Significant development will not take place at the former US Base lands in St.

David's without input from residents.

Bermuda Land Development Company's chief executive officer Carl Musson stressed this in a letter sent out to east end dwellers this week.

Mr. Musson, in the letter which outlined BLDC's purpose and plans and recent changes at the former Naval Air Station, sought feedback from residents on how the property should be used "to benefit St. David's and the country as a whole''.

Noting that the BLDC had hired a consulting firm to assist the company in setting up a master development strategy for the 415 acres of land lying outside of the airfield fence, he said: "This project will not succeed without your input.'' The BLDC is expected to share more details about the master development strategy with St. David's residents later this month.

"The intention is to learn what you and your neighbours think about the plan,'' Mr. Musson explained. "Until we have that and the final strategy is approved in early autumn, no significant development will take place at NAS.'' However, he pointed out that several projects were underway at the former Base lands.

The preparation of Marginal Wharf for new businesses was expected to continue through to next month and "a St. David's name'' for the former NAS was scheduled to be announced within the next two weeks, Mr. Musson said.

Following the announcement, the company hoped to launch a programme that would restore many of the local names that existed in the area prior to the US military's presence in Bermuda.

Mr. Musson said the BLDC was also seeking feedback from residents on issues such as whether there was a need for more direct access to Clearwater Beach; Corregidor Avenue should become a second major road into St. David's; and whether there was a demand for new local business services.

"I hope this letter, at the least, lets you know that the Bermuda Land Development Company is ready to listen and learn,'' he concluded.

"We know we are the new kids on the block. We want to do the best we can for St. David's, for the company and for Bermuda as a whole. We know enough that that cannot happen without your understanding and support.'' Mr. Musson urged the residents to contact the BLDC via public meetings, individual meetings, mail, or by calling its communications director Don Grearson on 293-5721 or vice president for Commercial Development Mark Orchard on 293-5717.

He also promised to write again to residents "in the months to come''.

MILITARY MIL