tidings
Paula Lindo
Housing and Urban Development Minister Camille Robinson-Regis has stopped work on a police station and toilets being built in Adam Smith Square after a group of Woodbrook residents complained.
In a statement, the minister said she had noted their concerns, “despite having already held five consultations with stakeholders on the Ariapita and Woodbrook Road revitalization works… It is clear that we need to have further consultations as there still seems to be some misunderstanding, particularly in relation to the proposed works for Adam Smith Square.”
She said another meeting would be arranged between residents and Tourism, Culture and Arts Minister Randall Mitchell, Port of Spain South MP Keith Scotland and Udecott to discuss and alleviate concerns.
“That’s why I asked that these works be stopped pending this meeting.” But in the meantime, she said, the “improvement works” of the sidewalks, lighting and “general road appearance will continue.
Robinson-Regis said she had discussed plans for the improvement and Ariapita Avenue and some areas of Woodbrook with her colleagues before the plan was developed.
Concerned citizens who objected to the police post and toilets in Adam Smith Square started a petition calling on the government to maintain the green space. It had over 1,700 signatures as of Friday.
