PHILIPSBURG--Parking is included in the Westward extension of Boardwalk Boulevard, but that parking is not on the beach in the vicinity of Walter Plantz Square and will not impede beachgoers, says St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies.
The development plan for Greater Philipsburg reserves space for the extension of Boardwalk Boulevard. The discussions about the plan date back to before 2013, said the Harbour Group in a press statement.
“It also mentions the creation of an extra jetty West-side, public parking and the enhancement of the connection to historical Fort Amsterdam. The development plan is part of Government’s zoning regulations to manage the spatial development of the country,” said the Harbour Group in response to concerns from some residents about what they believed to be plans for building and parking on the beach.
The Harbour Group said it had reviewed other case studies from neighbouring islands and the development of the “Down Street” area of Front Street was “on the right track.”
Discussions are ongoing with Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI about the extension of Boardwalk Boulevard up to Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Casino and Spa. The expansion also forms part of the Harbour Group’s Great Bay Master Plan 2 that already was presented to Parliament.
The Harbour Group thanked the Ministry for looking at the progress of the “Down Street” development. “It’s about community interests and benefits for the total tourism product enhancement development of Down Street and creating opportunities for the Down Street people,” the Harbour Group said.