Golden Triangle, as word continues to circulate about a proposed development by Life of Jamaica at 23 – 25 Seymour Avenue. Citizens are concerned that where there were two homes, there would be an estimated 56 homes in total (32 apartments and 24 townhouses). Adding to this disquiet, is that apparently these calculations are based on a previously proposed increased density ratio, which the residents of Seymour Lands had rejected at the Seymour Lands Public Meeting conducted by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) on August 21, 2006 at the PCJ Auditorium.
At that time NEPA proposed densities of 30 habitable rooms per acre / 74 habitable rooms per hectare with a proviso that a minimum of ½ acre must be available. NEPA alternately proposed 50 habitable rooms per acre / 125 Habitable Rooms per hectare where there is access to central sewage.
Interestingly the following are the concerns that were raised by NEPA on August 21, 2006, about the very multi-storeyed developments now being proposed all over the Golden Triangle with no reference to the residents / owners:
Non residential activity
a. Associated traffic, noise and air pollution
b. General degradation of the residential nature of the area
c. Erection of signs and hoardings on the roadside.
High density housing developments
a. Especially when several adjoining lots are developed for multifamily housing solutions.
b. High walls detract from neighbourhood
Overshadowing and Overlooking
a. Multi-storey development occurring beside single story residences
b. Inadequate set-backs from lot boundaries
Over Intensive Development
a. Too many units on a lot (high plot ratio)
b. Inadequate or undeveloped amenity areas (green/ open space)
These concerns were as relevant then, as they are now and were raised by the very agency that provides technical services for the Town and Country Planning Authority and which reliable sources are suggesting have already given “no objection” to this project. Interestingly though ,the developers of the project have not yet sought to display in a prominent space, their intended development project. Further, it is understood that the setbacks are likely to be no more than 5 feet from the boundary wall per floor and with the likelihood of over 100 cars being parked on site, it is apparent that there is likely to be on street parking for visitors.
Whereas, it is hoped that with lobbying, significant modifications to the planned development will be effected, the possibility of legal action would obviously remain a viable option. However in the interim, it might be useful if residents express their concerns immediately in writing and by telephone, to not only the KSAC but to the Town and Country Planning Authority, [see previous blog "Approval Process Revealed"] with a view to facilitating an effective intervention prior to the commencement of construction. The residents of the Golden Triangle have already expressed most vociferously their objections to altering the densities and set back ratios and without any further consultations and or indeed change of mindset, it is apparent that the authorities need a reminder of those objections before more drastic tactics are employed.
The complete NEPA presentation in August 2006 can be accessed through the following link
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