By E. D. APPIAH
Freeport News Reporter
Freeport, Grand Bahama- Local attorney Fred Smith is preparing to file an injunction to stop the construction of the new Farmer's Market proposed by the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA).
Smith told reporters on Thursday that the papers could take anywhere from one to three weeks to have drawn up. Smith was among dozens of residents who attended the GBPA Town Meeting at the Our Lucaya Resort and expressed concerns regarding the company's plans to construct the facility at the Goombay Park near the International Bazaar.
"I represent, about 11 land owners just behind Goombay Park and their concern is having a fish and farmer's market where there's going to be rodents, where there's going to be a smell...where its going to be messy and dirty and unsanitary," said Smith. "It's going to decrease property value, its going to cause traffic problems, it's not going to be well maintained and they just don't think that its the right place."
According to Smith he and his clients have written a total of 17 letters to the GBPA and did not receive a response.
"We're very concerned that the Port Authority has made the decision to do it despite the fact that we wrote letters...from July to October, (we got) not one response even saying thank you very much for your letter we'll be writing to you soon, which I think was very rude," he said.
Smith says he has taken specific issue with the fact that GBPA officials did not complete the necessary public consultations before deciding to move forward with the project and questions whether or not the company would be able to effectively manage such a project.
According to GBPA President Ian Rolle, however, everyone cannot be pleased.
Speaking with members of the media following the meeting, Rolle noted that the company has taken into consideration the concerns of those who would be directly affected by the move; namely the Fish and Conch Vendors.
Another major concern for some residents was the fact that the company had not yet completed an environmental impact assessment study.
"Looking at the situation without the in-depth report, we feel that we can make this thing happen," Rolle said.
"Of course, we wouldn't put that first brick into the ground unless we know for sure that it is in fact safe to do what we want to do."
The GBPA executive noted too, that the project will have enormous benefits for the city of Freeport, and in particular, the International Bazaar. Rolle noted that the company is undertaking several new initiatives geared at revitalizing the area.
He also responded to naysayers, some of whom suggested that it was unfair to move the vendors from their current locations to the Goombay Park site.
"Their concern is that they have a sure market in the place where they are located now, they have traffic from persons going to the post office, or walking in that area," Rolle explained. "What we intend to do for a period in time, especially leading up to the Christmas season is to introduce a shuttle service between the current location and the new site. We are also committed to advertise the new site."
Overall, Rolle said the meeting was successful and that he was pleased that the majority of the vendors were happy with the direction being taken. The GBPA is expected to host more town meetings as the project progresses.
