A contentious meeting last week called to discuss potential North East Hamilton redevelopment exposed deep concerns among area residents.

Mapping the Future: North East Hamilton Plan & the Approved Residential Scheme Guidelines was a part of a series of meetings to explain the Economic Empowerment Zone in order to spur private developers into residential, and some commercial development.

And while officials literally had to assure residents that their land would not be forcibly taken from them, they still believe the seminar was well-received by attendees. More meetings will be arranged.

In fact, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and its Uptown Development Authority said one business owner expressed optimism for the EEZ and proposed residential scheme.

They quoted the unnamed man: “The balance of facilitating growth and maintaining the culture of Northeast Hamilton can be hard. Initially I had some concerns, but the discussions offered me information that can help me to better prepare for the changes ahead.”

Jamillah Lodge, BEDC director of communication and development said the meeting gave stakeholders information about how to develop their properties.

She said: “The purpose of hosting the seminar was to allow people to voice their concerns and hear for themselves the opportunities that exist. By the close of the seminar, most understood the goals and were in general support of the concept.”

She said this was the first meeting of such high attendance with a forum for different stakeholders.

The UDA’s Shawn Brown, one of the key speakers at the event, said: "We welcome passionate conversation and feedback from our stakeholders.

“This seminar provided an exceptional opportunity to lay out insights into the vision for Northeast Hamilton’s economic empowerment.

“We are excited about the future and are committed to ensuring that our strategic initiatives and development projects are inclusive and beneficial to all stakeholders."

His colleague, Meka Steede, added: "We are at a pivotal moment in the history of Northeast Hamilton. The guidelines and plans we discussed at the seminar will help to shape the future of this area.

“We are optimistic about the potential for growth and economic empowerment in the area."

The plan to revitalise North East Hamilton, especially with more residential units, is a key to government plans for economic growth.

The just released Economic Development Strategy 2023-2027 says Hamilton will play a significant role for an expansion of residential development opportunities, and more city residential development is an essential component of revitalising the city.

The intention is to expand the eligibility for Approved Residential Schemes from solely the Economic Empowerment Zones to the entire City of Hamilton.

• What do you think about North East Hamilton redevelopment?

E-mail: jmhardy@royalgazette.com