Well the demolition on Orient has started

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Thank you for posting the pictures. Things are certainly moving along!
For the owners/leasers, I hope the new construction will go smoothly and quickly. Wondering if there are any drawings of the new plans?

Thanks for posting the pictures. Hopefully they will continue to move along quickly.

Sorry to see that they finally are being demolished. Will miss them and all the memories they have provided my wife and I with over the last 15 years. I have sent you a PM. Click on the flashing envelope at the top left to get my message. Thanks for posting the photos.

I always the old construction was much too close to the beach. Does anyone know if there are plans to set the new construction back at all?

Yes, I've heard the new construction will be set back from the beach a bit and also an 80 car parking area behind the new buildings. I think it will be a good thing and most importantly more sturdy to withstand storms. I just loved it the way it was too, and will be sad they won't be open during our trip in July,

Thank you for the photos.

The drawings online looked that they would be further back off the beach, which should help immensely with the erosion problems also.

From Pedros the first building is gone and they are cleaning it up. They will be working on Andy and Cheryl's next. They are very meticulous as they have a couple of workers picking up the small stuff and taking it to the dumpster. I guess the idea is that only the sand will be left when they start construction. The wireless is very slow here at Club O so I can't even e-mail a picture. I will keep trying.

That is good news, that they are being so careful about it. Obviously having to worry about finding nails, etc., in the sand for years would not be a good thing!!

Thanks for posting the pictures! I am impressed that demolition started exactly on time! Island time is getting more accurate for sure.

How sad looking. Are you able to walk down the beach in front of the construction areas? I apologize if I missed this, but where exactly does the construction start? We will be there in 4 weeks.

The businesses affected are the next 7 restaurants after Pedro's, basically down to Kontiki.. Obviously, as of yesterday, you could walk down the beach in front of the units, as some of the pictures were taken from the beach side. When they actually start construction, not sure whether that will still be the case or not.

Thanks to you & others for keeping us updated. We knew that the changes were inevitable, and our original leeriness has become a piqued curiosity. I think that this whole process was well thought out, and in the end will make most of us happy. At least, there won't be more high-rises.

Thanks very much for the pictures. Our thoughts are with all the business owners and their employees.

You are able to walk on the beach in front of the construction. It looked like Andy's and Cheryl's is down as they move north on the beach (we didn't go all of the way down). The gentleman that works at Pedros was setting up the tables this morning and he said that the government put up the buildings that were there and had the right to change them. If you look at it from the tenants point of view it will be better with more parking for customers.

We will try to see what has gone on today as the day winds to a close. The beach north of Club O is quiet while the beach at Club O is busy. We were amazed at how few people were there today. Well, a little lunch and back to the beach!

The government did not put up the buildings. The investor who leased the land from the person who leased the land from the government did. And the leases to the government ran out. As was found out in the Bikini controversy.

SXM??? Wendell

Wendell--again, Bikini had nothing to do with this. The affected section of the beach was never leased by Luftman, to my knowledge.

Picture taken by JimCandD at 9 this morning, of the demolition of the first building, next to Cheryl's.

The article (in French) from several weeks ago describing this project seemed quite clear in stating that the affected parcel is separate and different from the parcel that Luftman controls. I have no idea who built the structures that are being demolished, but it stated that the new buildings going up will be paid for and owned by the government, which controls this parcel.

The lease for this section were made at the same time.

SXM??? Wendell

Wendell--sorry, you are incorrect.

Cheryl's


Further down the beach

May have been but probably leased to a different person.

They went as far as Cheryls and then skipped a few and started down the beach further. In the second picture you can see them starting to put up a fence to keep the people out of the construction zone.

By the way, we are leaving tomorrow early for a flight to Miami. If there is anyone else on the beach with a camera I would like to see more pictures as the destruction/construction continues. I hope this plan helps the island folks. I remember the first place we ever ate on the beach was Le String and that is where we first encountered Andy. Later on we ate at Cheryls and frequented the shops in back. One of our friends took a chip of paint from Orange Fever since they have good memories there. If you can't post pics, check with Carol like I did and she will magically solve all your problems. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

We were to arrive today but or flight got cancelled and SHOULD be there tomorrow for two weeks. I'll try to get pics on here every day I can. I'm an early bird and my wife isn't so I can take some pics early.

Well... I'm really glad we were able to see Orient this year before the reconstruction! I know some improvements are usually good, but after 30+ years vacationing in the islands, USVI/BVI primarily, I have so many stories of man you should have seen this place back in the day! Can anyone say whether or not ALOHA! has been torn down?

So sorry to hear your flight got cancelled!!! Best wishes for tomorrow and the rest of your trip.

Possibly not as of this evening, but it will go, as will the rest.

We just returned from 2-weeks at Club O, and passed these old places during our early morning walks along Orient Beach. Going by Andy & Cheryl's one morning, I noticed a faded poster of "Andy & Cheryl" still mounted on a back wall. The following week, it had fallen and curled up on the floor - hope someone was able to save it for a memento of good food and fun times.

and all the license plates from those of us who frequented Andy and Cheryl's.....

Seeing the photos of the demolition, with the signs, menus, etcetera, still there, it seems as if the proprietors of the establishments aren't as concerned with the history of the places as we are. You would think they would have taken those kinds of things while they could, if not to use them as artwork in the new buildings, then for sentimental reasons. Maybe I'm just a softie.

Agreed, although it depends on how many signs there were too. As far as Cheryl in particular, I have had no contact with her, but it might be a time for her to put her own separate name (only) on whatever restaurant she re-opens.

DonLinda posted a picture of her going through the plates in her trip report:

http://donlinda.net/SXM2015/index.htm

When you lose your loved one, only you can determine when it's "time" to do anything.

I certainly wasn't implying that Cheryl needed or wanted to consult with anyone else, especially me, just a possible explanation for why she would not have taken some of those items as momentos, or to put up in the new place.

I wonder why those guys aren't auctioning off all those tidbits of memorabilia to the TTOLers and other who are lamenting the change? Want the "A" of Aloha? Here it is! Like Leandras wraps? get a chunk of menu board listing wrap options! Pay now, pick it up next time you're on island!

Do you really think they care about the few that feel as you? All they care about is getting it done and getting back to business. I would be the same if in their shoes.

I doubt that any of the restaurant and shop owners involved are very happy about what is happening to them. Talking to a few of them back in March, they were very upset about what was ''rumored'' to be taking place. Each of them worked their butts off over the years to make their establishments what they are/were today. The thoughts of them losing months of income....and seeing their hard work leveled by bulldozers have to be the hardest thing for them to bare. Each, had their own distinct shack that they could do basically what they wanted to do. One thing that I haven't seen mentioned here, or anywhere else....will these new buildings allow for ''storage'' of the umbrellas and chairs???? Will they all be equipped with ''bathroom facilities, showers, etc?

Hopefully, this all will work for them....but I think that they all going into the ''world of the unknown''.

In the article I read in the daily Herald was that they would have restrooms and I thought I read showers too.

Oh, for sure, none of the folks displaced can be happy right now, that is a given. I have no idea about the storage, but there will be restrooms for the entire complex, yes. As far as showers, no idea on that, but I do not recall that any of the 7 displaced restaurants had showers before.

Le String had rest room and shower. I think that was one thing that put them apart from the rest.

OK, I didn't know that. Aloha definitely had a RESTROOM, don't remember a shower though.

Orange Fever advertised facilities, though I never used them:

Orange Fever's beach, it's open every day at 8.30.
For only $ 7, you can have a confortable chair (with umbrella), a free drink (beer, soda, juice, glass of wine or rum punch) and bathroom & shower facilities.
Large choice of Beers for only $3, Frozen drinks (16oz) for $6, Rum Punch ($4), mix drinks ($5), glass of wine ($3).

gary

They did offer a very clean bathroom and outdoor shower facilities.

Thursday 10:22am
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Thursday 3:42pm
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Friday 9:16am
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Friday 9:16am
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Went snorkeling around 1pm I think this picture shows a better over all idea of the demo area.

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Thanks so much for posting the pictures. I know many people will be so interested to seeing the 'progress'.. From the last picture, it appears that folks will be able to walk by on the beach side while the construction is going on, which is a good thing.

Being that this is end of June, demo is just being done and BIDDING for utility work & construction of buildings has NOT taken place (per an article from French side & posted on another SXM site), I am wondering how they will ever get this completely done by November!! Only if SXM contractors & workers are much more motivated than those in USA....never heard of such a major project getting done that fast.

How about the causeway? That surprised the heck out of me.

Causeway was Dutch side, not French side!!!

The publication date of that article was April 13 2015.

Three pictures from Morwaves, taken at 7 am on June 27

we heard that the causeway was done by off-shore workers

I think you are at least partially correct, but it was planned and financed by a government agency or a quasi one. Usually they operate on super slow island time. Just look at the unoccupied government buildings and the when is it ever going to happen? waste to energy plant. I know these are Dutch side projects, but things are pretty much the same on the French side. Just look how long it took to get the road from No 7 to Le Galion started and then completed.

Looks like things are moving along, altho looking pretty bleak. Soon it will be just beach. (I suppose like it was way back when...)
I know it's for the best, but personally I'll miss the funky uniqueness! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Sad.gif" alt="" />
Once the new construction begins, I'll start getting excited for the owners of the establishments!

Wishing all the businesses well, of course, but I for one would love if they were all pushed inland 100 yards or so to allow the natural water/ land interface to reemerge. I wouldn't mind walking or have them deliver food or set up a simple/small drink hut like the perch.

Having only been there once, this past March, I think you are on to something! 100 yards might be too far, but even if they placed the building back 100 feet can you imagine how much extra beach area they would have. I like the beach hut drink idea surrounded by palm trees and extra tables to sit at. I think it would look incredible with that added beach front! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

From the renderings, I think the new buildings will be further off the beach, yes. That should help with the erosion at the shoreline.

Anyone on island have any updated pictures from this week to share?

i'll send some in the morning but every thing is gone except brothers and the bldgs for the coolers

OK, thanks for the update..

Saturday 6-27-15
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Monday 6-29-15
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Monday 6-29-15
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Wow, ok, thanks, I think..

Is there room beyond the chain link fence for our morning walks?

Kevin--look at the pictures. It looks fine for walks, other than possibly getting your feet wet from time to time.

If you look at the second picture in the series, you can see a couple walking along the beach. Of course, that can change from day to day, as we all know.

We're gonna miss the old places for sure.
So, this may not be a popular opinion, but Wow - that last picture looks so nice, how about they just clean up the rest of the rubble, and leave it like that... :-)

Wow that just ripped my heart out!!!! Thanks?? Should I say: Great pixx???? Thank you for the up-date. 4 months and counting!

At least they left the trees...for now

Man, that is sad. I'm so sorry to see this, but I guess that's progress. Perhaps it will be better, but somehow I don't think so.

Anyway, Diana and I will be staying at Mont Vernon in Mid-September hopefully the construction will about all wrapped up by then.

Thanks for the updates...

As with any change, it may be better, it may be worse, but it definitely will be different.

John <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

My thought exactly, wouldn't a pristine beach/dune be nice?

And that, My Friends, is how many of us were so fortunate to have once known this entire beach almost from end to end. No hotels, no bars, no shops, no restaurants, and best of all - no rules. (They weren't needed....) Just a beautiful wide open beach with but one club tucked away just off the sand and just sea grape and occasional other ground cover to add a little color and variety to the various shades of blue and sandy whites!!

And it truly was HEAVENLY!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

I think you took us either the first trip in 83 or maybe it was 85, we first stopped by the salt pond watching the boys in their flat bottom boats pulling up conch, then we had lunch at Pedro's and it was just wide open beach all the way to the other end. Haven't been over in maybe 3 years. Shall be interesting how it turns out

OMGoodness - I can't believe you remember that, and yes, I think it was during your first trip in 1983. Do you remember how terrible the roads (paths?) were and how there was virtually nothing out in that area at all? Pedro's was truly the only show in town.....

Those were some of our best trips to SXM. And do you remember how you and your sister couldn't believe there was no tv at our resort condo? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for all of the pictures! I sit at my desk thinking of memories . . . lunch at orange fever ... happy hour at Le String ... mussels at Andy and Cheryls ... it's hard to see the destruction but the memories will always live on and it's the people that make them! Looking forward to creating new memories in December.

We will be at Club F at the same time and while I too hope things have moved along by then, I won't be surprised if they haven't.

My outlook is more positive. I think that this area had clearly reached the limit of organic growth and the need to implement some planning was clear. Obviously, this is a rather drastic step in this direction, but I feel like steps in this direction were needed and the end result will be a good one.

thanks for the updates!

I just went by the construction at 5:25 and all the buildings are gone except 3 sides of one.

Thanks for the report. I wonder once everything is demolished, how fast it will proceed from there? Hopefully with as much alacrity!

We are at Club O this time next week. Very curious to see the changes.

When we were there what struck me was the way they were going about it. The excavator looked like a new one and other than the operator there were two people picking up the smaller pieces working with the operator. On the second day there was another crew putting up the security fence. Along with that there were truck operators removing the debris. I have seen jobs in the states go at a slower rate. They all seemed to be doing their jobs well. That is just my opinion. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" />

What's interesting to me is that it looks like in the first picture that there will be a fence between the beach and the restaurants. I can't tell whether that is supposed to be a wall there and the restaurants are raised up? Because if not, you will not be able to see the water from the restaurants because you won't be able to see past the umbrellas on the beach??

The restaurants do look elevated....
http://www.lepelican-journal.com/saint-m...forme-7375.html

OK, I didn't see it that way when I saw that drawing to begin with, but I guess so. I thought originally it just looked like a line there.

Just loved the post from Pat. Heavenly indeed was how Orient was. I always called it Paradise, and now - just our opinion- it's Paradise Lost ( apologies to Mr Milton). Still got the old passport with stamp IMMIGRATIE ST. MAARTEN DEC 1980. Reint just had the seafront and some of the horseshoe villas up. The bar roof leaked in the rain, visitors from Le Galion came over, the Sunday cook-out was to die for. We don't go no more- if you loved as it was, you need to find elsewhere. How lucky were we of the early 80s to have been to Paradise !

If you look closely at the top right rendition, in the center bottom is what appears to be the top of a wooden stair case and a wall on either side with a railing on top of it. The wall looks about as tall as the man, so you should get a good view of the water.

The rendition that BeachKitten linked, the wall didn't look nearly that tall, possibly only a couple of feet, but I guess we will find out soon. I'm guessing that wall would have to be concrete, from the look of it.

Paul & Maryann Marini are at Club Orient now. I think his pictures are open for everyone to see on Facebook. (I hope, since he asked me to post them on TTOL, and I have the hardest time! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" />)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=...e=1&theater

Sorry, I'm not on Facebook and I couldn't see the pictures.

Here is the translation to Beachkittens link: "The development project of the plot Aw34 Orient Bay goes into high gear. The Semsamar just published a contract notice in the competition for jobs. Two types of projects are proposed. On the one hand the external works (roads and utilities), coastal protection and demolitions for the development of the plot Aw34 of Orient Bay. On the other hand, building work on carbets construction on this plot. This work is expected to cost $ 2 million to the Community. In any case the budgeted amount that was passed in territorial council in November. Operators should be able to invest their new premises at the end of September 2015. Until then, an exemption from the AOT (land occupation permit) is granted to the occupied lands. Once in their new premises, it will be issued to traders, a new AOT. The architectural project is advertised as "homogeneous and in a spirit contemporary Creole" by the authority. Will be on this parcel belonging to the Community, eight restaurants, four shops and a tourist market, a 80 space car park and toilets. Work should begin in June 2015. The operators will thus have to leave for several months."

Thanks Paul. Seems they're serious about this!
CnJ

Pat, I am with you. Pedros was enough beach bar for me. They could leave the buildings gone. Remember all the palm trees before Luis.

SXMWendell

You actuall left Pedros?????? <img src="http://65.246.19.145/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Ok, getting some sun, right, and walking the beach????? <img src="http://65.246.19.145/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" /> Pedros from years back... was different that is for sure.

Way back when the taxi drivers took you to Pedros, as that realistically was the only spot on Orient to drop people off!!! Times have change! <img src="http://65.246.19.145/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Ok, forgot to add ----- you had to go back to Pedros to get the drink for the taxi ride back, right?? Not that you had any choice in the matter, unless the taxi drive had the cooler in the front seat. Seems that I remember that for some reason................. not going there!!! <img src="http://65.246.19.145/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

I drank with the taxi driver going back to Dawn Beach.

SXM. WENDELL

Hmmm, Wendell,

As I recall the original Dawn Beach area 'back in the day' - and remembering some of the paths and gullies we traversed to get there back then, you'd probably have to provide the driver with a few drinks before-hand to get him to drive out there in the first place! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

July 4
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July 4
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July 4
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Thanks so much for posting all the pictures!

Safe travels!

Hope someone else picks up the torch and continues posting pictures.

Looking at those pictures got me thinking. Where do they take all the demolition debris to? There is only so much space on the island!

Looking at those pictures I can't help but say again... just leave it sand, dunes and palm trees!

Certainly looks like they are moving quickly. Of course, tearing things down is always quicker than putting them up.

Excited to see how far along things are in 10 weeks when we arrive.

Although i do love the look of Orient as it stands today cleared out...it just ain't the same beach without all the shacks and food places. There are a lot more quieter and deserted beaches on the island...but the ''charm'' of Orient is the hustle and bustle....and all the great choices to eat and drink. People don't go to Orient for the quiet and serenity...they usually go for a good time. Of course, my favorite time of the day to be on Orient is around 3 or 4 PM....when the cruise people are long gone, and the beach starts to ''open up'' after a busy day. Sure is going to be different next March when we go there....

That's never going to happen again. Plus think of all the folks who would be out of jobs if it did. Granted we weren't visiting Orient 'back in the day' when it was mostly beach and palm trees, but I must admit that we do enjoy having our choice of beach bars to go to. Hope it maintains the same feel it had before they tore it all down.

It's really amazing how lovely it looks all cleaned up! Whatever else happens I think it will look and feel much better just having the buildings pushed back.

When we arrive next April I am sure everything will be just fine ....A new beginning ...change is good ..I am sure the prices will be higher next April ...

My guess as to where all the debris is: somewhere nearby they have dug a hole & dumped debris in it, -OR- somewhere nearby was a low spot that is being filled in....whereever it is, the pile of debris will likely be covered with some soil....

There IS a dump on the French side, guys. I'm not sure why you would assume that people would just dump this debris, especially since it is a government project.

Don't believe the post turned to where is all the debris going....but happy to jump. C&D (construction/demolition) debris is fairly clean stuff..sand/concert most likely going to fill something (wherever they need it) or landfill cover, other stuff with wood, must likely the landfill north of Cul de Sac. They may even grind and compost the wood. Let this be the last derbies discussion.

Anyway keep those pictures coming...nice job to those on the island in keeping us informed.

I think the thread only went here because no one has posted anything recent in the past couple of days. Hopefully someone on island can post a new thread with current information, as this one is so long it should be closed.

If someone on island has pictures that they don't know how to post, email them to me.

And to think we survived all that. I swear our 1st trip there in late '70's I thought the pot holes would swallow us up and we'd never be seen again! And that hill going to Dawn Beach was a nightmare.

Looking at demolition photos showing no building but just sand reminds me of those years when nothing was there but sun sand and bare bottoms.

Today they were loading up the big backhoe. Nothing left but sand. I took a picture but can't remember my photobucket sign-on so I can't post it. Really not much to see. I will post it when I get back.

Carol,
I sent you a picture that my wife and son shot of the construction area while they were parasailing yesterday. I could not get it to post. Hopefully you can.

Paul

Hi. Hopefully Eric will be able to post it today.

Today they were hauling out sand and compacting the sub base. Not too much exciting to report.