Residents push back on proposed emergency housing site
Left: Image of reported site-clearing activity supplied. Right: Government’s vision for the capsule home pilot.
West End residents are raising concerns over the Government’s proposed installation of emergency capsule housing units in the Boaz Island area.
According to the Department of Planning’s website, around a dozen objections have been submitted.
This morning, Bermuda Broadcasting received a media release from a group calling itself Boaz Island Community Voices, which is urging greater transparency and meaningful public engagement.
As previously reported, Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, unveiled plans for the pilot project in December. The proposal involves installing nine capsule homes on a government-owned parcel of land accessible via Malabar Close.
Officials have said the units are intended to be transitional, providing short-term housing for residents in urgent need.
However, Boaz Island Community Voices is calling for the project to be relocated, citing concerns about population density, infrastructure capacity, traffic, safety, environmental impact, and the preservation of the neighbourhood’s character.
The group also alleges that site activity, including tree clearing, took place before the planning application was approved. Work has reportedly paused following a request from residents.
In addition, residents claim consultation has been “limited,” with key details such as the duration of the housing, long-term plans for the site, and ongoing management yet to be clarified.
“Residents are urging the relevant authorities to provide clear, comprehensive information and to ensure that all stakeholder perspectives are properly considered as a final decision is made,” the media release stated.
Bermuda Broadcasting has reached out to the Government for comment.
Full media release issued by Boaz Island Community Voices:
Members of the Boaz Island community are raising concerns regarding the proposed installation of temporary modular housing units between the Boaz Island Village Condominium Complex and the Malabar/Kitchener Close condominiums.
While residents acknowledge Bermuda’s growing housing challenges and the need for emergency and transitional housing solutions, there is significant concern about the suitability of this particular location and its potential impact on the surrounding community.
Boaz Island is a quiet, close-knit residential area. Residents believe that the introduction of temporary housing units in such close proximity to established condominiums raises important questions around population density, infrastructure capacity, traffic, safety, environmental impact, and the preservation of the neighbourhood’s character. There are also concerns about the precedent this type of development may set for similar residential areas.
To date, at least 15 formal objections have been submitted to the Department of Planning by concerned residents. While official approval for the development has not yet been granted, a response letter from the Bermuda Housing Corporation, dated March 18, 2026, was uploaded to the planning application documents on April 2, 2026 for objectors to review. Many residents feel that the contents of this response remain high-level and do not fully address the specific concerns raised. In particular, responses rely on future assurances rather than providing concrete, site-specific detail, contributing to ongoing frustration and uncertainty within the community.
Residents also note that, while a community meeting was held, consultation has been limited. Key details—including the duration of the housing, long-term plans for the site, and ongoing management—have not been clearly communicated.
Residents further note that site activity, including tree clearing, commenced on Monday, March 30th despite the fact that the Planning Application had not been approved. They requested that the cutting of the trees be stopped by the government pending the outcome of the application and were told on Wednesday, April 1st that it would be halted immediately. However, up until the evening of Monday, April 6th the cutting of trees continued. Today, the clearing has paused, however, this pause has coincided with the reported discovery of asbestos at the site. Members of the community are seeking clarity on the current status of the project, including whether this pause reflects a reconsideration of the proposal or is solely related to environmental and safety remediation.
The Boaz Island community is calling for greater transparency and meaningful engagement before any decisions are finalized. It is their desire that this “Pilot” Project be located at an alternative location. Residents are urging the relevant authorities to provide clear, comprehensive information and to ensure that all stakeholder perspectives are properly considered as a final decision is made.
