The Civil Rights Coalition will represent Mary Victoria Road residents at a hearing before the Development Applications Board (DAB) on September 21.

The DAB resolved to have a hearing in relation to a planning application by the Bermuda Housing Corporation to build 20 new homes at No?s 11, 13, 15 and 17 at Alexandra Road and No?s 2 and 4 on Mary Victoria Road, Devonshire.

The residents initially told the DAB in their objection that they were ?concerned for the basic quality of life for all of Prospect?s residents?.

Resident spokeswoman Albertha Waite said yesterday that Civil Rights Coalition lawyer Corin Smith will be at the hearing with several residents.

The Coalition was formed in May by long-time labour activist Raymond Russell to be the sounding board on civil rights issues in Bermuda.

?They speak for those who cannot speak for themselves,? Ms Waite said yesterday. ?I am cautiously optimistic, and Mr. Russell and Mr. Smith being there to support us, I definitely think we are in good standing.

?We object to the homes being built,? she said. ?We are glad we are having the meeting, our voices had to be heard. We have done our homework and we are ready.?

The residents must today submit to the Department of Planning a list of residents who will be speaking at next Wednesday?s hearing.