BAGUIO CITY – The series of public consultations on Burnham Park parking plans will continue on May 22 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the City Hall Multi-Purpose Hall this time to focus on “finding more suitable solutions to the parking problems” at the City’s premiere promenade center.
The talks, the third one to be conducted by the City Council, will be jointly spearheaded by the Committees on Urban Planning, Lands and Housing chaired by Councilor Edgar Avila and on Public Works under Councilor Mylen Yaranon and on Public Utilities, Transportation and Traffic Legislations under Councilor Benny Bomogao.
“Our aim is to provide better and safe parking alternatives for tourists who visit our City and for residents as well most especially those that come to Burnham Park and other area located near the park such as Baguio City Market, Session Road, other schools and offices,” the Councilors noted.
“Most of all (we intend) to develop Burnham Park into a vehicle-free, walkable park for everyone to enjoy regardless of age or generation.”
In the first two hearings, various sectors voiced out their sentiments on the proposed development of the former site of the city auditorium which is now being utilized as parking area for buses and private vehicles.
At least two developers had also presented unsolicited proposals during the fora for consideration of the City Government.
Some speakers expressed agreement saying the site is more suitable for building a multi-level parking facility and a better alternative to the Ganza area and the Melvin Jones while others posed vehement objection to the construction of a parking-cum-commercial building within the park.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan said the on-going consultation is part of the procedures of the City Government to involve the citizens in the decision-making process and guide the City on what final proposal will be adopted on the area.
He said the development of certain portions of Burnham Park for income generation is allowed under Executive Order No. 224 series of 1995 as amended purposely to allow the park to become self-sustaining.
By virtue of the order, the city identified portions of the park for development purposes and these include the site of the former city auditorium and the Ganza area which is also presently used as pay-parking area. ** Aileen P. Refuerzo
