PHILIPSBURG:--- In a Central Committee meeting held Wednesday, January 22nd, the leader of the United People’s Party, MP Omar E C Ottley, presented the Minister of Vromi with a series of suggestions and proposals aimed at addressing the urgent infrastructure and zoning needs of St. Maarten. This significant discussion focused on the critical necessity for strategic planning to manage the island's rapid growth and to implement effective disaster prevention measures.
During the meeting, Minister VROMI presented a new zoning plan, which prompted an interesting dialogue among members of Parliament. MP Ottley seized the opportunity to address the Minister and highlight the importance of a well-structured approach that encompasses short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies. He emphasized that the long-term plan should include a comprehensive urban study, which investigates not only the physical layout of the city or town, but also urbanism, which looks at the social dynamics and living conditions of its inhabitants.
“St. Maarten is a vibrant melting pot, and in the coming years, our existing infrastructure will be strained by the increasing volume of visitors to our shores. It is imperative that we proactively plan for this growth to ensure we maintain the quality of life for our residents while also accommodating tourists”, said Ottley
In addition to advocating for a focused urban study, Ottley encouraged the Minister of VROMI to explore the concept of mixed-use zoning, which would allow for a diverse range of development that could support both local residents and possibly the agricultural sector. This was suggested after his party member MP Lacroes pointed out the lack of agricultural land and lack of support given to the local farmers. Ottley presented the minister with a thesis done in Rotterdam in 2015 showing the benefits of mix land use in urban environments. By promoting a blend of different land uses, the island can enhance its sustainability and foster a sense of community.
As the meeting concluded, the Minister of Vromi expressed his agreement with the ideas presented by MP Ottley and reiterated his commitment to working with the relevant stakeholders to get it done.
