In Belize City, a contentious land dispute has erupted over ‘The Hangar,’ a seafront stretch that has long served as a public road. A group of influential residents, including prominent figures like Louis Leslie and JRD Holdings Limited, sought to subdivide and privatize the area, citing concerns over safety, coastal erosion, and property protection. Their application, submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources on August 23, 2024, aimed to convert the public road into private property, a move unprecedented in the region. However, the application was swiftly rejected, as the land is government-owned and only the legal landowner can initiate such subdivisions. Despite the rejection, the residents have defended their actions, arguing that severe coastal erosion threatens their homes and that privatization is necessary to fund seawall repairs and manage the area. Critics, however, question whether the proposal is driven by conservation or exclusivity. The Belize City Council, meanwhile, approved a separate request to restrict vehicular access to the Hangar, limiting public entry. Mayor Bernard Wagner clarified that the Council’s decision was based on resident petitions and does not involve land ownership. The controversy highlights the tension between public access and private interests, raising questions about governance, environmental protection, and community priorities.