Managing land development has been one of the principal concerns of local government for the past two decades. Understandably, on an island as small as St. Barth, land has become a precious commodity. The quality of life here, appreciated by visitors and residents alike, has also drawn a number of foreigners to establish permanent residence here. In fact, the latest census poll figures reveal that island's population, now 7000, doubled in just twenty years. As might be guessed, the local St. Barth people, once forced to live in poverty and expatriate in order to find work now fully understood that it's a seller's market. Whether locals or enterprising foreigners sell their lots or develop their land as rental property for either commercial or residential use, the real estate pay-off is big. As more people clamor to get into the act, the demand for building permits has increased dramatically. To give some idea of the phenomenon, approximately 2800 building permits were granted over the past 20 years. In the past decade, over 300, 000 square meters of construction were authorized.
The first attempt to regulate land development in the 1990's came via a standard federal zoning plan called the Plan d'Occupation de Sols. When its possible adoption was put before the public in an island-wide referendum, it was overwhelmingly voted down. The project for a zoning plan returned in 1998, under a modified form that seemed more suited to the island and its realities. The plan, named MARNU, for short, designated 60% of the island's surface as green zone. The remaining 40%, it decreed, could be developed. Since it was put into effect, the plan has been legally challenged in the French courts on a number of occasions, but the courts have always ruled in support. Despite its limits, the plan has served a much-needed function-to provide some sort of zoning regulation-even if for every 200 building permits requested each year, 150, or 75%, are granted.
Now, as the MARNU edges toward its expiration date, the debate about island zoning has once again become pertinent. The municipal council met on October 30 expressed its desire to create a local zoning plan that would give executive powers to elected officials. In sharp contrast to the current zoning plan that grants the state the power to sign building permits, MARNU's replacement foresees transferring this power to the island mayor. The new zoning plan would go a step further, and oblige developers to respect certain architectural parameters. The local government is well aware that public acceptance for the new plan will not be easy. Not here, where private land is each man's sovereign domain.
Officials are bracing themselves for a fight, but are prepared to make whatever concessions they must. Politicians don't want to ruffle any feathers just now, especially since they are counting on voter support in the upcoming referendum. They hope that poll results will provide a strong show of support for the island's most ambitious political objective: independence from Guadeloupe.
Yves Bourel
Beyonce and Jay-Z have taken their daughter on her first vacation. The couple, who celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary last week, have been enjoying the sunshine on the Caribbean island of St. Barts with three-month-old Blue Ivy over the weekend, and took the tot for a day trip on a yacht.
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Kick-off Les Voiles de Saint Barth 2012 Caribbean regatta in the magical French West Indies sailing paradise!
Today the prestigious and top-class Caribbean sailing regatta Les Voiles de St. Barth 2012 with Gaastra Sportswear as the official partner starts: At the third edition run...
Inside the Bucket.
This video features the 2012 St Barths Bucket Regatta and music by the Evan Goodrow Band. Special thanks to the entire crew of the Rebecca, Baz Bar, St Barths Online and the guys from the Evan Goodrow Band for putting on a fantastic show. The song from the Evan Goodrow Band is c...
On board with Rebecca.
The best event in St Barths took place on March 24 - 27, 2012. This video features the beautiful 141 ft sailing yacht, The Rebecca.
produced by Real Media Travel for St. Barths Online and Baz Bar St Barth.
The age old saying of "I need a holiday to get over my holiday" actually seems applicable if you happen to be Paul McCartney.
The Beatle took wife Nancy Shevell on a romantic break to the Caribbean island of St Barts, just days after the pair visited Paris.
Last week, the lovebirds showed support ...
On the day their pregnancy news was announced, Thor star Chris Hemsworth, 28, and Elsa Pataky, 35, were seen in sunny St. Barts, France on Wednesday (January 18). The Fast Five actress looked lovely in blue, sporting her beautiful baby bump.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky
Chris and Elsa - w...
She might be 44, but Tamara Mellon still boasts a figure that women half her age would be proud of.
The Jimmy Choo co-founder showed off her toned figure in a sexy animal-print bikini as she hit the beach with her daughter in St Barts yesterday.
The skimpy string two-piece highlighted Tamara's env...
With almost every other celebrity couple enjoying the New Year in exotic locations, Gary and Danielle Lineker weren't going to be any different.
The married couple were spotted enjoying a romantic walk along a beach in St Barts today - and looked very much in love.
Gary, 51 and his wife, 32, had o...
Which beaches to choose?
The glamorous island of St Barts is one of the Caribbean's top beach destinations. Ringing the island are immaculate strips of sand and ethereal turquoise waters. The shallow reefs that encircle the island help to protect these renowned beaches, and they also provide excell...
St. Barts, Why Not?
Since the wealthy and celebrated frequently visit St. Barts for a tropical vacation, you will find that many plush St. Barts Resorts can be found on this stunning island. For those taking St. Barts holidays, it is simple to find hotels with each luxury available. Frequently thes...
Vacation With the Rich and Famous at St. Barts.
Want to bump into celebrities and be seen hanging out where the rich and famous play? Then the Caribbean island of St. Barts is the place to be.
While warm sand and blue waters do make an ideal vacation location, this destination has that and a whol...
Where to go for one day in Caribbean?
St. Maarten / St. Martin
The half-Dutch, half-French island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, with its many restaurants and hotels, makes a great base for an island-hopping adventure. Graced by the nickname Unspoiled Queen, tiny little Saba is not the kind of Caribbe...
Villa La Plage in St Barts.
The posh French resort isle of St. Barth's was already a prize destination when Roman Abramovich purchased an estate there for $89 million in 2009; since the oligarch arrived it has become even more so.
Now Christie's International Real Estate has listed another impres...
Baywatch in St Barts.
Making it official after five years of engagement, Brooke Burke and beau David Charvet have reportedly tied the knot while yachting in St. Barts.
According to Life & Style, the "Dancing with the Stars" host and the former "Baywatch" hunk, who have been vacationing in the...
St. Barth Summer Sessions Aug. 5-15, 2011
St Barth Summer Sessions 2011 this year will have a focus on artists from Brazil. The festival will take place at a variety of different venues all over the island, and in the end of the festival there will be a big common concert in the Harbor of Gustavia ...
The Eclipse, no ordinary yacht.
It probably hasn't escaped your attention that, with modern methods of transport, measuring and telecommunication, no "terra incognita" is safe from the crazed enthusiasm of certain explorers of scientists. Everything has already been discovered and minutely placed o...
Ashley Rodriguez Trio
Ashley Rodriguez, one of the famous finalist from the American Idol 2010 is back in St Barth between May 5-15. Ashley was participating last summer for the St Barth Summer Session in august 2010 at La Plage and she will now come with her 'All Girls Band', Liz on the guitar ...
The La Plage restaurant introduce :
ST BARTH SUMMER SESSIONS
« 5 to 15 august 2010, 10 days of crazy music ! »
Festival program
La Plage St Jean Tel: 0590 52 81 33 Email: tombeach@wanadoo.fr Site: www.stbarthsummersessions.com
THE GREAT FISH DEBATE There seems to be a bone of contention among a few of my friends. Fine folks who love some of the finer things in life, such as Dover Sole That flat fish floating in butter and capers. Known in French as Sole Meunière, it is made from what is called in European fisherman ver...
