~ Residents can submit suggestions ~
PHILIPSBURG--While the town hall meeting in Simpson Bay last week turned into a heated forum on the proposed causeway through the lagoon, government says its intention was to gauge ideas from the residents that would guide the overall development of the area and ensure a more sustainable future supported by proper zoning to curtail the ad hoc development that plagues the district.
Government officials said over the weekend that that goal had not changed and residents still could submit their ideas and recommendations via other means.
Residents were told during the meeting last week that they could e-mail their preferences or simply visit the department with any recommendations and/or suggestions. It was also stressed that the ideas to guide development in the plan were exactly that – "ideas."
The plans seek to address development in the tourism and recreational sector, commercial and industrial development, residential neighbourhoods, nature and landscape, and cultural heritage. They include land reclamation to realise some of the various proposed projects.
For tourism and recreation, for example, ideas in the development plans include the establishment of a coastal zone, properly guided in terms of future development and possibly including a promenade along the lagoon, a marina and even a new cruise pier. The plan also aims to control development on the beach, with designated areas for small hotels and inns, and establishing rules for height and size of beachfront development.
For Simpson Bay Village specifically, government said it wanted to hear what residents prefer in terms of future development in their district: a quiet, green district with only family homes or a mixed area with family homes and leisure activities/hotels. Attention also will be paid to public space, drainage of roads and neighbourhood facilities.
Government also would like opinions on the re-use of historical buildings in the district, by upgrading and preparing them for activity, rather than replacing them with newer structures. In this way, buildings of heritage and other monuments will be protected.
The plans also focus specifically on zoning the areas surrounding the airport – Beacon Hill, Simpson Bay and Simpson Bay Lagoon – and the need for new links to facilitate traffic alleviation, with the causeway being designated Link 9. Opinions are being sought on how to deal with the Simpson Bay drawbridge, which would have to be either repaired or replaced in due time.
Focus is also being placed on Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) and the fact that the airport has to expand and is currently operating without the necessary space around the facility. Regulations call for PJIA to have 150 metres of space without obstacles (a safety zone), around the area. It was disclosed that PJIA intends to expand its taxi area for aircraft, which would require land reclamation. The maximum height of buildings around the airport and for boat masts in the lagoon also will be enforced.
Residents can contact the Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI at tel. 542-4289 and ask for the VROM Department regarding Simpson Bay/Beacon Hill proposed development plans.
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