Trees, not cars, in Balluta Square - FAA, AD
Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar and Alternattiva Demokratika yesterday condemned the St Julian's council's decision to press ahead with plans to build a car park in Balluta Square.
FAA said it deplored the fact that the project was not discussed with local residents before a decision was taken.
It called on the authorities to issue an emergency conservation order to protect the old trees in the square.
It also requested the designation of a protective buffer zone around Balluta Buildings.
"Balluta Square is one of the few open spaces available to St Julian's residents, offering pleasant shade beneath the trees' spreading canopy," it said.
Some of the trees that may be jeopardised by the project are old protected Maltese oak trees (ballut), which gave the square and the locality its name.
"Too many established protected trees in the area have already been cut down to make way for large-scale developments along Balluta valley; projects which only take into account commercialisation, and fail miserably to consider any social and ecological negative impact," the NGO said.
Alternattiva Demokratika also expressed its opposition to proposals to build a car park.
AD spokesman on sustainable development Carmel Cacopardo said all plans should be published and adequate public consultation should be carried out before taking the decision to go ahead with the project.
"AD agrees with residents that Balluta Square is unique and must be preserved. Residents, their guests and visitors should be able to continue enjoying one of the few open spaces in the area.
A car park will attract even more traffic to an already traffic clogged area which is already served by a private car park," he said.
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Marie Galea
Nov 10th 2009, 01:29
Oh sure, let's just keep on ruining even the smallest open/green space available in Malta. I don't even have the words to describe the stupidity and shortsightedness of this 'planning' decision. There was obviously far more planning involved in the decision to overlook consideration of local residents' opinions. It'll be a sad day when the square is demolished, assuming some sense isn't drilled into the minds of the relevant authorities in time.
Carolyn Zammit-Maempel
Nov 9th 2009, 17:56
This issue should have been discussed not just presented fait acompli - was this because they knew people would protest!! Why ruin a beautiful square to build - what - a car park! The old trees need to be protected, they provide much needed shade, it is a tranquil place to sit and watch the world go by (much needed in this day and age of rush rush rush). Please, please do not spoil this lovely area
antoinette trainer
Nov 9th 2009, 14:49
I am absolutely disgusted at this insane proposal why ! oh why would anyone even consider thinking about it never mind doing it . Balluta Square is a jewel in malta's crown and to destroy it would be sacrilege . please think again before it is gone forever. I urge every maltese at home and abroad to strongly protest against this proposal.
E. Azzopardi
Nov 9th 2009, 09:16
We are not even thinking straight any longer. Councils should be lead by those who are capable of doing so. Politics have ruined the reason for the existance of the local councils. This warped way of thinking will soon take this country "to the dogs." The citizens deserve better, much better. Very sad indeed.
Joe Micallef
Nov 9th 2009, 07:21
How sad like always money first Sliema it,s already like a concrete jungle and the bit of space left they are going to take it too the community should protest against this other wise they are going to built the car park because they say nobody said anything so they must be happy with this.
Myriam Warrington
Nov 8th 2009, 22:39
This is absolutely shameful!! WHat on earth is happening in Malta? Have the people in authority lost their mind? Are they on a campaign to continue ruining our country in the name of progress!!!!! First Valletta entrance, now this!!!!!
If they dig deep they will find the sea anyway!! And then what????. This is crazy. Why don't they do it next to the Meridien, once the only part left of the valley has been given permission for development!!!
I remember the project for St. John's co-cathedral! Thank God for the pressure everyone put on the authorities for it not to happen. Although the so called experts said it would be safe for the old buildings, what if it wasn't!!?? Same with Balluta Buildings. How dare they even dream of touching such a beautiful, old square? And the old trees!!!!!???? The square might be rebuilt somehow but the trees.....
Very upsetting and disgusting!!! It must not happen!!
It won't solve any problems anyway. Don't touch it!!!!!!! It is so beautiful as it is!!!!!
Joseph E Briffa
Nov 8th 2009, 19:42
I strongly feel that any attempt to ruin the Balluta Square should be strongly resisted. For one thing there is no need for a parking area when there is ample space for parking in a u/g parking area less than a hundred meters away. For another, Balluta is already a congested area as it is; providing an u/g car park for 120 cars will make matters even worse and will slow down the traffic flow and cause traffic jams. In addition, the expense that would be involved would have to be recouped in some way and users would have to pay for parking, just like they would have to pay to make use of the Meridien carpark. But this apart, it would be sheer madness bordering on vandalism to damage the existing square and the trees. We need more trees to afford a pleasant shade from the fierce sun and to absorb the CO2 emissions during the day.
Andrew Paris
Nov 8th 2009, 15:01
This car garage is not going to solve the problem of too many cars in the area. It is going to cause more to congest the area. I belive common sense is getting paid off to look the other way.
Ray Sultana
Nov 8th 2009, 14:17
Shame on those promoting the ruin of Balluta Square, as if not enough of St. Julians and Sliema has already been lost to greed!
It is even more disgusting considering that it is coming from the people who should be promoting the environment of the locality.
Pierre Agius
Nov 8th 2009, 11:03
How sad! It just does not make sense. How lower can we stoop. Ab illogical decision from every angle. Disgusting.
Anthony Buttigieg
Nov 8th 2009, 10:10
Why is AD bothering with the residents at Balluta?
How many of these residents dare give a donation to AD for being their voice in a consistent and responsible way?
If giving a Euro5 donation to AD is a problem to these 'residents', do you think they bothered to vote AD ever?
Let them continue not-voting or voting PL PN so that they continue getting what they deserve.
Jonathan Joslin
Nov 8th 2009, 10:07
Another to add to the list worst decisions taken by our Local Councils in 2009. Is it money talking or are we truly surrounded with warped minds with nothing better to do round a discussion table.
Marius Zulgis
Nov 8th 2009, 09:13
Developers in this arrid, parched country will never be happy until not a single tree remains standing. Build, build, build it has long since gotten out of hand but the authorities don't give a hoot.