MLA kin’s Club seeks change in land use via star power

BHAYANDAR: The Mira Road-based Seven Eleven Club – an ultra luxurious recreation facility being developed for the rich by close associates of the BJP legislator Narendra Mehta, is all set to hit another controversy, this time over amendments proposed in the development control rules (DCR) to provide higher FSI for its classification as a star category hotel. A resolution to this effect has found its place in the agenda mooted by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) and will be tabled before the general body on Friday. Tagged with a contention that the region needed more accommodation facilities owing to its proximity to the highway and the presence of prominent landmarks along with tourist attractions, the developer has sought a nod for a change in reservation and extra FSI in accordance to relaxations mandated for hotels under the star category. This apart from claims of generating job opportunities. Although the BJP is expected to get the resolution passed on the virtue of its majority in the house, the opposition has rolled up its sleeves to counter the move. “With not an iota of public interest in it, the move is nothing but clear case of power abuse by the BJP to pamper the rich. Such illegalities will not be tolerated,” said Congress corporator Anil Sawant. If approved, the resolution will be sent to the state’s urban development department. Despite the developers maintaining that all permissions from the civic body and the revenue administration were in place, the under construction establishment coming up in the plush Kanakia Complex has been in the eye of a storm in the wake of allegations related to illegal reclamation of wetlands and destruction of lush mangrove belts. - Suresh Golani