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Island residents oppose plans to build a water taxi terminal on beachfront of former Ruby's Hotel

The proposed construction of a massive water taxi terminal on the beachfront of the former Ruby's Hotel, now known Coastal Bay in San Pedro Town, continues to face strong public disapproval. Islanders object to this idea due to its location within the center of town, the commercialization of the natural beauty of the area, and the fact that a multi-million-dollar terminal was built specifically for this type of service on the lagoon side of the island. The proposed location of the new terminal is less than a block from the San Pedro Roman Catholic Primary School, deeming it a safety threat to the students. This will come in the form of traffic gridlock every time boats arrive packed with visitors, paired with students on the roads during certain hours and regular traffic that already congests the area. This deems the proposed location unsuitable for such a project. Thus, the resistance from the island community is solid.

According to those who have seen the plans of the project, the design calls for a massive terminal over the water, complete with coffee shops, restaurants, and a three-story parking facility in front of the beach, among other amenities. The structure where the hotel is will be allegedly demolished to give way to the parking facility. Another factor is that the project appears to be larger than the property. The property is reportedly only 50 square feet, and the construction is estimated to cover an area double that size. Thus, they would have to build a long dock, which will harbor large vessels. One of the main concerns, besides noise pollution, is the water contamination caused by the boat's engines, which would affect the nearby sea life and make the immediate beachfront area of nearby businesses' (hotels and restaurants) unattractive and congested, negatively affecting these establishments. But before any works take place, dredging must take place. After visiting with the Mining Unit in the Ministry of Natural Resources, The Sun confirmed that no such permits have been issued to SPBE.

In the past, The San Pedro Town Council (SPTC) has publicly expressed its disapproval, stressing that the only place they should move to is to the Sunset Boardwalk. Mayor Guerrero has publicly said that his administration is against the project and will not support it. If SPBE decides to go ahead and apply for a permit to dredge, they will have to get a recommendation from the SPTC. Guerrero indicated that they would object to it and hopes that the Ministry of Natural Resources will respect their decision and not grant the permit.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun

"No water taxi terminal in front of former Ruby's Hotel" say island leaders

Island leaders have gone on the record saying that no massive water taxi terminal will be built in front of the former Ruby's Hotel - by SPBE or any water taxi company. Both the Area Representative for Belize Rural South (Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker) Honourable Manuel Heredia Jr., and the Mayor of San Pedro Town, Daniel Guerrero, have gone on record indicating that no massive water taxi terminal will be built in front of the former Ruby's Hotel. Both island leaders clarified the allegations that the San Pedro Belize Express (SPBE) Water Taxi had been given the green light to build a large boat terminal in the said area. They said that the only place the water taxi companies could relocate to is to the facilities at the Sunset Boardwalk on the lagoon side.

Guerrero said that they also continue on the position that as soon as the lagoon channel is dredged, water taxi companies will need to relocate to the boat terminal on the side of the island. "If in the event that they override me, I mentioned very clearly the last time, that if I have to lead any protest to stop the building of a water taxi boat terminal, I will be willing and happy to do it. This is my home and this is what we fight for," Guerrero said. "I can guarantee to the people that no water taxi will be erected in front of Ruby's." He pointed out that if SPBE intends to renovate the dock in front of the hotel, they will have to submit such plans to the SPTC for a thorough review. Guerrero explained that his administration is working on getting the necessary permits to continue dredging the said channel. According to him, dredging had begun in January 2019, but was interrupted due to some issues with the company doing the job. According to him, they have once again worked out the dredging of the lagoon.

Click here to read the rest of the article in the San Pedro Sun