Lees to reopen in new location

They are supposed to be rebuilding alon Billy Folly RD opposite of the Atrium.

Correct.

Lesley--I can't really imagine specifically where this is, but where will people park??

The parking , I would have to look at and get back to you Folks on this.

ok thanks!

Isn't there already not enough parking for the Greenhouse and Buccaneer?!

That was the first thought I had! There's no where to park there

Its called!!! Find a parking spot and do some walking. there are other places that have no or limited parking, If its worth it, people do some walking... Parking is a big issue for alot of resturants, even if they have parking, can be taken, so have to walk... We have gone to pinaple petes who has some spots in front, but all taken, and had to hunt for a parking space. If the resturant is that good!!! Walk...Spelling errors? who cares.

And just where exactly would you park on Billy Folly Road, even if you wanted to walk??? There is NO place to park there, that is not for a specific location.

I guess it depends on where exactly it will be.....near the beginning of the road there will be reasonably close street parking on Welfare road....if near BBB or further up then all bets are off....

We always walked to the old location from SBR so this probably will be closer for those people

Great for the people staying at the Atrium and not to far to walk for Simpson Bay Resort. Lees never really had a lot of parking options at their original location either. We always had parked in the Royal Palm lot as we had the pass from the sister resort Flamingo. Maybe Atrium will capitalize on this and charge hourly parking for non guests.

We are at SBR, just a short walk down, I hope Less will open but most likely not any time soon.

There weren't a lot of spare parking places at Atrium when we stayed there in May. I'd hate to be staying there and not be able to park when I got home for the evening.

Greenhouse and Buccaneer parking is their private parking .

There is a side street and if not theres simpson bay resorts area. A walk but doable. also bbb can be parking in there lot or outside of lot. There are spots. BBB has parking inside and right on road. Can find a spot. But since its not there yet, we are just guessing... Nothing on Island is easy, hit or miss. Even the best places to eat are a challenge to find parking.

Isn't the Atrium pass controlled either by card or dashboard permit?

Yes, I'm pretty sure it is like a credit card thing you put in a slot to get access to their garage, as I recall. They would have to put in a whole new system AND hire someone to man it, even if they wanted to rent out parking space, which I don't see why they would want to.

Not sure what your talking about. they have parking behind the road and out side. Sure it could be full but just need to turn in from billy foley road and get to parking for bbb. we have done it lots of time. There is some parking on the road as well. Listen, if someone wants to go to a resturant they will find a place for the car. and who knows!! maybe its good exercise for that are out of shape.lol

If by "they" you mean Atrium they have controlled access parking so I have no clue why that's an issue for discussion with Lee's parking...and yes, if you want to go to a restaurant you WILL find parking...and...we don't even know where it will be located!

Yes, it is. But it was suggested that they charge for parking, which I assume would allow non-guests access to their parking deck. Not a good idea, in my opinion.

It's your key card.

Are they actually constructing a new building or are they going to occupy an existing structure?

I thought the same thing. Where in the area?

They are building across from the Atrium and I am sure they have thought about providing parking spaces for their customers. We should not assume there will be no parking provided and run with all these unfounded ideas.

We saw the building going up last week when we were there. It is pretty much across from the Atrium, not as far up as the Greenhouse or Buck. There is absolutely no parking. I can't imagine there is any parking closer than Toppers or maybe in the plaza where Jimbo's is. I'm sure the Market Garden will keep you out of their parking lot.

We stay at SBR and walk whenever possible. To park at SBR you need a pass & I don't think BBB will let you park in their lot to go to Lee's. The parking lot by the Red Piano is full of their customers & the valet parking of the casino. In the past two weeks we never saw an empty spot on the street by BBB & certainly not in February when we are there. My guess is they will have valet parking like Isola & the casino. I have no idea where they park the cars once the Red Piano lot is full. The congestion in that area the past two weeks was unbelievable and the Flamingo isn't even open. To top all that off SBR provides valet parking for La Patrona & the Sports Bar by pulling over just after Isola.

We walk the road easily from Simpson Bay Marina. It isn't that far and the exercise will be helpful before and after a nice meal.

I think the main point is that Lee's is reopening and that is fantastic!!! The best red snapper on the island, hands down 😁 😎

If someone is nearby could you please take a picture and post so we can get a reference to where Lee's is building? TIA

Lots of folks here assume everyone CAN walk that distance or hill.

Correct. Seems with many businesses on SXM, parking is given little or no thought. Convenient if one is staying at Atrium or other close resorts, otherwise not so much.

Elaine--Absolutely. At the moment I basically am unable to walk much of anywhere. There are many in the same position.

"I don't think BBB will let you park in their lot to go to Lee's."
BBB can't control or stop someone from parking in the upper lot along Billy Folly as I don't believe it really is theirs. I have found parking there numerous times in May/JUne but it isn't high season then.

Huhm, the sign says that lot belongs to them. How do you know that it doesn't?? I would hate to get my car towed.

If it is really theirs, which I doubt, unless they hire someone to watch where people go after they park how could they prove you aren't at the BBB having a drink before going to Lees

lol can you wait till January? We will be staying at penthouse apartment above greenhouse, right next to Atrium. Apparently we have complimentary parking somewhere across Billy Folley Rd? I will for sure be interested to see where Lee's is relocating to. Happy to hear they are opening again.

I still don't understand how you can just assume it's not theirs?? Regardless, I don't care to get my car towed, thank you very much. Edit--wait, doesn't the sign say that lot belongs to the GREENHOUSE, not Buccaneer?? Regardless, I'm not parking somewhere that specifically says that it belongs to a different business than I am going to.

At one time it used to say the parking was for the restaurant that was across the street on the other side of Billy Folly. Who knows who has it. Might just be who puts the signs up first and stakes a claim to it. LOL

The sign says the Greenhouse, I'm pretty sure. Are you saying that sign is now gone?? Again, what makes you think they don't own it???

Not saying it is gone and not sure who owns it or if any place does. I can't imagine the Greenhouse having a parking lot so far up the road from their restaurant but anything can happen on that island just like someone setting up a Lolo without permits. Captain D's for example. All speculation on my part.
Bottom line is that Lees is building and reopening which is another plus for the Simpson Bay area and the island.

Amazing, you just choose to ignore the sign. OK.

I honestly don't recall seeing any signs for a long time there for any establishment. You have any pictures of the signs in question for the greenhouse?

When we were there in September I believe the sign said parking for patrons of the Buccaneer Beach Bar along with another sign that showed the lower level lot for BBB. I agree with you Carol, but maybe that's because I believe in following rules. If a sign says parking for XYZ business I won't park there unless I am going to do business with XYZ business. Why risk a nice day ruined by a taxi ride to the tow yard to pay $200 to get your car back? It's no different than someone parking in my driveway, without permission, to visit a friend 3 houses down. You can bet your bottom dollar that car would be towed off my property. To those that wish to risk it, don't cry when you come back from a different business and find your car gone, be it in SXM or USA.

Which "upper lot"?

There is a small lot directly across from Greenhouse and up a slight hill that had Greenhouse Only parking signs in it the last time I was there but that has been 18 months ago.

The lot on the same side as BBB and adjacent to them (slightly up the hill) had BBB Only signs the last time I was there, which was also 18 months ago.

While I will agree, parking can be rather random at many places on SXM, I have seen cars towed many times from different places that indicated the parking was for their patrons only.

Perhaps when the restaurants in question here lease the restaurant property, it also comes with a lease for a specific number or parking spaces also.

The BBB upper lot is theirs! BBB is three pieces of property. Two deeded and a water rights long lease!

Thanks Neil.

Well, I dunno. The other night I found a space at the head-in spaces next to the drive down to BBB's lot. This was after a LOT of driving to find a space. At any rate, I did not see a sign, and I was not towed.

Good for you that it worked out.

The past few weekends, cars were double parking and blocking cars in front of the small grocery store across the street from the Greenhouse, and cars were parked on the sidewalk in front of the Greenhouse and up to and including the entrance to the BBB.

There is also a large new building going up right beside it and it looks like a parking garage on the main floor so that may be a possibility. Lee's actually looks quite small and is being built right in front of their residence and directly across from the Atrium. I was very surprised they chose that location for several reasons, but I guess they won't have to move in the future if they own that land.

That new concrete building with tile going up the sides is the new synagogue.

Thanks for the info, Elizabeth.

Correct Jewish and no one can park there. Parking will be a problem for Lee's place.

Looks like I'll have to attend the synagogue first. LOL

Lee's, right across from the Atrium ? Great, every time it rains we can use their swim-up bar right from the street !!!!!

HaHaHaHaHa. Good one.

True, dat!!

This was Lee's last post on his facebook page on August 15:
"Lee’s Roadside Grill update!
We thought that by now we would be open but
the location is still a pending matter.

The previous government gave Lee’s Roadside Grill
a rental agreement for a piece of land on Simpson Bay
Beach (Kimsha Beach) but the current government
will not approve the building permit request because
permanent structures, such as Roxi beach currently under construction on the same beach, are not allowed to be built on the beach or perhaps it’s because Lee Halley is a Simpson Bay, St. Maarten man and not a foreigner. We do not want to be irresponsible and put a shack like the ones on the parking lot. We want to put something that won’t damage or destroy somebody elses home/business should/when a storm passes by.

We hope to secure a location and be open before the end of the year and I think that with Lee’s building capabilities we can do it."

What's the date on that post?

Sorry I mean to include that. August 15, 2018. I will edit it right now.

OK, well, that really isn't relevant now, I wouldn't think.

Just thought people might want a little history of what he was going through trying to secure another location.

I think most people who are really interested have followed it..

They already are and have been for weeks.

Sorry, they already are WHAT?

Pretty vague response but since it appears it goes back to Scubaman's original post of: "They are supposed to be rebuilding alon Billy Folly RD opposite of the Atrium."

Just a guess on my part, they are already rebuilding ALONG BIlly Folly Rd, opposite Atrium.

You just love to spell check me don't you.

Just clarifying a question regarding a post.

We have been in the area for the past 2 weeks and there is construction underway but I haven't paid too much attention since we are concentrating on navigating traffic. Hard to imagine any additional parking, but when construction equipment is removed (who knows when that will happen) there may be more spaces. It has been difficult to get a spot at Peli Deli, BBB or Greenhouse....

To Elaine's point, getting around on foot on the island is very iffy for anyone with a mobility problem. It's something we now must keep in mind when we make plans.

20 years ago we would be hiking!!!!

Hope that Lee's will rise again, somewhere.

"Hope that Lee's will rise again, somewhere."
As you can see it is.

[img]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...4378464&type=3&theater&ifg=1[/img]

Nothing there that I can see. Either it is from a closed group or something has changed.

Not sure what group it's with but it opened for me.

Regardless, if it's a closed group, it should not be posted here.

Well. That is the only way I was able to see it as I didn't see it on my Facebook. Glad it was posted.

It has to be a closed Facebook group.

Yes. But I'm not sure which one. Maybe poster will say which one as I would like to know too as I must be in there too.

Interesting....

Edit: actually responding re: pic

With the growth along the concrete edges looks like it's been there for awhile. Interesting what will happen to that one side when the heavy rains come. Looks like a water line stain there already.

Agreed, it does not look to be brand new. I think the line you refer to as a "water line stain" may be more where the stucco was applied over the block (or whatever is underneath) and is as far down as it goes. That is if we are looking at and referring to the same thing.

Same area. Hope your right as if it was a run off water line that could pose problems.

Well, we all know water runs downhill and that area is prone to flooding.

I believe Lee lives up in that area. I wonder if by chance this might be his house or another property he owns and thay are adding on or converting to make it a restaurant?

Kind of what I thought too. From the picture it appears to have steps leading down from a building above.

He owns that property. In my opinion, it’s crazy that he decided to put his restaurant in such a congested area with nowhere to park.

Thank you and I agree.

If you remember, Lee willingly did away with 1-2 parking spaces to put the big fish out front at the prior location.

Years ago, back when Greenhouse was Indiana Beach and BBB was almost new, I believe there was a restaurant up those stairs if I am remembering correctly, and if it is the same building. Don’t remember the name just remember being there,

If it is the same building, I remember there being about 4 parking spaces in front. There’s always plenty of cars looking for spaces there along with all the traffic headed to SBR and to Pelican Key. We love Lee’s but this doesn’t seem like a great location. Hope it works out.

I remember many years ago, as we have been traveling to Island since the late 80s. His mother owned a house up there right off the road, and I do remember that, because he used to pick her up and bring her to the hollywood casino to play, and then take her home. I do believe he does own that property. She was old then so she is surely gone, but she did live in a house where he is looking to put lees. I do believe he was living with her back then... It was so sweet seeing him walking her in to the casino, getting her seated and waiting for her to have some fun... Long time ago, but still remember. Just not sure if it was hollywood or another casino very close by, I used to play in different places, so not so sure... I so know it was local. Yes Lees mom had a small house in that location

Perhaps he is looking for a location where he will not have a lease and cannot be kicked out arbitrarily?

Yup. There was a very small house, very caribbean, and I actually saw him bringing her home when passing so I know he owns land there. Could be.

But, it is SXM so most anything is possible.

I know that the proprietor at Rusty Rocket owns that piece of land he is on. I inquired as I was surprised by how much business seems to have declined between June and November for them...never anyone there when we passed by. They are doing ok as they don't have to pay a lease.

No idea where Rusty Bucket is located.

Rusty Rocket is at the curve heading towards the airport parking lot. Where the Anguilla ferry USED to be.



Great flavored burgers, but the tables and atmosphere of being on the road behind the bolders left much to be desired. As did the fact he wouldn't serve them with lettuce, tomato, and onion....as it isn't the way HE eats them..,.lol

((sorry for the thread stray))

I don't recall ever having heard of it before. Bucket, Rocket, either one! In reference to the topic of rent in general, yes, it does save money if you don't have to pay rent. There have been a couple of different places at that location, but I don't think that overall, that is a great location like you said. Like a certain other place in Simpson Bay where you basically sit in the middle of the road and smell the gas, but lots of folks love it!!!

Rusty Rocket is owned by the woman who writes the Island Girl blog (that may not be the exact name) and her husband.

And her husband is a Wathey.

Is that good or bad?

Did not know that!

It is what it is....and her husband owns it right? hence her ability to flit about being "the traveling island girl"? someone surel must have a REAL job.?

Thank you for posting my picture. I apologize for not knowing how to post on this site.

I drove by today and there are at least three signs that say that strip is parking for BBB only. I have pictures but no time to post them now.

That is how I recall it from when I was there last.

Scubaman, years ago when that restaurant was le Bec Fin clients used to park there as there were no signs, but after they closed and for several years now it has clearly been marked as Buccaneer parking. Also more Buccaneer parking down below right by the restaurant. Buccaneer is a busy spot and they need all the parking they can get!