The Parliament of the Cayman Islands has approved the rezoning of two parcels of land on Linford Pierson Highway from low-density to high-density residential.
Planning minister Jay Ebanks moved the government motion on Wednesday, 5 November, to rezone the two locations, following years of review that began in February 2021.
The parcels sit in an area already transitioning to higher-density use, Ebanks told members, adding the change would improve housing supply and support broader housing policy by opening doors for affordable and mixed-use residential options.
The rezoning proposal underwent extensive review by the Central Planning Authority, the Development Plan Tribunal and Cabinet before reaching parliament.
The tribunal’s November 2024 report showed members were split three to two on whether the rezoning should proceed.
Two objection letters were received during the public consultation period in March 2021, with concerns centring on potential flooding impacts in the low-lying area between Linford Pierson Highway and South Sound.
In parliament, opposition leader Joseph Hew welcomed the opportunity for affordable housing in George Town while acknowledging flooding concerns.
He called for flood risk assessments and mitigation measures including hydrological surveys, spillways, culverts and retention ponds to protect surrounding areas.
“We do recognise that there are concerns, but I do have faith that in today’s world we can mitigate those with technology,” Hew said.
He noted that developing within the George Town basin could reduce traffic congestion as residents would live closer to work.
George Town East MP Roy McTaggart expressed reservations about proceeding without a comprehensive stormwater management plan.
He cited ongoing flooding problems in nearby Randyke Gardens where residents are surrounded by higher elevation developments.
“Nothing so far has really worked to truly give relief to the people in these areas,” McTaggart said, asking the minister to ensure due consideration for drainage solutions when development applications come forward.
George Town Central MP Kenneth Bryan supported the rezoning while urging the minister to provide a timeline for development, hoping George Town residents could access affordable housing before the next election.
Bryan also suggested the government consider rezoning unused public open spaces required in certain developments, noting dozens of empty lots across George Town that could potentially be used for affordable housing.
Bodden Town East MP Dwayne Seymour, who as former planning minister purchased the 25-acre site for government, said the development was long overdue.
He suggested carving out 10 acres for young professionals needing smaller accommodation and proposed creating a retention pond to address flooding issues.
Ebanks assured members that stormwater management would be carefully considered in any development, acknowledging the risk to lower-lying properties like those in Randyke Gardens.
He noted this was the third rezoning brought forward for the Linford Pierson area during his term, reflecting rapid development in the vicinity.
The minister declined to provide specific timelines for development, telling Bryan to wait for details in the upcoming budget speech.
The motion passed with support from both government and opposition members, who unanimously backed efforts to address the islands’ housing challenges despite concerns about flooding mitigation.
