KSAC intensifies demolition of illegally constructed buildings

The Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) has intensified efforts to crack down on the illegal construction of buildings in the corporate area.

At the council meeting Tuesday afternoon, June 14, Mayor Desmond McKenzie listed two buildings deemed to be illegally constructed, which will be demolished over the next two weeks.

Mayor McKenzie said too many contractors are in breach of the Town and Country Planning Act.

According to him, almost 35% of the construction taking place in the Corporate Area is being done illegally.

"The council cannot appear to be tigers with paper teeth. There are too many building violations that are taking place in this city and people continue to laugh at us because they feel that we are impotent in carrying out of functions," Mayor McKenzie stated.

And after an estimated 15 years of legal wranglings going as far as the United Kingdom-based Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, Mayor McKenzie revealed that the building located at 15 South Avenue on the Auburn Court premises will be demolished.

"On Sunday, June 19, the KSAC will proceed to demolish the building."

Also down for demolition is a building at number 2 Coleyville Avenue on Washington Boulevard.

According to the KSAC, what should have been a two bedroom property ballooned into a 15 bedroom facility.

Persons are still occupying the building, but the KSAC will on June 25 demolish 13 of the 15 bedrooms.

Mayor McKenzie said all the necessary steps will be taken to notify the occupants.