Tuesday, 3rd November 2009

Preserve the beautiful Balluta square

Alexander Pace Gouder, St Julians

Among the questions being raised by those who live or own a business around Balluta Square are: If a car park is constructed under the square, will it end up full of cars owned by people wishing to visit the surrounding towns? And, due to the proposed residential parking scheme in St Julians, will people be able to visit Balluta Square's commercial establishments? Will it lead to more pollution for residents and those who like to enjoy leisure time on the square?

Our council will in effect be spending the funds allocated to render a service to other councils nearby.

The other two sites proposed for car parks by the council make much more sense, not to mention the Luxol Park and Ride scheme mentioned recently by the central government, as these are in the areas of Paceville and inner St Julians.

The mayor said that the council's aim is to "make St Julians a better place to live in and work in for our future generations". That is why I was one of the first to tell the mayor and two other PN councillors that consultation is important when such projects are proposed and still in their initial stage. I am more than positive that when I say I have nothing personal against our mayor and the six other councillors who, we understand, all voted in favour of this project, I am giving the view of all concerned. Our only aim is to preserve this unique, beautiful square and its surroundings.

Previous article • Tuna scientific analyses are uncertain
Next article • Snail mail to get a facelift

Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Monday, November 23, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

Joseph Meli (2 weeks, 6 days ago)

@J. Borg:As a former resident of Ballutta Bay, (Main Street) I Do not agree with you that even so, a public consultation should have been effected. In my opinion tal-Ballut trees have to be preserved and are protected if I am not mistaken. However, in my opinion it would be much better that as for parking facilities one can use the last bit of the Valley which is next to the public toilets.

In my opinion I suggest to open an epetition with www.maltanetworkresources.com as the one that was recently organized by those who are against the Enzo Piano Valletta plan, which is also on the face book and signed by hundreds nearly a thousand persons.

Victor DeGabriele (2 weeks, 6 days ago)

please leave Balluta squars alone.Our daughter bought a house near the square for the holidays, and enjoy the beatiful settings and flesh air and enjoy have dinner with friends spend some money and other too,I think that some of the counciller wants to close restaurant for some reason there is no need for bus terminal because the buses keep going topaceville beside the maltese do;nt like to pay for carpark,if that the reason you mixtake thatsbad business.How many cars use the floriana carpark where have to pay .

J.Borg (2 weeks, 6 days ago)

For me the mayor is right to go ahead with this project.
Yes it will be good to have an underground parking in the area.
I fully agree with the project