Donald E. de Castro disgusted at parking problems
The letter which is published in its entirety below seeks to bring to the attention of the government what de Castro describes as a growing problem.
"The reason that I wrote this letter is so that not only the Minister but the general public could see that somebody is concerned about this situation," said de Castro when contacted by this news site today Tuesday June 24, 2014.
According to de Castro, this is not the first time he has made this complaint and he is not overwhelmed with confidence that he will get a positive response.
Here is the letter to Hon. Vanterpool:
"Dear Mr. Minister
I am writing you as a citizen who is very much concerned about the present vehicular parking situation in Road Town.
We all have seen how the parking situation has gotten worst and worst over the years yet this matter is not taken seriously. One major solution would be to ban or control the size and number of vehicles imported into the Territory; however, that is not my topic of concern at this time.
At this time I want to address two areas of major concern, that section of Main Street between Russell Hill Road and Customs Road. The other section is that area that covers from the roundabout north to the House of Assembly/Supreme Court then east to the Road Town Police Station to the James Francis Drive and west back to the Roundabout.
Let me deal with the easiest first, a problem that only requires an executive order. Between the Adina Donovan Home and the Methodist Cemetery have three separate traffic flows, with one section creating a major problem on a daily basis.
Between Russell Hill Road and the Adina Donovan Home it is one way, between Customs Road and the Methodist Cemetery it is also one way, however, between the Customs Road and Russell Hill Road is the only two way section of the main street yet parking is legally permitted by your ministry.
I am aware that the Police have been trying to get this matter resolved for years but to no avail. I had several discussions with the former Police Commissioner so I know this to be a fact. I have spoken to you about this on more than one occasion; your last response was that you and a Committee looked at it.
Only few people in this Territory are aware that it is the ministry that is responsible for traffic flow and parking and not the Police. The ministry may request input from the Police but is not obligated to accept and or use any or all of it. The minister is the one that makes the final decision on where parking is permitted or prohibited and not the Police Department.
If I am wrong please let me know. I am, once again, on behalf of the motorists and pedestrians that have to maneuver this section of Main Street on a daily basis, requesting that you take immediate action to have this situation corrected. There is no justifiable reason for parking to be permitted in this area.
The other area that I mentioned, I will now offer my solution. I have spoken to many elected persons over the years about that area and I always got the same response:“there is a master plan”, but as yet, I have not seen any progress, so I have decided to put my concerns to you.
In the area I described above, we have the Supreme Court, the House of Assembly, UP’S, the Police Station, the Althea Scatliffe Primary School, A. O. Shirley Recreation Ground, Multipurpose Complex, the Cultural Center and the Festival Ground. In this area there is always a demand for parking and because of the lack of parking, traffic becomes a problem and police is unable to issue parking tickets.
I would like to see the present Sir Rupert Briacliffe Hall replaced with a more practical building of about three floors; however, my concern at this time is parking.
Between the Museum and the present Hall a three or four storey parking garage could be built that can accommodate at least one hundred vehicles. If government is unable to finance such a project at this time, government could partner with a private (local) builder. In partnering with such a builder government can either lease the land for a period of time or collect a percentage of the revenue until that builder has have recovered their investment and has made a profit. The building will eventually belong to government and will continue to earn revenue in perpetuation.
This building could be designed in such a way that when the new Hall is completed can be connected by covered walkways to allow for more comfortable exit and entry.
Sincerely,
Donald E. de Castro
Cc: News Media"
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18 Responses to “Donald E. de Castro disgusted at parking problems”
Apart from those ego-driven SUV owners who can't walk a block, and those who own more than 1 vehicle, I see a well-designed open two-story parking garage in the back of Bobby's, taxi stand and the car wash. Open so it is not massive, and planted with vines to make it more attractive. But where ever one goes, the coming and going of cars creates traffic jams itself. At Briarcliffe Hall, 4 stories is too massive and coming out will only be blocked by those waiting at the traffic light.
Part of the problem is that buildings like UP'S (an eye-sore), given its size and ambitious function, should NEVER have been built without proper parking. you might as well take all Shirley park for a parking lot for that place alone. Yes, a a master plan needs to happen. But also regulations and aggressive tickets for those feeling entitled to park where ever they want. You will also find that as the Pier Park development progresses, we will need a parking garage next to admin complex. But no one is thinking about that.
This f..l again he has a business does he have parking for his customers loltake a hike
is not manditory for survivial. Have sense mon jeese, stop worrying about things
that dont have anything to do with life, nor its survival.