Developer clears the air

The developer of a controversial apartment complex in the upscale community of Tavistock Terrace in Millsborough, Kingston 6, has offered to meet with disgruntled residents who harbour concerns about engineering issues.

Responding to a story published in The Sunday Gleaner yesterday, the developer, Kenrick Fearon, said all documentation and approvals for the project were in his name and were his responsibility - an obvious effort to clear Juliet Holness, wife of Education Minister Andrew Holness, of any blame.

Fearon said Mrs Holness was contracted to complete the project after he fell ill and was unable to manage the day-to-day operations.

"She bears no legal responsibility for securing approvals or interfacing with concerned property owners. This remains the responsibility of the developer and my attorney, Delroy Chuck & Company," Fearon said.

Mr Holness also came to the defence of his wife. "The extent of her responsibilities lies purely in the daily management of the project," he said last night.

He also insisted that he had no "financial interest" in the housing project nor used his office to bear influence.

No foul play

Fearon argued that the procedures were above board. "All modifications to the covenants on the title were duly granted by the courts, which means that all concerned neighbouring property owners would have been notified and given a chance to object formally. I do not recall any objections being raised then."

But Chuck had told The Gleaner on Saturday, in an email response, that neighbours had long been opposed to the project.

"They (neighbours) have an axe to grind - because the building spoils their view of the hills," Chuck claimed on Saturday.

In the meantime, Fearon said the change from town houses to apartments had also been accepted by the KSAC.

"The original plan was reviewed in favour of a more practical internal design which did not affect the originally approved external boundary or the number of storeys or dimensions of the building," said Fearon.

He said he sought the best professional structural engineering advice in making the internal adjustments and submitted the standard amendments for approval by the KSAC.