Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake is recommending to the management of the Princess Juliana International Airport to give a presentation to the residents of the Simpson Bay community about the expansion plans related to the national airport.
The Minister said on Sunday that his Cabinet had received a number of queries with respect to the airport expansion plans and what this would mean for the Simpson Bay community.
"I fully and totally believe in transparency and openness, and community engagement and involvement in whatever you do. This is the back to basics approach, from the ground up. The expansion plans of the airport did not take place during the past nine months under my watch.
"I think that it’s very important to listen to the people’s concerns and address them in a professional business-like manner. Sharing the vision with members of the community is very important and I look forward to this taking place by the airport," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.
Minister Lake is reminding residents and stakeholders of the Simpson Bay community to come out on 25 February for the zoning plan public hearing.
The public consultation will take place Tuesday, February 25 at 7.00pm at the Allen Halley Sports & Recreation Center, Simpson Bay.
The public hearing will be followed by the placement of the draft development plan for a period of 30 days for public review. Everyone can send their objections and concerns regarding the draft development plan in writing to the Minister of VROMI.
"The zoning meetings that have been held since early 2012 which were initiated by the Minister at the time Theo Heyliger, with the objective of involving the communities and stakeholders in the process of developing zoning and development plans.
"These public consultations are there for people to voice their concerns and we listen and take note of their views as we move forward in upgrading and continuing to improve our districts and the quality of life together as a community.
"The last Minister to hold this position before I became Minister, William Marlin, had all kinds of plans that included a city in the lagoon, sewage plants, boardwalk, tunnels through the hills etc. This is not my approach!
"With the filling of a small section of the lagoon for the airport expansion under my watch, I made sure that it was according to approved existing plans and that the proper process and procedures were followed, and that the airport and truckers abided by those rules and regulations.
"I have to commend the local truckers for listening to the advice of the marine association with respect to driving through Simpson Bay main road with caution for the safety of pedestrians local and visitors who patronize the various businesses on that strip," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.