In my opinion, Negril's environment is fragile and cannot support any more large construction projects. Renovate and upgrade the existing stock of rooms. If Negril becomes little Miami, or little Cancun I must move on to less crowded, less commercial pastures.
I believe it was the Grand Lido that was first to push the boundaries of the 3 story high regulation and the water edge set back. They have plans to build 4 stories for their new hotel complex on Bloody Bay and also plan on building cottages on stilts about 20 meters off shore. I understand the hotel was to close at the end of April and all the existing buildings are all to be torn down. Can anybody confirm that the Grand Lido is now closed and destruction is taking place? We own a suite at The Point Village so we have a vested interest in this project. All of the suites on the north side of The Point Village that used to enjoy a fantastic view of Bloody Bay, will now have the back of a four story hotel to look at.
Yes, demo has started as reported by current guests on the Couples Negril Facebook page. Large pieces of equipment arrived today for demolition. It is expected to last until fall 2016.
Wouldn't you think the ballers with the dush would,clean up,finish, some of the projects already started? Negril doesn't need any more new hotels,invest in what's there. So many places need just a touch up. I'm just saying. I'm blessed to have family,who has a place for me Anytime.
One-lag,
The property in mention is not a new hotel, but an original high end property that is in need of a "touching up".
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While many are not enthralled with the project in question, it's a bit of a reach to say that it will put additional stress on an already fragile system. Add to this the fact that it will be just as invisible to those who visit Long Bay and the Cliffs as that property has always been, shielded by Rutland Point. I'm not familiar with the evolving design, or how many rooms it will eventually consist of, but it certainly won't, and can't be a high rise like those found at Miami and Cancun due to the property's proximity to the Aerodrome.Originally Posted by goldilocks
Those with property interests at Point Village have far more to be concerned about.
It's not a reach at all. The sewage treatment facilities in Negril are already overloaded as it is. Adding more gross (pun intended) tonnage only adds to the problem.
This is not true. The Negril Water Treatment plant is not overloaded as of the article dated June 2014:
"The NWC has recently completed comprehensive sewerage systems for Ocho Rios (St. Ann) and Negril (Westmoreland) to meet the increasing need for sewerage services in these areas. Similarly, the Montego Bay system in St. James has been upgraded and expanded to meet the long-term requirements for sewerage in the second city."
"Regarding media articles the NWC has been berated for “inadequate management of its sewerage portfolio” without acknowledging the positive performances of the Commission in locations where the evidence speaks for itself. We are sure that the citizens of Montego Bay, Negril , Ocho Rios and Greater Portmore in particular, are gratified at the contribution made by the Commission in the improvement of their community. It is most unfortunate that the said reports do not take note of the more than $3 billion recently spent on sewerage systems in these areas, representing the single largest sum of money ever spent at any one time on sewerage infrastructure in Jamaica’s history."
http://www.nwcjamaica.com/SEWRAGE_TREATMENTPLANT.asp
The last upgrade was completed in 2012. There is a new upgrade being done at present and Dr. Wykeham McNeil is concerned that it will not make the December 2015 deadline. The hotel construction being proposed will not be done until late 2016 if it meets its deadline.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/n...r-sewage-plant
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Thank-you Rob for bringing the Facts to the table. Although it appears many prefer Negril not to change, that is not an option. The fact is I believe all of Jamaica will see an increase in visitors, especially from the Eastern US. I have been researching alternative options for a trip later this year and not having an overabundance of time to get away, Jamaica/Negril is clearly the best option. I would like to try Ambergris Cay in Belize, Roatan in Honduras or the San Blas Islands in Panama but based on flight options, they are not really an option for me, nor are the Out Islands of the Bahamas (as many places close for Aug/Sept) It's not the money, it's the flight times, transfers and layovers that limit me for a 6-7 night trip. On the other hand, flights to MBJ from Metro DC/Baltimore are readily available and cheap. I can leave BWI at 9am and be in Negril for Lunch and on the last day, have a leisurely breakfast, go to MBJ and be home for dinner . Most other locales are not that that accessible. So enjoy what you can, while you can or embrace the change. As someone wrote earlier "These are the Good Ole Days" See Ya soon
Bingo! This is a big factor in why we keep returning to Jamaica. Even from PHL, its hard to beat the relatively inexpensive cost and the fast, direct flights. The other factor, of course, is the culture and vibe that you can't find anywhere else.
BTW Packrat, we visited the Out Islands and you're not missing much. Spent a week in a cottage on Elbow Cay and found that place lacked any real culture as the locals were either expats or decedents of British loyalists that left the US after we won the Revolution. Hope Town is pretty unique but you can get bored pretty quickly if you don't own/rent a boat to travel to other islands. Also it's pretty expensive (airfare is ~$800).
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