All issues and concerns to be addressed
Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday everyone is invited to raise their concerns and questions at the public hearing on Tuesday, 25 February with respect to the preliminary draft development plan for Simpson Bay.
Residents and stakeholders in the meantime can download and review the second presentation of public consultation in order to prepare themselves for Tuesday’s public hearing. The content is similar to what will be presented on Tuesday with the only changes being information regarding SXM Airport and the sewage treatment plan which is no longer part of the plans.
Interested residents and stakeholders can go to the website (www.sintmaartengov.org) and select the drop down tab "Government," followed by "Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (MinVROMI)."
On the aforementioned page you then go to "Zoning/Development Plans" and a page will open with an interactive map. Select the Simpson Bay area map and it will show you the presentations. The files are in a PDF file and are downloadable.
"Answers will be provided to questions on Tuesday that people in the community have, and clarity will be provided to things that people do not understand or have been misinformed by others who don’t have the proper information. In my back to basics approach I believe in full transparency. The community where development is envisioned should have a full understanding about their neighbourhood.
"Minutes will be made of all the questions and concerns that directly relate to the zoning plans and answers will be provided. The draft development plan will be placed on public review in the English and Dutch language and will also be made available on the Government website.
"Everyone can submit their concerns and appeals in writing to my person as Minister of VROMI during the period of the public review. An independent committee of experts will advise on the appeals before it will be sent to Parliament for approval. Parliament has the final say, but nothing is set in stone and everyone has the opportunity to voice their concerns and seek additional information related to the draft development plan for Simpson Bay," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.
The public consultation will take place Tuesday, February 25 at 7.00pm at the Allen Halley Sports & Recreation Center, Simpson Bay.
The public hearing of the preliminary draft development plan is prescribed by National Ordinance on Spatial Development Planning.
The public hearing will be followed by the placement of the draft development plan for a period of 30 days for public review.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Minister Hon. Maurice Lake