Sandy Cay Bahamas

Govt moving forward with plans to restore Saunders Beach

Published On: Friday, June 10, 2011

By NOELLE NICOLLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

nnicolls@tribunemedia.net

THE surface area of Saunders Beach will increase six-fold over the next few months as the government moves forward with plans to restore the popular beach.

"The public is aware that the western end of the beach appears to be enjoying significant accretion following the year's usual winter storm erosion. However, the area just east of the new roundabout remains a bare iron shore. The iron shore portions, while offering protection, do not offer much comfort. Accordingly, the proposed expansion would add additional beach area at high tide by approximately 3.5 acres," said Earl Deveaux, Minister of Environment.

The beach area will increase from 1.5 acres to 5 acres. For a typical urban beach, the standard carrying capacity is measured per user for every 50 to 75 square feet, or the size of a bathroom or office.

According to that standard of measurement, Mr Deveaux said, the load capacity of the beach will increase from 1,306 people to 2,904.

Using another standard for urban beaches used in locations such as New York City, he said the new beach will be able to accommodate more than 6,000 people.

Mr Deveaux added: "Shade trees will be planted together with sea oats and native Scaveola along the length of the dune. As well, a sand fence will be installed to collect the normal drift.

"Saunders Beach restoration and expansion will have negligible adverse environmental impact in the maritime environment and will greatly enhance and complement the upland environment."

Florida based coastal engineering firm Olsen Associates Inc designed the plans for the new beach. The company will provide the construction oversight, while the actual construction will be conducted by a local contractor, said Colin Higgs, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Works.

The tender document is currently being prepared, as the Saunders Beach restoration is being planned to run concurrently with the Montagu Beach restoration. In both instances, the construction is being phased to ensure a portion of the beach is always available for public use. The cost of the project has not been established as yet, said Mr Higgs. One of the major expenditures will be the purchase and importation of beach-grade sand.

The two major companies that mine sand in the Bahamas are Tycoon Management and Ocean Cay Limited.

Sandy Cay, Bahamas, Caribbean

Just 56 miles from the chic resort city of Palm Beach, Florida, the Bahamian island of Sandy Cay offers a rare opportunity to those seeking to create their dream island retreat. No mangrove or swampland will hinder development of this perfect coral-rock gem, bounded on all sides by the sea at the high water mark. Unspoiled white sand beaches, breathtaking sea views and a perfect climate create a gorgeous tropical experience, conveniently close to the amenities of the island of Grand Bahama.

Just 7 miles from the western point of Grand Bahama Island, you will be close to a marina, casino, shopping and restaurants. Sandy Cay is also 8 miles from the stunning new $4.9B Ginn Sur Mer, a Versailles-inspired resort that will feature a luxurious casino, golf course, airstrip and many other amenities. This much-anticipated development will without a doubt result in heightened desirability for the Western point of Grand Bahama, making the fee-simple island an excellent investment.

Frommer's Bahamas 2011

The Bahamas

West Indies and Caribbean year book

A reconnoissance of the Bahamas and of the elevated reefs of Cuba in the steam yacht "Wild duck", January to April 1893

Fodor's Bahamas 2010, Plus Turks and Caicos