Port of Zeus developers to negotiate with Brackers over proposed terminal: Cayman News Service

(CNS): Frank Schilling and the developer planning to build a multimillion-dollar marina and residential village on Cayman Brac, called Port Zeus, will hold a public meeting Thursday night so residents can weigh in on the project. Terms of Reference The public can submit comments until July 21 on an environmental impact assessment of the project proposal. While the project appears to have public support across the Brac, there are concerns that it poses a threat to the environment and will not deliver benefits to the wider community.

Some Brakel residents have expressed concerns that the project is targeting millionaire yacht owners, will make little economic and social contribution to local people, and will only create low-paying jobs after the construction period.

There are also concerns that Cayman Brac’s existing infrastructure will struggle to cope with the influx of workers that this and other planned projects on the island, such as a new high school, will bring, which could further increase the already prohibitive cost of living.

Issues to be discussed at the meeting include increased traffic, general disruption, site safety, potential loss of revenue and threats to the environment. Schilling made it clear that he does not view the project as controversial and that plans to build a safe harbor at the existing quarry loading area are much needed in Brake and will provide widespread benefits to the community.

According to the developer, the first phase of the project includes renovation of the existing Scotts Quay, construction of a new rock pier and dredging of the pier entrance. The second phase involves construction of the shore terminal, including port authority facilities, beach facilities and what Schilling, the former internet company owner, calls a “pedestrian-friendly mixed-use development.”

The public is now free to submit their ideas, comments and questions on the terms of reference, which outline what the EIA will study and how the study will be carried out.

The terms of reference were developed in collaboration with the Environmental Assessment Board (EAB), which includes representatives from the Department of Environment, the Department of Planning, the Cayman Islands Hazard Management Agency, the Department of Tourism and the Cayman Islands Port Authority.

The findings of the EIA will form an Environmental Statement (ES), which will help inform the decision-making process. Once completed, the draft ES will be subject to separate public consultation.

Download the draft Terms of Reference for ZeusPort Or pick up a paper copy from the Cayman Brac Public Library, West End Post Office or Kirkconnell Market.

Comments can be submitted in writing during the open house meeting Thursday evening, by email to doe@gov.ky, by mail to the Department of Environment, PO Box 10202, Grand Cayman, KY1-1002, or in person to the Department of Environment, Cayman Islands Environment Centre, 580 North Sound Road, George Town, Grand Cayman.

The open day meeting will be held at the Aston Rutty Civic Centre from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, July 11. Representatives from FS Inc, EIA Consultants and the EAB will be present at the meeting to provide information and take comments from the public.