KSAMC promises to address concerns over building density, approvals process
/ Our Today
administrator
Mayor of Kingston Delroy Williams has welcomed concerns from a joint citizens group association on balancing homeowners’ rights with development benefits in the Kingston Metropolitan Region (KMR).
The mayor’s position was enunciated during a meeting he held on April 27 with the citizens groups comprising members of citizens’ associations across the Corporate Area as well as attorneys and architects who are concerned about issues such as perceived overbuilding and the building approvals process, as well as the protection of the natural environment, among others.
Williams said he was conscious that Kingston is a growing city and that the demand is growing for housing.
He told the groups that he is quite aware of the complexities cities like Kingston faced and emphasised that he is not antagonistic to structured development and that he welcomed the concerns from the groups, whom he described as “very important stakeholders”.
Williams further gave a commitment that no building applications will be brought for approval without giving citizens every opportunity to vet, peruse and voice their objections, if necessary.
The citizens’ groups, had made a number of specific recommendations including:
- Improved access to information
- Queries on how amendments are made to building plans
- Changing the standards for posting notices with an emphasis on increasing the
visibility and the durability of the signs and their timelines - The provision of permit numbers on the KSAMC website
- Issuance of monitoring, enforcement and cease work notices etc.
- That citizens’ concerns, objections and recommendations are brought to the attention of the KSAMCs Building Committee in a timely manner
- Restrictive Covenants Modification
Wednesday’s meeting follows initiatives by the KSAMC to increase the number of building officers and improve the building approval process with a robust inspection regime to improve transparency.
Williams also noted that he was happy to meet with the concerned residents andthat the meeting was the continuation of a process towards a comprehensive solution that balanced the needs of the various groups with the need for continued development of the city and the maintenance of environmental harmony.
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