Moe’s Pizzeria Attracts Criticisms Over Fenced Seaside Space
In October 2018, the Department of Environment issued a stop order to businessman Hiasam Diab for a construction that had commenced along Sand Lighter’s Promenade, next to the Ramada Princess Hotel. D.O.E. was concerned about the disposal of garbage and sewer. It was later explained that Belize Waste Control would deal with that matter and with the concerns addressed, construction proceeded. The building was completed a few weeks ago and today a ribbon cutting and soft opening ceremony was held for what is now MOE’s Pizzeria. Attending the ceremony was Mayor Bernard Wagner who says that today’s event is aligned with the Council’s vision of economic growth. But there is one big problem with that vision and in particular, as it relates to Moe’s Pizzeria. That’s because the usual sixty-six feet beach reserve isn’t there. In fact, the business owner has built a small picket green fence around the property, barring the public to access that portion of the seaside. Mayor Wagner was questioned about it.
Bernard Wagner, Belize City Mayor
Bernard Wagner
“This individual has invested substantial funds into this project here. It is a thirteen year lease. In an event suppose to business fails within one or two years, he does not get back what he has invested in this business. So certainly there is a risk component there.”
Reporter
“Sir, now I know that you stand for lawfulness. I am a sea wall man. You have a structure blocking a seawall. You done take way the sea. The beach reserve but you have taken a public seawall and now it is fenced. The seawall is now a structure for the fence. So, I have to confess my bias because I am a user. I can no longer access this and I can no longer walk on the seawall. You have sanctioned an illegal lot. ”
Bernard Wagner
“Jules, look to my right you see the kids enjoying that beautiful facility over there. We are a child friendly municipality and I noh knock anybody fi want use the seaside to exercise. That’s good but at the end of the day we have to begin to…any venture we go into or any projects we undertake has to have a child friendly component and there on my right clearly justify everything for the council.”
Reporter
“But it’s a pay to play, you must be a patron, it’s not like you built a playground, it’s a pay to play system.”
Bernard Wagner
“Yes but at the end of the day, the kids, we have to begin to think about our kids. And clearly if our kids have a facility to recreate, family has a facility to recreate the end justified the means.”
Hipolito Novelo
“But sir, the point is that the business owner will be collecting at the of the day.”
Bernard Wagner
“Of course, he has a lease to pay, with us. He has to recover his investment. Isn’t that so?”
Reporter
“Going forward; will you respect the law on the beach reserve or on making abutments to the seawall?”
Bernard Wagner
“Certainly I will respect it.”
Reporter
“You don’t respect it now.”
Bernard Wagner
“I would respect it.”
Reporter
“But you don’t respect it right now.”
Bernard Wagner
“Why you wahn say that man?”
