We, the undersigned want to save a piece of Caymanian history. We appeal to WOODY FOSTER, Managing Director of Fosters not to take down this historic Caymanian house to create eight parking places - but to leave it where it is, as a cherished example of our culture and community.

This Wednesday, October 13th 2021, the Central Planning Authority will hear an application for a proposed expansion of Foster's Republix that will include moving the historic F.C. & Aldine Franklin house for the purpose of creating 8 parking spaces. The original application asked for the house to be demolished but has since been amended to be moved. According to Woody Foster, Managing Director of Foster's "It is being moved and donated to a resident in a different district. The move is being carried out in consultation with the National Trust and a local historical society."

According to the DOE: "The site also appears to fall within a Historic Overlay Zone. The Development and Planning Regulations (2021 Revision) state, “In a Historic Overlay zone, the Authority shall have a duty to promote and encourage the preservation of historic buildings and conserve their historic architectural heritage.”

The importance of protecting heritage assets was also reflected in the draft National Planning Framework 2018. The Development Plan 1997 states, “The purpose of the Historic Overlay Zone is to promote and encourage the perpetuation of historic buildings and structures with the underlying zone remaining in effect. Development will be strictly controlled to conserve the Cayman Islands historical and architectural heritage. Subject to the Development and Planning Law and Regulations, the Authority shall apply the Historic Overlay Zone provisions and other relevant provisions of the Statement in a manner best calculated to: a) Preserve and protect the established historical, architectural or cultural character of the area, b) Preserve any significant aspect, appearance or review of the area, and c) Preserve and protect any prospect or view, being an environmentally important prospect or view, from any public area.”

We agree with the DOE sentiment that "Heritage is finite, and to demolish the house to build 8 parking spaces does not seem a wise use of this heritage asset. We recommend that the applicant redesigns the parking lot to preserve the house in situ."

In response to the movement of the building: "We understand that the Applicant has later clarified to the National Trust that the house is to be transported to a site in Frank Sound. Although we are pleased that the house would not be demolished (as stated on their architectural plans), it will lose its authenticity of location and reduce the historical architectural heritage of this area of West Bay. The Department continues to recommend that the house be preserved in situ because it is in an authentic location within a Historic Overlay Zone."

There are other issues with the application according to the DOE but the loss of this historic house is the most apparent. We ask the CPA to follow the advice of the DOE and demand the house be preserved in situ. 

Read Wednesday's agenda and the full DOE recommendations here: https://www.planning.ky/wp-content/uploads/meetings/Acpa2121.pdf