Opposition to CPA Application Cites Gasoline Drum Explosion on Property

The Central Planning Authority (CPA) agenda for its 27 March 2024 meeting includes consideration of an application to approve placement of storage containers on a specific plot. The application has sparked concern due to the applicant’s alleged past storage of potentially dangerous items such as gasoline drums, and previous illegal activity related to mangrove removal. An associated objection emphasized that approval may set a precedent for commercial activity within residential areas.

One objection to the application alleges that the applicant had previously stored large quantities of hazardous materials on the property, including gasoline and diesel; containers of fuel were also reportedly located in the yard of the applicant’s residence. A past incident involving an explosion and fire from a gasoline drum was cited as cause for concern about the potential dangers of such storage.

The objector expressed strong opposition to the grant of this application. Potential approval was seen by the objector as potentially leading to broader acceptance of commercial activity within resident communities. The objector also raised concerns about the applicant’s past operation of multiple businesses from his residence, including landscaping and event rentals.

Several agencies weighed in on the application. While the Department of Environment Health (DEH) did not object to the proposal in principle, provided containers were used strictly for storage, it was unsure if the DEH or the Fire Department had full knowledge of past storage incidents or the alleged explosion mentioned by the objector. Separate issues were raised by the Department of Environment (DoE), including past removal of mangroves by the applicant, an action for which the latter had received a cease and desist order.

The CPA will weigh multiple factors in its decision-making process: The applicant’s proposal, parking requirements, the objections voiced, and potentially the applicant’s past infractions. While illegal activities related to mangrove removal were carried out on an adjacent parcel, the relevance of these actions to the current application remains unclear. The CPA is slated to consider these aspects at its meeting scheduled for 27 March 2024.