THE EDITOR, Sir:
FURTHER TO announcements that funds will be made available for the beautification of Kingston in time for World Cup 2007, may I appeal to the authorities to include at least two locations in their plans, that is, (1) Windward Rd (from the intersection with Michael Manley Boulevard to the traffic light intersection at lower Mountain View Ave; and lower Mountain View Avenue itself up to Deanery Road. (2) That parcel of land at Cross Roads bounded by Half-Way Tree and Old Hope Road.
The former location is one of the major entry corridors to our capital and is a most unsightly introduction to the city. Upgrading this stretch should include:
1. Demolition of derelict structures.
2. Rebuilding broken down boundary walls and fences.
3. Replacing old rusted zinc fences with wood, bamboo, or new zinc panels of uniform height and width. (Painting to be in 'pastel' shade colours and plantings used wherever possible.
4. Repaving of damaged sidewalks and demolition of planter walls in the middle of sidewalks. Funds in the form of grants or soft loans should also be made available to shop owners for the upgrading of their shopfronts as follows: (a) replacing 'rickety' or broken piazza awnings; (b) repaving piazzas; (c) replacing dilapidated windows and doors; (d) repainting walls also preferably in pastel colours.
Owners should be responsible for ongoing maintenance of their shopfronts or be subject to heavy fines or revocation of their registration if not maintained to the satisfaction of the authorities. This could be treated as a pilot project and, if successful, be replicated throughout the capital and other city centres of the island. The latter location is in the centre of Cross Roads and could transform the appearance of this major intersection if developed as a walk-through park. Upgrading should start with the demolition of that eyesore of a structure on the corner. I believe these are two relatively small and manageable projects which, if completed in time, could make a major impact on the appearance of our city.
I am, etc.,
PAUL THORBOURNE
anthorpaul@hotmail.com
Kingston
