Students and professors from Baylor University in Texas visited Cabarete earlier this month to collect preliminary data for a study focusing on the mix and characteristics of high-rise residential development and hotels. Marlene Mints Reed, of the Hankamer School of Business Management & Entrepreneurship program headed the group on its first visit. The Federation for Sustainable Cabarete warned about the effect of condo development in Cabarete. Sports and hotel groups are divided in opinion with real estate promoters over the desirability of high-rise condos at or near the beach for the sustainable development of the north coast beach destination. Omar Bros, speaking for the Sailing Federation, has warned that the new high-rise condos could kill “the goose that lays the golden egg” and do away with the essence that has spurred tourism in the area – wind sports, such as windsurfing and kiteboarding. Ari Barshi, one of Cabarete’s original wind sports businessmen, says the study would also provide recommendations for the ratio of hotels and condos in Cabarete.
The Urban Lab at the Earth Department, Columbia University in New York City has also expressed interest in participating in a study on sustainable options for the development of Cabarete. The study comes on the heels of information circulating on real estate developers currently seeking government permits for buildings over 11-meter high. The present zoning Law 256-75 and Decree 1432 dated 6 November 1975 establish a maximum of three floors.
In addition to a wind study in the area, the Baylor University team will also study the impact of an increased density in the Cabarete lagoon, and how to plan in advance for housing for the expected increase in construction workers moving to the area. “This is the right time to plan for development in advance,” says Barshi. He says that the study will make recommendations for the best mix between real estate and hotel tourism.
Barshi says that the Federation for a Sustainable Cabarete has received a donation of helicopter hours. A local photographer is donating his time to take aerial shots, and government inspectors will be using this service too.