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UDC says it won’t seize Jamaicans’ land
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
THE Urban Development Corporation (UDC) says comments made by its general manager Joy Douglas have been misinterpreted, and it doesn’t intend to wantonly confiscate lands from citizens of Jamaica.
“The UDC wishes to advise all concerned that this was not said and that the corporation does not approach the issue of the acquisition of property, with respect to development plans, outside of a framework of consultation with all stakeholders,” the corporation said in a news release this morning.
It said the development planning process begins with an articulation of planning concepts to the relevant stakeholders and an invitation to participate in the development of those plans.
“As an urban planning agency, the UDC has as core charge; a duty to see to the development and redevelopment of urban areas and to address conditions of urban blight. This duty is reflected in the creation of development plans and development orders which speaks primarily to zoning of areas for best use and efficiency and the placement of supporting infrastructure,” the corporation said.
<span style="font-weight: bold">The UDC has come under pressure after Douglas made remarks last week about the involvement of lands the Nuttall Hospital sits on as part of the city’s development plans.</span>
The lands are owned by the Anglican church, which said neither it, nor the Nuttall Trust, had been contacted.
And last night Opposition Leader Portia Simpson-Miller called on Prime Minister Bruce Golding to immediately clarify the Government’s policy on the acquisition of private lands.
Simpson Miller described the utterances of the UDC head as “offensive, crude, reprehensible and reflective of an arrogant and high handed approach to governance”.
But, said the UDC: “As with any planning authority worldwide, a view of the total plan area is taken, as would be expected, when determining a city development and expansion plan. This is necessary in the creation of the vision of a city properly structured for order, efficiency and convenience.”
It said respect to mention of the Nuttall lands in Cross Roads, and in keeping with the UDC’s process of engagement as outlined, the UDC has not at this time formulated any concept with respect to any specific use of that area in emerging development plans.
“Any such consideration would only emerge out of consultations with stakeholders,” the UDC said.
“We therefore wish to assure all members of the public that the UDC works on behalf of the people of Jamaica and is respectful of the rights of individual property owners even as we create city development plans that are of benefit to all.”
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...#ixzz1VsA7tMHV
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
THE Urban Development Corporation (UDC) says comments made by its general manager Joy Douglas have been misinterpreted, and it doesn’t intend to wantonly confiscate lands from citizens of Jamaica.
“The UDC wishes to advise all concerned that this was not said and that the corporation does not approach the issue of the acquisition of property, with respect to development plans, outside of a framework of consultation with all stakeholders,” the corporation said in a news release this morning.
It said the development planning process begins with an articulation of planning concepts to the relevant stakeholders and an invitation to participate in the development of those plans.
“As an urban planning agency, the UDC has as core charge; a duty to see to the development and redevelopment of urban areas and to address conditions of urban blight. This duty is reflected in the creation of development plans and development orders which speaks primarily to zoning of areas for best use and efficiency and the placement of supporting infrastructure,” the corporation said.
<span style="font-weight: bold">The UDC has come under pressure after Douglas made remarks last week about the involvement of lands the Nuttall Hospital sits on as part of the city’s development plans.</span>
The lands are owned by the Anglican church, which said neither it, nor the Nuttall Trust, had been contacted.
And last night Opposition Leader Portia Simpson-Miller called on Prime Minister Bruce Golding to immediately clarify the Government’s policy on the acquisition of private lands.
Simpson Miller described the utterances of the UDC head as “offensive, crude, reprehensible and reflective of an arrogant and high handed approach to governance”.
But, said the UDC: “As with any planning authority worldwide, a view of the total plan area is taken, as would be expected, when determining a city development and expansion plan. This is necessary in the creation of the vision of a city properly structured for order, efficiency and convenience.”
It said respect to mention of the Nuttall lands in Cross Roads, and in keeping with the UDC’s process of engagement as outlined, the UDC has not at this time formulated any concept with respect to any specific use of that area in emerging development plans.
“Any such consideration would only emerge out of consultations with stakeholders,” the UDC said.
“We therefore wish to assure all members of the public that the UDC works on behalf of the people of Jamaica and is respectful of the rights of individual property owners even as we create city development plans that are of benefit to all.”
Read more: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...#ixzz1VsA7tMHV