PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake says he is looking forward to the start in January 2014 of a new cruise development for the Down Street community in the vicinity of the Walter Plantz Tender Pier.
The new cruise development entails the construction of approximately six booths that will provide various types of products and services to cruise passengers who disembark the tenders at the Walter Plantz Pier. The center of the development will have a water fountain. There will be toilet facilities and the development will be accessible to seniors and the disabled.
Construction is scheduled to start in January and should take approximately two to three months.
The country's newly formed Down Street Business/Community Association met with Minister Lake and St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies early December where the plans were presented to the community organization.
The organization area of focus within their community is from L'Escargot to the old Paper Garden.
The community council's spokesperson at the meeting was June Peters, Vice President. Peters was also supported by Wilfred Evertz (board member of Christmas activities), Greg Arrindell (PR), and Miguel de Weever (liaison government matters).
During the early December meeting, Peters spoke about the challenges being faced by businesses and homeowners in the area; settlement of water from different buildings/businesses; boulders in the alleys; cleaning of the alleys; tree stomps that pose challenges for pedestrians; palm tree grills/mats; safety and security challenges.
In the meeting also included representatives of the Minister's Cabinet and Ministry VROMI, Mark Mingo, Chief Executive Officer of the St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies, Hector Peters, a representative from the Harbour Group.
"The new cruise development for Down Street will enhance the area and bring life to Down Street. We need to get back to basics and start showcasing the cultural heritage of our country, the food, drinks, arts and crafts and folkloric dance for residents and visitors to enjoy. This is also one of the reasons why tourists come to our island to learn about the heritage.
"The development by the harbor group of companies is part of the process to rehabilitate the area and bring life back into this part of Philipsburg where families can come out and enjoy our heritage. By putting a plan in place with the help of all stakeholders, the harbor group and the Down Street Business and Community Council, this will be a win-win for Down Street. This is a perfect way to start the New Year 2014," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.
Port of St. Maarten CEO Mark Mingo during the meeting stated that Philipsburg and surrounding environs are all part of the harbor community, and that it is in the interests of the port and the destination as a premier cruise mecca to help the Down Street community become the cultural heartbeat of the nation.
