The Philipsburg Promotion Board (PPB) presented its “Make Philipsburg Alive – Creating Economic Opportunities” report to the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT). This was done between trolley rides with stakeholders in both the afternoon and evening, to show the contrast between a respectively busy and deserted downtown (see related story).
Certainly, a weekly street fair on Thursday with stores allowed to stay open till 9:00pm during the tourist season and various attractive events throughout the year sound worthwhile, provided the related expenses can indeed be covered without costing an already-cash-strapped Government too much.
A “Safari Transport Service” also seems like a good idea, although local taxi drivers might see things a bit differently. Many of them already view the very trolley used for the plan’s presentation as unfair competition.
Parking is no doubt a major issue and reserving the parking lot at the old Administration Building only for short-term use by shoppers and people needing to do errands in the capital makes all the sense in the world. Of course, again requiring an hourly fee as used to be the case would help accomplish that.
Tearing down the former Receiver’s Office (Census Office building) to create a new parking lot for longer-term use is an interesting proposal. However, one must keep in mind that the General Pension Fund St. Maarten APS is aiming to construct a parking garage in that same area.
The suggestion to let cars park on Boardwalk Boulevard, while understandable to improve accessibility of restaurants, casinos and other businesses located there, is not without controversy. Even now daily parking on the beach near Walter Plantz Pier is regularly objected to.
Limiting this to designated spots where the least potential environmental damage could occur may help address some of the concerns that are bound to arise. It is still advisable to involve at an early stage the Nature Foundation that only recently called on Parliament to legally protect local beaches in particularly this matter.
One aspect not to be overlooked is that having especially young people live in inner cities tends to bring night-time activity. There are several ways to stimulate such a development.
PPB’s contribution is in any case appreciated and should be given due consideration. Whatever feasible initiatives that can aid in rebuilding “The Friendly Island” are more than welcome,
