Open mike: Vacant buildings

Slowhand asks:

"Why do we not utilise what seems to be perfectly good land and buildings that have been vacant and left in the control of the Government, if not directly for housing, at least for purposes that would free up other areas for that use?

I refer mostly to the military baselands that have been left to us by the British at Dockyard and throughout the Island, and more recently, the American and Canadian facilities. My father would take us for a drive through the cane grass-infested Dockyard and outlying areas in the early 70s, and all the buildings lay in various states of disrepair, some used commercially, but some of the old clubs used as a huge chicken farm and later pig farm and slaughter house. The number that have been demolished since then is sad. The existing remains of the barracks closest to HMS Malabar and Westgate have been allowed to deteriorate over the years to the point that they are now just an eyesore. The other barracks on Ireland Island are not far behind, despite the new paint jobs. (Side note: these are supposed to be low cost housing for those without? You will find more Satellite dishes, boats and nice cars out the back than almost anywhere else.) On the US Naval Annex I know there is an indoor basketball court/gymnasium that was in good condition before the US left, among many other buildings and homes. My friend's father was the Commander on the base there and they lived in the house located (now boarded up and dilapidated) next to the new Rockaway Ferry stop. What's up with that? It's an old Bermuda home, and if I'm not mistaken, has cedar throughout.

I do understand that there is cleaning up to be done in some of the locations, and that some of the land should be set aside for future development, but letting the existing buildings deteriorate just because someone is afraid to make a decision is a crime."

Comments

[Adjustah on 13.02.06 at 10:02]

I agree, it's a tremendous waste of resources to let the baselands deteriorate. When the US left in '95 the former NAS was like Aladdin's cave. The biggest waste was the fully operational hospital which only needed staffing and some equipment. Instead, the place was left to rot...

[Two Cents on 13.02.06 at 10:22]

I also agree, instead of sustainable growth studies, and cricket, the money should be spent on renovations for existing properties, old baselands, Malabar, etc. This could help numerous families who are in dire need of housing. I honestly have no idea, does anyone know if it is even feasible anymore to "save" any of these properties ??

[Full Fullish on 13.02.06 at 10:59]

Absolutely. The barracks where there, in good condition and just needed keys given to people to use for temporary housing. There were at least 50 units there from what I recall. Instead they let it all rot and are looking to spend $23 million on another housing project, and you know it will blossom to probably $50 million when it's done, when they could have kept up those places for probably about $2 million and solved a chunk of the housing problem right there. Total incompetence!

[sandgrownan on 13.02.06 at 11:44]

Presumably the delay is caused by government (past & present) trying to figure out how best to carve up the spoils.
Since, by definition, politicians are not too bright, it's no wonder nothing has happened. And the current crop of fuckwits are even less bright than the previous crop of fuckwits.

It's a national disgrace that nothing has happened on this land for 10 years.

[Zoom on 13.02.06 at 12:07]

There is poor coordination between government departments - those that want the land and those that control it.

Look at the disconnection in Dockyard. At the same time that there is dicussion of creating a superhub for cruise ships there, they are talking about turning historic buildings up there into apartments and government offices. Just what those visting tourists want...where's the plan?!

[sandgrownan on 13.02.06 at 12:16]

WEDCO aren't exactly known for their connected thinking.

[Bill Akin on 15.02.06 at 18:55]

I am only a guest on the Bermuda Islands. Visiting over the last eight years every time I walk about east to west and most anywhere in between I always see a old home or building left to ruin. It makes me sad that the owners do not care or perhaps are lost in the mist of time.
Regards, Bill

[Slowhand on 15.02.06 at 21:59]

So far there is agreement that it seems unreasonable that this happened/happens, but really I was hoping there would have been someone that could have come up with a respectable reason as to why these properties/buildings could not be utilized in a useful way. Was it simple negligence on the part of those in position to make any decision? Was it procrastination? Or was there something more sinister? Will there be a reckoning?!

[Yet Another Limey on 16.02.06 at 07:39]

Slowhand,

One rumor I heard is that WEDCO are aledgedly deliberately alowing some of the historic protected buildings fall into disrepair so they can flatten them and build over them.