Thursday, March 28, 2024

Development

USA: Question Marks Surround Future of New York’s Plum Island

The home of the US Government owned Plum Island Animal Disease Center, looks set to change hands to a private party as part of a debt-lowering package.

Plum Island Courtesy of www.ars.usda.gov

The closure of the Plum Island Animal Center looks all but certain, as US Government financial experts seek …Read More: USA: Question Marks Surround Future of New York’s Plum Island

Development

South Pacific: Is the Tiny Island of Yap Ready for a Huge Casino Resort?

A Chinese developer has an ambitious vision for the small and remote Yap, but many residents are wary about welcoming thousands of international tourists.

(The remote and beautiful island of Yap)

The miniscule island state of Yap, part of the Federated States of Micronesia, is not the first place that comes …Read More: South Pacific: Is the Tiny Island of Yap Ready for a Huge Casino Resort?

Island Issues

Asia: Pakistan’s Controversial Sale of Islands for World’s Tallest Building

A pair of Pakistan’s islands in the Arabian Sea has reportedly been sold for the dramatic development of a modern city, which will include the tallest building on earth.

(Image of Bundal Island by A. Rafey)

When it comes to real estate development, projects from flashy Miami are not exactly known …Read More: Asia: Pakistan’s Controversial Sale of Islands for World’s Tallest Building

Development

Australia: $600 Million Resort Makeover Slated for Great Keppel Island

A gorgeous private island in the Great Barrier Reef has just received approval for a controversial upgrade that will bill in the hundreds of millions.

(Great Keppel Island image by Tourism Queensland)

When it comes to island development, the Australian state of Queensland is having to walk a fine line …Read More: Australia: $600 Million Resort Makeover Slated for Great Keppel Island

Island Issues

USA: Plans for Belle Isle “Free Economic Zone” Gather Support

In the economically depressed state of Michigan, proposals to turn a large island park into a tax-free haven have been surprisingly popular, if controversial.

(Creative Commons aerial of Belle Isle)

The debate over what should be done with Belle Isle – a vast city park in Michigan’s Detroit River – has …Read More: USA: Plans for Belle Isle “Free Economic Zone” Gather Support

Breaking Island News

USA: The Bizarre Battle for South Florida’s Wisteria Island

A small island in Key West Harbor has been the subject of a highly unusual fight between the island’s owners, a group of local residents, and the United States government.

(Image of Wisteria from the State Archives of Florida)

When it comes to thwarting development on privately-owned islands, few …Read More: USA: The Bizarre Battle Over South Florida’s Wisteria Island

Auction Results

USA: Auction Winner Enjoying First Summer on Rat Island

The unfortunately-named island off the coast of New York sold at auction last year for under $180K – and now the new owner finally has the nice warm weather to appreciate it.

(Rat Island, City Island Harbor)

When a tiny speck of land in New York’s City Island Harbor …Read More: USA: Auction Winner Enjoying First Summer on Rat Island

Island Issues

Asia: Critics Oppose Hong Kong Plans to Build 25 Islands

An ambitious plan to build 25 new islands and use landfills to add 1,500 hectares of land to the city of Hong Kong has some fearing a devastating impact on the local ecology, not to mention economy.

(Image of Hong Kong islands via Wikipedia)

When creating new islands through …Read More: Asia: Critics Oppose Hong Kong Plans to Build 25 Islands