Looming parking problem in Peter Rose Street

May 19, 2021 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
The nights are cool and breezy, but residents should prepare for uncomfortable nights. The impressive looking apartment complex nearing completion at Peter Rose Street is going to be a little thorn in our sides. There appears to be six apartment residences, with not enough accommodation for “general” parking. Granted, there appears to be garages at the street level as part of the structure for about three cars. As it appears today, parking spots for about five cars in front of this complex are being made available next to the road that is, say, about 20 feet wide. Hypothetically, let’s say the complex becomes fully occupied, and each apartment has two adults with cars; that add up to 12 vehicles. Passing vehicular traffic is not even brought into this equation yet. The bigger picture is lack of foresight in urban planning in Guyana.
Obviously, the individual(s) that approved the structure omitted basic concepts of adequate parking, including parking for guests coming to this site, or ordinary vehicular traffic passing this complex, or others visiting neighbours. I have a feeling that sooner than later, this narrow street will be avoided unless necessary, due to sheer congestion. The individual(s) that approved the submitted pre-construction blueprint are placing us on a continuing trend of urban planning chaos.
It is why downtown commercial Guyana, Regent Street and surrounding roads, is a vehicular madhouse. Approvals for buildings occur without any short or long-term insight for public parking. Using this location as a backdrop, we wait to see how much parking will be provided for all the hotels to be developed, hotels that normally require a considerable amount of parking space.
May I suggest at this time that residents bring out their calculators. They may need to charge a fee for anyone, which includes visitors and anyone else, who can’t find adequate parking and may need to park in front of the gate. Think of it as a second or third source of income, a little extra to purchase more fruits and vegetables at Stabroek Market. Looking ahead, the fees collected will build up if the residents start holding large parties and individuals need parking spots.
As for the DCC Grounds, just a few minutes (walking) away, the hope is that it is never converted to a parking spot or anything else. Hopefully it remains as is – an open historical site. In conclusion, the government is applauded in its development vision in many areas, but it is also critical to point out areas in urban planning that are flawed.
Sincerely,
Chi Kansi

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