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Dear Members
Please find below the reply to the questions followed by comments:
- Will you be affected by the proposed access route to Overdale if so, how:
Yes, absolutely in every possible way, and we are quite concerned and worried for the following reasons:
We are residents of Westmount court since 1986 as home owners of 3 storeys exposed property (with 10 large and extra wide French patios doors), it is the most elevated house in the area, built on the top of the left bank going up the hill boarding Westmount road. On that side of the road there is no pavement, the bank edging straight on the main road and the bank slope is of a very geo friable nature, with visible roots and pieces of small debris of granite stones and sand. Apparently no survey has been done yet.. This bank and probably the house's foundation could be affected due to road work, heavy traffic etc.. in years to come even after the road and hospital project is completed, we have no guarantee whatsoever.
The demolition of the old Overdale, the construction of widening the road, the blasting of the cliff, the intense traffic of machinery equipments, the destruction of the 3 houses opposite so close to Westmount court and Ocean apartments entrances, etc..will definitely affect us and our home permanently for the next 7 years, then indefinitely for years to come once the road and hospital project is completed, then followed by non-stop traffic day and night, ambulances going up the hill at full speed and difficult access and jam traffic on this highway( motorway is more appropriate), on People's Park( which would not be anymore a park for People) from Pierson road, bottom of the hill including traffic jam at Cheapside crossing, Tower and St John road crossing. And still a difficult access if a major emergency accident happens in Jersey.
Concerning Westmount road, whatever they will try to accomplish: blasting, cutting, demolishing, widening, the steepness will always be there and same for the bend.
This area will not be residential anymore, with difficulty to rent or sell properties for a long time. And apparently no compensation for all the aggravation.
Most important, all the residents need to have access day and night to Westmount court, and caring for my elderly mother at home, we are quite worried in case of the need of emergency for her if we are not to be able to have access to the main road anytime.
- How do you think the access route will affect the homes, leisure facilities and surrounding areas and the overall impact of the landscape?
Yes, it will affect drastically residents of hundred people homes from Pierson road, all along the new road up to St John road.
It will never be the same, children, walkers, joggers will never be able anymore to enjoy all this area and it will be very dangerous for anyone wishing to cross that highway, anytime, at any point.
No respect for ecology, the wildlife will disappear for good, and of course the unrealistic, dreadful, irresponsible destruction of the Jersey Bowling club.
It will absolutely ruin Jersey Heritage to deprive of all the most important Jersey's historic area for all the generations to come. This cliff is one of the most beautiful scenery and landscape in Jersey, in fact it should be part of the National Trust and to be untouchable.
What a pity, this project is a high price to pay.. in every sense of the word.
3.Do you feel the plans offer easy access using bus, bicycle or walking and take into account appropriate sustainable methods or transport,?:
No, absolutely not. Who would like being a patient to go cycling or walking up the hill for an hospital appointment? Not fit enought. Who would like to go walk or cycle up the hill just for the pleasure to be surrounded by heavy traffic, polluted and noisy road? And this steep road is quite treacherous in most of weather condition.
Have all the politicians try to walk up the hill before? It can be very exhausting sometimes.
4. Do you feel the public were given adequate time to properly consider all the information provided by the States to engage properly in consultation, No absolutely because unfortunately they put us deliberately in front of a "fait accompli".
5.Do you feel that any views of the public ( whether minority or majority views) were adequately addressed by the Government of Jersey? : No
6. Was your voice hear?
Yes, some of the politicians have been sympathetic for our cause and sharing our concern and we appreciate it.
I just would like bring to your attention that Jersey should not throw money away in this extravagant and extremely expensive project. The Jersey future is quite uncertain despite what it has been said. We should realise that hard times are in front of us and so many people are already in difficulties, having a terrible time, we can hear and read it everyday.
How such project can be decided, agreed and approved when no one ( specially residents and public) has seen no plan design yet? We are completely in the unknown.
Thank your for your attention Best Regards
Elio and Irène Hugot Icardi