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James Debono
The Prime Minister met residents from the Qui-Si-Sana neighbourhood in Sliema on Tuesday, for a two-hour meeting on the contentious car park project, in which residents said Lawrence Gonzi was visibly surprised by the extent of proposed commercial development covering 7,000 square metres.
A government spokesperson told MaltaToday the meeting was held for both government and residents to understand each other’s views and concerns
better.
Residents said Nationalist MP and former Sliema mayor Robert Arrigo arranged the meeting.
But despite the prime minister’s reassurances, residents have not moved one inch from their opposition to the projects. Plans submitted by developers C&F Contractors to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority were also shown to the prime minister.
Gonzi told residents the plans were still being considered by MEPA, and made it clear that the project’s aim was that of creating more parking in Sliema and that the car park should not be an appendage to commercial development.
During the meeting residents reiterated their opposition to the car-park project arguing that it will turn a tranquil area in to a commercial hub. Gonzi gave residents his word that the commercial aspect will not be the prevailing aspect of the project.
When residents pointed out that a bowling alley was being proposed, Gonzi replied by asking, “what’s the big deal about a bowling alley?”
According to the residents, Gonzi was more concerned by proposals of bars and restaurants. The prime minister reassured residents that developers couldn’t apply for a change of use for the car park itself.
But residents expressed their concern that according to the development brief, developers can apply for a change of use for the commercial part of the development, which includes exhibition centres and other so-called visitor’s attraction.
Gonzi was also particularly irked by any suggestion that the Qui-Si-Sana car park is aimed to accommodate the Tigné MIDI development. Residents said he acknowledged that the car park could absorb some surplus parking from the MIDI project.
Those attending the meeting said they appreciated the prime minister’s good will gesture, which contrasted with a frenzy of post-election attacks levelled against them by various pro-PN columnists. Parallels between their efforts to protect their tranquil neighbourhood from noise and traffic, with the activities of violent Labour thugs in Zejtun in the 1980s in an article penned by former PBS chairman Austin Sammut, particularly irked residents.
jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt
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