WILLEMSTAD - Fundashon Pro Monumento (ProMo) has filed an objection against the permit that has been given for the construction of the project The Wharf at the quay near Scharloo. According to the foundation, the construction is much too high.
The apartment complex will be considerably higher than the adjacent Maritime Museum and the customs building, which is located across the street on the corner of Handelskade in Punda. ProMo has started a LAR procedure against the Minister of Traffic, Transport and Spatial Planning (VVRP) Charles Cooper and the Country and is asking the judge to withdraw the building permit until the foundation's objections have been examined in substance.
ProMo wants the court to order the minister and developer JCC Development to adjust the construction plans of The Wharf so that they comply with the Island Development Plan (EOP). "The building height should in any case be adjusted to a height of no more than twelve meters, measured from the level of the quay", was stated during the court hearing. “The general conclusion is that the project at this location in the city center is not appropriate and does not comply with the EOP”, according to ProMo.
Earlier this month, the foundation also protested against the construction of the Majestic Hotel & Residence in Punda. ProMo chairman Dennis Klaus emphasized that the foundation is not against the construction at Marichi. “But the project for which a building permit has now been issued is disproportionate and does not comply with the Island Development Plan. Curaçao must be careful with large-scale construction projects," says Klaus. "It is not inconceivable that UNESCO decides to remove Willemstad from the World Heritage List."