Conservatoire plans to return
Le Galion Bay ‘to the people’
~ Lands may be appropriated ~
MARIGOT--Conservatoire du Littoral, the French national public institution charged with the protection and management of the environment, is moving forward with plans to destroy the ruins of the former Le Galion Hotel, and possibly expropriate parcels of land to ultimately ensure the whole of the bay is a protected area, vice-president of the Environmental Commission Pierre Aliotti disclosed recently.
By law, however, public enquiries into the Conservatoire’s proposed actions must first be held for the public to give its opinion. Two public sessions have already been held and the last session is scheduled for Thursday, May 10. The designated investigator is Valère Montout.
The Municipal Council on June 12, 2003, approved by a 24-vote majority to request the Conservatoire’s intervention to protect the remainder of the bay in the interests of the population, but it is only now that environmental action is being taken. The Conservatoire also safeguards the so-called “50 pas géométriques” no building zone which in many cases on the French side has not been respected.
Aliotti said destruction of the hotel buildings could begin as early as 2008. The hotel was once operational in the 1970s and early 80s before becoming engulfed in a legal quagmire that forced its closure. In recent times, the abandoned buildings have become nothing more than eyesores and a haven for drug addicts and “rave” parties.
He added that previous attempts by the Conservatoire to negotiate with landowners at Le Galion to sell were met with resistance. The land is largely owned by assorted French real estate companies.
Recent events on Pinel Island where the Conservatoire regained order on the beach stirred considerable controversy despite the compromises offered to businesses there. Aliotti doubted there would be a different policy for Le Galion.
“But I’m certain businesses such as Pat Turner’s restaurant and waters sports and Windy Reef, under proper arrangements, will be able to continue operating as they have always done,” Aliotti said. “Pat for many years has been the main contributor in protecting the environment and keeping Le Galion clean.”
According to Aliotti, because of hygiene concerns, the horses of Bayside Riding Stables no longer can use the Le Galion end of the beach, but must now go to the opposite end of the beach. It was not clear whether Turner’s business might have to be moved or modified.
Both Turner and Bayside Riding Stables have expressed concern about the Conservatoire proposals, but declined to comment yesterday.
The final public enquiry session on May 10 will be held in the offices of Service Urbanisme in the old Marigot hospital from 10:00am to 12:00noon and from 2:00 to 4:00pm.
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