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Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
#180603
01/13/2019 10:52 PM
01/13/2019 10:52 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 102 Virginia
dfmsml
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Just spent a delightful afternoon at Baie Rouge....Gus started up again last Saturday with beach lounge chair/umbrella/drinks operation....he said he plans to be there daily and may add a grill later....his house was part wood and part cement.and they survived the hurricane in the cement part but the rest is gone....he’s a trooper and was glad to see him back....Dave
dfmsml
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: dfmsml]
#180616
01/14/2019 09:55 AM
01/14/2019 09:55 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,796 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Is this the same person who got a jail sentence recently for operating an unlicensed restaurant?
Carol Hill
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: Carol_Hill]
#180620
01/14/2019 10:44 AM
01/14/2019 10:44 AM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,535 Ohio
ruralcarrier
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Is this the same person who got a jail sentence recently for operating an unlicensed restaurant? I think that was Chez Raymond. LINK to previous discussion.
J.D.
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: DICKG]
#180628
01/14/2019 11:33 AM
01/14/2019 11:33 AM
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,647 Brookfield, CT.
pat
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Great to hear to nice a beach not to have people on it Many years ago, “ back in the day.....” and long before Gus or any other island entrepreneurs came to this beach and set up their operations, we used to spend lovely days there. We’d pack a small cooler with a few drinks and snacks and toss our towels onto the sand and enjoy the moments. You did have to deal with the coarse and grainy sand and you needed to be aware of the undertow but it was paradise found to so many, and so it is today to those who appreciate the services offered there now.
Respectfully,
pat
"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them."
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: dfmsml]
#180629
01/14/2019 12:03 PM
01/14/2019 12:03 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 644
foreversxm
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Mixed feelings about that news. I doubt it is legal since it was not legal for many years and the GOV went in and tore it down. Like many beaches on the Island they become very overrun with people and cars that pour onto private property and crowd the roads. I think a few beaches that are NOT commercialized would be a good thing.
Last edited by foreversxm; 01/14/2019 12:05 PM. Reason: typo
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: Islandercpl]
#180637
01/14/2019 02:00 PM
01/14/2019 02:00 PM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,796 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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It appears it was the owner of Chez Raymond who received a suspended jail sentence. However, it appears to be that this can hardly be a long term operation, since Gus acknowledges he doesn't have a permit and won't get one..
Carol Hill
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#180643
01/14/2019 02:39 PM
01/14/2019 02:39 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7,497 Vermont
sxmmartini
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I disagree with you. Take Colin and Cedric on Club Orient. They both are bringing a service to tourists and making money.
Last edited by sxmmartini; 01/14/2019 02:41 PM. Reason: Grammar
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: Islandercpl]
#180649
01/14/2019 03:02 PM
01/14/2019 03:02 PM
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,194 Virginia
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The legal entity is the Association Syndicale des Propriétaires des Terres Basses; the formal English translation is the Landowners Association Terres Basses, Inc. The Association claims to own or at least have extraordinary legal rights to the lowland beaches because of the fact that Erik Lawaetz, with the assistance of the then Mayor, in 1959, obtained a deed from some governmental authority in Paris to the domain land (i.e., the beaches) of the lowlands. (Erik Lawaetz is a huge name in the history of the island's tourism - he died in 2010 at the age of 96.) The Association always claimed that no one had the right to operate any commercial operation of any kind on the lowland beaches, unless authorized by the Association - Raymond and Gus were never so authorized. Over the years since they set up their operations, the Association has made efforts to get them off Baie Rouge, but never was able to get it done until post-Irma. The Association is legally obligated and committed to leave open at least one access path to the three lowland beaches and to permit people to enjoy the beaches. But, the Association always has taken the position, and it seems that the Collectivitie now definitely agrees as a legal matter, that no one can have a commercial operation on the beaches. I suppose the Association could make a deal and permit a commercial operation, but I do not think that ever will happen.
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#180656
01/14/2019 03:23 PM
01/14/2019 03:23 PM
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 81 Brunswick - Upstate NY
Islandercpl
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He does have a license/permit to sell, but not a permit to rebuild his beach bar. I asked him if his license was taken away after the hurricane, but he said no. Being that he is of the "older generation" of islanders he is having difficulty with the new ideas/rules/regulations. Over the years[since mid 80's] of having his establishment on the beach he didn't encounter much problems with the government except for them making sure that locals were working for him. Until recently has there been any problem with the building itself. Some sort of officials would come down and say this needs to be done, or that needs to be done. He would comply and they would be satisfied for a bit then come back with demands again.
I'm not going to say who is wrong or who is right......but my heart feels for Gus [he's our SXM family] and every other person on the island that has had their livelihood, home, employment, family taken away by mother nature and governments new rules. I understand the permit thing......safety, hygiene, order, etc. But, put yourself in this mans shoes......put yourself in the situation of this life is the only life you know. His business is gone, his home almost completely destroyed, his vehicles - one gone, one totaled. This past March we visited Gus in what was left of his house.....just a small one room concrete structure with whatever of his possessions survived.....it was so sad, I had to do all I could not to cry in front of him. So if the government won't give people like Gus a new building permit, but will let him have a license to sell, what is the answer? He unlike Chez Raymond did not just go back to the beach and rebuild without a permit....hence the jail sentence. He has met with, as he says " the big government people" a few times, but no permit is given. I really don't see them budging.
I don't know about the rest of you on this board, but to us why not grant these people that have been selling/renting most of their lives on all the beaches the proper permits. The small locally owned beach bars and other establishments is what drew us to keep coming back to the island since 1987. Not trying to start a right/wrong heated debate, but what is wrong with having a few palm covered beach bars on a beautiful beach for all to enjoy.
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: pburke40]
#180694
01/14/2019 07:32 PM
01/14/2019 07:32 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,307 Vancouver, WA
Todd
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I for one would support Gus on all of this and I hope he wins in the end, they either are going to take away his ability to operate in a location they have allowed for a couple decades or get rid of a ruling that is not consistent with either side of the island. I hope he gets island support, let me know where to donate to and I will!
No Private Beaches - Gus should stay !
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: dfmsml]
#180715
01/14/2019 10:38 PM
01/14/2019 10:38 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 102 Virginia
dfmsml
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Since I started this post and have read the comments so far, I offer these two observations....one ....owners of the Baie Rouge association properties probably would like to see “their beach” private and none of us would enjoy it....and two....thankfully, so far both the French and Dutch governments have held fast on assuring that “ all beaches are public” and must have public access. If that ever changes we can all, as the Eagles Don Henley song “The Last Resort” states ...call it paradise...kiss it goodbye....Dave
dfmsml
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: dfmsml]
#180750
01/15/2019 10:18 AM
01/15/2019 10:18 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,796 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Especially on the Dutch side, it almost seems like the idea of a public beach is honored more in the breach than observance thereof, but having a commercial establishment on a beach is a different question. Which is not to say that I agree with the landowners, but it appears to be a different question, especially with regard to Baie Rouge.
Last edited by Carol_Hill; 01/15/2019 10:25 AM.
Carol Hill
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: SXMBND]
#182041
01/27/2019 03:33 PM
01/27/2019 03:33 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,777 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
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Illegal is.illegal........... it's not like it's a new rule. So true. People need to get over it. Good while it lasted but laws are laws.
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#182043
01/27/2019 03:41 PM
01/27/2019 03:41 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,535 Ohio
ruralcarrier
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Illegal is.illegal........... it's not like it's a new rule. So true. People need to get over it. Good while it lasted but laws are laws. Correct and correct. Some will complain when laws are not enforced and others will complain when they are enforced.
J.D.
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: Joecool]
#182168
01/29/2019 01:02 AM
01/29/2019 01:02 AM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,307 Vancouver, WA
Todd
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Vancouver, WA
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Go Team Gus! Public beaches, regardless of any agreements made, and with that the ability of private businesses to service the beaches not blocked by a small group of residents that want a private beach. Illegal is allowing for a private beach.
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: dfmsml]
#182239
01/29/2019 02:32 PM
01/29/2019 02:32 PM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,577 St Maarten
BillandElaine
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The beach is public. There are laws protecting the beach and requiring permits. No permit, you shouldn't be there. Why do so many of you promote breaking the law?
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: BillandElaine]
#182259
01/29/2019 03:46 PM
01/29/2019 03:46 PM
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,777 Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman
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Auburn, WA
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The beach is public. There are laws protecting the beach and requiring permits. No permit, you shouldn't be there. Why do so many of you promote breaking the law? Totally agree.
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: BillandElaine]
#182287
01/29/2019 05:27 PM
01/29/2019 05:27 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,535 Ohio
ruralcarrier
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Posts: 17,535
Ohio
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The beach is public. There are laws protecting the beach and requiring permits. No permit, you shouldn't be there. Why do so many of you promote breaking the law? Because they enjoyed the place and the person/people without regard to the local laws. Sad as that may be.
J.D.
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: BillandElaine]
#182322
01/29/2019 07:22 PM
01/29/2019 07:22 PM
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 4,307 Vancouver, WA
Todd
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Vancouver, WA
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It is not about breaking the law, or ignoring the law. It is that a small local group is able to restrict what permits are allowed on public property. I am sure they are not the only group that restricts what happens on their stretch of beach but there is a flaw there. I will miss having Gus there although we did not go to that beach as much as we once did. It would be nice to have somebody there servicing the beach area, and I would like to see that allowed and would support his efforts to be able to do that.
I prefer the Isle seat
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: Todd]
#182327
01/29/2019 07:40 PM
01/29/2019 07:40 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 17,535 Ohio
ruralcarrier
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Were there ever any legal permits applied for? If so were they denied, approved or never acted on? I have no idea but you did refer to "It is that a small local group is able to restrict what permits are allowed on public property."
J.D.
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#182331
01/29/2019 08:05 PM
01/29/2019 08:05 PM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 706 South Coast of MA
SXMBND
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South Coast of MA
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The beach is public. There are laws protecting the beach and requiring permits. No permit, you shouldn't be there. Why do so many of you promote breaking the law? Totally agree. X3
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: Todd]
#182378
01/30/2019 06:47 AM
01/30/2019 06:47 AM
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,577 St Maarten
BillandElaine
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St Maarten
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I disagree dear friend. The vendor was breaking the law. The surrounding property owners asked to have the law upheld and sorry but Hallelujah on the French side they actually enforce the law. Right or wrong, it's the law. So wish it was so on this side.
Elaine ********************************* God Bless the broken road....
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: dfmsml]
#184469
02/17/2019 06:18 PM
02/17/2019 06:18 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 552 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
KGB
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Just to give you folks and update- Gus is still there, he is renting out the chairs and umbrellas but you need to come early or you will get none... he makes drinks, but not the blended ones. No power, no water... basically, operates out of his cooolers under the umbrella. Charging now $20 for a set of two chairs and umbrella. He said that he does have a food and alcohol permit so he can sell it anywhere on a French side but he can not rebuild his bar. No permanent structures allowed. I was happy to see him there, at least you can get some basic stuff. He mentioned that he is trying to set up a bbq grill and start cooking food.
"Often Wrong, Never in Doubt"
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: dfmsml]
#185014
02/21/2019 11:41 PM
02/21/2019 11:41 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 552 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
KGB
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Well here is another update: on Tuesday we went to Bai Ruge again, rented chairs and umbrella from Gus. The day was a bit windy, our umbrella didn’t work very well, was constantly bent over in a wrong way, lol! I saw a few more heavy duty umbrellas in a pile next to Gus’s stand and came to ask to get mine replaced.... to my huge surprise Gus asked me for another $10.00!!! I said “ Are you serious or is it a joke?” He was serious! I pointed out that we had the heavy duty umbrella before and NEVER had to pay more for it... I was really pizzed. I told him that there is no way I am going to pay more than $20 for a set! He ended up getting me a different umbrella but not the one that I wanted... He doesn’t have many takers for his sets. Most locals bring their own stuff and I counted only 4 rented sets that day. If Gus wants to survive there- he needs to stop penny pinch people. That will create an unhappy customers for sure! Instead of gouging people, he should’ve offered a cheaper rate for a set to people who arrive after 2-3 pm, maybe like $10.00. In that case all the locals who come in for a few last hours would rent for sure, but not for $20! Ok, my rant is over...
"Often Wrong, Never in Doubt"
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: dfmsml]
#185092
02/22/2019 08:30 PM
02/22/2019 08:30 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 552 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
KGB
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Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Laughable! He said it’s bigger and cost more! And just a few days ago, when there were more chairs were set up, the price was the same!
"Often Wrong, Never in Doubt"
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: Islandercpl]
#185098
02/22/2019 10:14 PM
02/22/2019 10:14 PM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 108 Florida
Kamehameha
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It's a shame there's apparently no "grandfather" clause that would cover him.
<a href="https://www.TickerFactory.com/"> <img border="0" src="https://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10765;125/st/20180504/e/3+weeks+in+Aruba%21/k/38b6/event.png"></a>
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: deputydog1157]
#185099
02/22/2019 10:27 PM
02/22/2019 10:27 PM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 108 Florida
Kamehameha
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Well said, Deputy Dog. I lived on the beach in Broward County for 60 years, still have a condo on the ocean on Hutchinson Island. You're correct on the high water mark info. Unfortunately, too many people "borrow" hotel or condo or someone's personal facilities, chairs, pools, often leading to owners who have just "had it." Now if they wanted to borrow my stuff and kick in for the mortgage, taxes, hurricane insurance, etc., that might make a difference!
<a href="https://www.TickerFactory.com/"> <img border="0" src="https://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10765;125/st/20180504/e/3+weeks+in+Aruba%21/k/38b6/event.png"></a>
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#185113
02/23/2019 07:57 AM
02/23/2019 07:57 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 706 South Coast of MA
SXMBND
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With no original permit how could he be grandfathered in? Squaters rites? Don't think so. X2
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: irina]
#185114
02/23/2019 07:57 AM
02/23/2019 07:57 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 706 South Coast of MA
SXMBND
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You all need to get a grip. Gus can charge whatever he wants, just as you can. Don't like it? Don't pay it. Bring your own chair. Or sit on your towel. And don't compare your experiences "living on the coast" in US to anything outside of US. Cheers I X2
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: SXMScubaman]
#185291
02/24/2019 02:55 PM
02/24/2019 02:55 PM
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 108 Florida
Kamehameha
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Violations can be "grandfathered" in some cases when the infraction is allowed/overlooked by officials for a period of time. Depends on the community, history, etc. Grandfathering doesn't always have to depend on a previously issued permit. Experience from 8 yr chair of P&Z and Bd of Adj. Did you mean "squatters rights" or were you referencing some arcane religious sect with "squaters rites"? Just a lighthearted jest!
<a href="https://www.TickerFactory.com/"> <img border="0" src="https://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/d/4;10765;125/st/20180504/e/3+weeks+in+Aruba%21/k/38b6/event.png"></a>
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Re: Gus chairs and drinks back at Baie Rouge
[Re: sandytntn]
#185369
02/25/2019 10:26 AM
02/25/2019 10:26 AM
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,796 Central Florida!
Carol_Hill
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Here is in this thread, Islandcouple stated that they had talked to him personally and confirmed it, just two posts above yours.
Carol Hill
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