Tucker's Point Application: objector's kit

If you wish to object to object to the application by Tucker's Point Resort to subdivide lots on Glebe Hill slated for development, please read on. Ideally you should view the file at the Department of Planning. The file number is S0026/12. Our expert has reviewed the file and we have distilled out three points of objection that you can make.

The deadline for submission of your letter of objection is the end of workday on Friday 31 August 2012 — aim for no later than 4:30pm.

Below is a sample letter that you can copy/paste (or add to) into a new email that you then will submit. The sample shows the correct format for your letter. The sample would be adequate if you place the correct information (date, name, etc.) within the brackets. You can add to the letter so it will be different from others who are responding to this email, but please do so respectfully (e.g., it wouldn't be good to refer to TPC in any derogatory way).

The 2011 Tuckers Point SDO 2011 is available [click here] We believe sections 3(3) and 4(2)(f) are the most relevant to this application and your objection letter. You can cite them or quote from them in your letter if you want your letter to stand out.

Thanks for taking this action. Please check back at our website from time to time for new information.

Best regards,

Kim Smith

SAMPLE LETTER OF OBJECTION TO TUCKER'S POINT PLANS FOR SUBDIVISION ON GLEBE HILL:

[date]

[your name]

[your address]

[your email address]

The Director, the Department of Planning

Sent via Email

[To: Cheryl Wright  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]

[Cc:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ]

Re: Tucker’s Point Management Ltd. - S0026/12 - Lots 1-6 including Glebe Hill and Paynter’s Road — Creation of Six (6) Additional Lots and Grants of Rights of Way (Final Plan)

Dear Director,

I/we wish to object to the above development for the following reasons:

1) The site is too steep to allow development without violating the conditions of the Tucker’s Point SDO-2011.

2) The application implies that there are no caves in the area without providing evidence that the required surveys or studies have been completed that would document the presence or absence of caves, or cave features.

3) The application declares that the site is “NOT located in a ‘more sensitive environmental area’” and uses this declaration as reason to avoid conducting the very studies that would support or refute the above-mentioned declaration.

Please keep me/us informed of any updates, notices or meetings regarding this application.

Regards,

[name and, ideally, your signature)]

Media Release: BEST raises concerns about Tucker’s Point application to develop Glebe Hill

Tucker’s Point Management Ltd. has submitted an application for the first of many developments that were given in-principle approval through the Special Development Order (SDO) passed through Parliament last year.

This application for development on Glebe Hill in Hamilton Parish re-emphasises BEST’s contention in our original objection to the SDO that it will be nearly impossible to develop most of the lots proposed without major environmental impacts. The fundamental reason is, quite simply, that most of the lots are either too small and with valuable environmental features, or too steep, or both.

Steepness is the main problem with all three of the proposed lots on Glebe Hill.  The cut and fill sections accompanying the plans expose that despite the incredible steepness of the hillside it is proposed to cut and fill each lot in its entirety to a common level except for the required setback. This will result in sheer cliff cuts ranging from an estimated 15' to 20' in height, and fill of similar depth — destroying all existing vegetation and disrupting the soil cover over approximately 85% of each lot. It would be equivalent to a major quarry operation and, by default, would violate the conditions written into the SDO governing development on this property.

Back in 2011 when the Environment Minister was pressing ahead with the in-principle approval of the development via an SDO, he emphasized the built-in safeguard of “stringent conditions”. The public should note that the developer seems to be attempting — in this the very first application since the granting of an SDO — to side-step the “stringent conditions” by  a) claiming that the conditions do not apply to this application,  b) claiming that the site is not a sufficiently “environmentally sensitive area” to require the studies set out in the “stringent conditions”, and  c) claiming there are no caves in the area without conducting or documenting the studies that would verify such a claim.

Current owners/managers of the Tucker’s Point Resort may not have realized that the facility used up all its optimal development sites years ago. As a consequence any further development in the marginal or environmentally valuable sites designated for development by the SDO will only serve to degrade the whole area to the detriment of hotel, golf course and all pre-existing residential development.

BEST will be formerly objecting to this application. Anyone wishing to know more about this application and the process for voicing their concerns should contact BEST via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 292-3782.

SDO Senate Ruling

Campaigns/Projects - Tucker's Point SDO

The Senate voted "yes" (7 - 4) on the revised Tucker's Point SDO last night (we haven't seen the revised version yet). The SDO must now got the the House for final passage.

Of course we’re disappointed at the final vote but we are energized by the role we played in causing a rethink and revisions to the SDO. And while we are sure that some members of the government probably won’t give us credit or thanks, we appreciate that as a result of the work of all the partners in the coalition and their members, TPC were moved to come back to the table bearing gifts and scaled-down demands. For our part, we acknowledge the government negotiators for acquiring land to add to the public stock and we look forward to learning the details of the covenants that will apply to some parcels of land and what development is going be permitted on others.

We will of course monitor any applications for development of TPC sites and object vigorously, if necessary, as the government has encouraged us to do.

Thanks to the supporters, volunteers, consultants and all who engaged in this exercise, especially the Senators who listened to and shared information with us.

The past several weeks have been intense and taxing. We intend to rest over the weekend then assess our next steps.

Stay tuned.

SDO Amendment Debate

Campaigns/Projects - Tucker's Point SDO

The Senate will be debating the amended Tucker's Point SDO March 25 from approx 5pm. David Wingate and Stuart Hayward have met with Opposition Senators and report that significant tracts of protected land are still at great risk. We are resuming our appeal to the Senate to Vote Not to the Tucker's Point on March 25. 

Here's how you can help.  

1. Email Senators before 9am Friday. Send your own or use one below.
2. Call in to radio talk shows 292-1340
3. Gather and hold signs in front of Cabinet grounds from 5pm onward. Pickup sign at Cenotaph or bring your own. 
4. Drive by and honk 
5. Email friends / post to facebook / twitter etc 
6. Listen to the debate 

Letter to Senators / talk show call-in  / facebook / twitter postings


25 March, 2011

Dear Senator,

Thank you for listening to the people’s concerns on March 18 regarding the Tucker’s Point SDO. 

I strongly feel that the people of Bermuda must continue to have input in this process. 

After being assured that we had been listened to, I am greatly concerned that an amended SDO is being rushed through the Senate on March 25 without opportunity for further public input.

Bermuda’s protected land must remain protected and not be rezoned to allow this development. Please VOTE NO TO SDO. 

Sincerely,

Victory (partial).

Campaigns/Projects - Tucker's Point SDO

BREAKING NEWS

We Won! At least we won a partial victory

During the Senate debate on the TPC SDO, the government “moved to rise and report progress” which, essentially, suspends the debate. It would appear the decision was taken because the government realized they would not win the vote. Rather than proceeding to a vote, and losing, the government exercised its privilege to call off the debate for now. We are unsure of the next steps but anticipate that the government will craft amendments to the SDO that will make it more palatable to the Senators who said they could not support it in its present form.

Stay tuned…

Read more: Victory (partial).

Commentators speak out on Tucker's Point SDO

Campaigns/Projects - Tucker's Point SDO

The following news release just went out to the media.  Please view the videos and share them with friends:

As the Bermuda Senate prepares to debate the Tuckers Point Special Development Order (SDO) on Wednesday the 16th of March, a coalition of environmental and social/historical groups opposing this SDO has produced a series of short video interviews featuring leading social, environmental and economic commentators. These videos are designed to help further educate the general public on the serious and detrimental effect that the granting of this SDO will have on Bermuda and its people.

Four of these videos can be viewed at http://www.vimeo.com/best/videos with the remaining videos to be released on Monday and Tuesday prior to the Senate debate.

We encourage everyone to view these videos, share them, and then email or write (and hand deliver) to the Senators before Wednesday the 16th of March to express your concern over the Tucker's Point SDO.

Senators' contact information as well as letter writing tips can be found on the BEST website best.org.bm.

For further information or questions regarding these videos please contact Stuart Hayward at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Economic Arguments Against Granting the SDO

Campaigns/Projects - Tucker's Point SDO

Following is an article regarding arguments against granting the Tucker's Point SDO written by BEST.

Read more: Economic Arguments Against Granting the SDO

Responses to David Chapman

Campaigns/Projects - Tucker's Point SDO

We have become aware that Senator Laverne Furbert has been sending articles wrtten by her son David Chapman to everyone who writes to her about the Tucker's Point SDO. We respond here to some of the errors in Mr. Chapman's writing.

Read more: Responses to David Chapman

More Tucker's Point SDO in the news and Petition

Campaigns/Projects - Tucker's Point SDO

There has been more news articles posted on the Bermuda Sun's website in regards to the Tucker's Point SDO.  Please see links to these articles and some pictures of the walk that happened on Sunday below.

Thousands descend on Tucker's Point to find out more about controversial SDO

Protesters to host tour of Tucker's Point SDO site

Also, there is a petition.  This petition was not begun by BEST. However, we support the interest and efforts of ordinary members of the public to protect valuable conservation and open space for everyone in Bermuda, residents and visitors alike.

Petition

Tucker's Point SDO in the news

Campaigns/Projects - Tucker's Point SDO

There has been some news articles posted on the Royal Gazette's website in regards to the Tucker's Point SDO.  Please see links to these articles and some pictures of the walk that happened on Sunday below.

Activist Stuart Hayward has not given up in SDO fight (Published Mar 3, 2011)

Thousands turn up to hear about Rosewood Tucker's Point expansion (Published Mar 7, 2011)

Group urges people to write to Senators in protest at SDO (Published Mar 8, 2011)