Relocation of military HQ, adrenaline for city development

Dennie Quill, Contributor

RESPONDING PREDICTABLY to the proposal by the Government to relocate Up Park Camp, the voices of opposition are growing louder and louder.

So far, we have heard that there are historical strings which ought not to be severed. Others have recalled the fact that Up Park Camp has been a military facility since 1784 and it would be a shame to change the status quo. Others argue that it is a piece of our heritage and should remain intact. Still, there are those who have articulated security concerns, citing the critical role the army plays in national security which demands that it be close to the seat of Government, i.e. Cross Roads and not way out yonder at Caymanas Estate. Some arguments have also been raised about the costs of creating a modern army facility.

"It's like losing one's mother," a letter writer mourns. This kind of emotional drivel is turning up more and more. This is a military base, for Christ's sake and, if the move is to consolidate outdated operations to better serve the nation, then we really should have a less-emotional and partisan response.

I remember well the run-up to the staging of Cricket World Cup in 2007 when investors were exploring ways of benefiting from the expected influx of visitors that a multi-storey apartment complex was being constructed on the edge of the Duppy Gate entrance to Up Park Camp. I claim no expertise in security matters but I was a little uneasy about the proximity of a high-rise complex which was virtually overlooking sensitive areas like the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) Air Wing complex and Harman Barracks. I imagine that the developers got the requisite permits to build so my worry may not have been well placed.

Then recently another commercial complex was built across from the main Up Park Camp gate, so over the years the JDF has seen the identity and character of its environment transformed by its neighbours. Suddenly their 270 acre sprawl does not appear as adequate and one can imagine its desire to be relocated.

Departure

Removal of UP Park Camp would give the city the adrenaline shot it needs. With its departure, nearly 270 acres of land would become available for development and, through the eyes of a developer, the character of the area can be vastly transformed.

Now what is to become of these lands is where the focus of the debate should be. And I agree that the people should become part of the conversation to help shape what would replace the army base. For sure, we need more green spaces in the city, Emancipation Park is not enough. And while we are talking about urban renewal, the Golding administration should be bold and apply its powers of compulsory acquisition so rotting and decaying structures can be taken over and be incorporated into the vision of a transformed city.

Carefully staged and managed, this move could pay big dividends in the end.