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AN AMBITIOUS concept to designate Ariapita Avenue as a pedestrian-only zone is in the "embryo stage," which is why not every concerned party has yet been consulted on it, says the Port of Spain mayor.
Joel Martinez had a virtual meeting with Woodbrook residents on Thursday. He said many of them expressed optimism at the idea, with obvious questions being raised about parking for patrons and a potential increase in traffic.
Martinez, speaking with Newsday on Friday, said he noted complaints from residents and business owners about a lack of consultation.
"The objective of the meeting was for them to learn a little bit more about what the plan was. As I indicated to them, a reporter asked me a question while I was at the (launch of the) Commonwealth Garden (about) plans for Port of Spain in the revitalisation programme. I identified some of the plans I had, including the revitalisation of Ariapita Avenue."
He said although he gave the media further insight into what the idea might entail, it was not meant to be publicised as a done deal.
"A big article (was written) on it because she asked me more questions about it. And that was when the residents decided, 'Wow, how come we don't know about this?'"
However, Martinez said he had no issues meeting the residents to share the preliminary ideas.
"I told them it's really about the enhancement and revitalisation of the pathway. And the objective behind it, as the Prime Minister indicated, is to improve and return residents back to the city of Port of Spain.
"So any plans for revitalisation would include residents that are currently in the city and those are what we want to embark on."
Martinez said he also indicated there is the "element of local and external tourists we would like to continue to attract and that the area is liveable and we can cater for walkability.
"We want to turn it into a positive experience, create a nice social impact where business, entertainment and residents can co-exist and develop some economic impetus so the avenue can have some sustainability."
Apart from residents, businesses and the city corporation, Martinez identified many other stakeholders required for consultation to advance the idea. These include the ministries of tourism, planning and development, social development and family services, rural development and local government, as well as the Office of the Prime Minister, the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, the police and others.
Martinez said the plan could get underway later this year, possibly by September, granted the easing of covid19 restrictions.
"At the same time, some of the residents sounded elated about it. Some required a little more consideration because people don't accept change as much as we'd like to, which is just the reality of life. So paradoxically, you need to work with the residents to bring about the type of change that we can all feel a part of."
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