THE EDITOR, Sir:
MAY WE at the very outset thank you for highlighting the reconstruction of the City of Kingston in your Builders Forum, contributed by architect, Mr. Al Richards.
There is an excellent document prepared by the Planning Institute of Jamaica on inner-city renewal. However, it appears that the physical environment phase of the Plan is not being pursued at a pace that will ensure that our city's renewal and revitalisation will be completed in 20 years.
We need to take Mr. Richards' proposal seriously, and create a board to define a project area, prepare a business plan and devise strategies to improve and to build new mixed income housing, recreation and shopping areas.
The Plan must provide the Board with the power to take action such as to buy and sell land within the project area and must include the Government of Jamaica, legal, financial and administration members. The Board must be in a position to secure funds and attract commercial, industrial and residential participants in the redevelopment. If relocation is necessary for the purpose of clearing lands for use in the designated area the Board must negotiate satisfactory settlements.
Finally, the Board must give citizens in the project area an opportunity to express their views and participate in redevelopment. The residents of Kingston must understand that what happens in our inner cities has an impact on surrounding areas; we must be bold enough to take the first step in encouraging investment in the City of Kingston.
I am etc.,
KEITH DICKSON
For St. Matthews Church
Allman Town Combined Citizens' Association
