PHILIPSBURG--The government is planning additional parking capacity in Philipsburg and supports a broader parking management framework that could include designated zones, paid parking, permits and stronger enforcement, Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten told Parliament.
Responding to questions during the continuation of the budget debate, Heyliger-Marten confirmed that additional parking capacity is being planned as part of different phases of the revitalisation of Philipsburg.
Based on the conceptual design for the Clem Labega Square redevelopment, the project is expected to provide approximately 100 parking spaces, which would be about 20 more than the current capacity.
The preliminary construction period is estimated at 18–24 months, subject to final design, procurement and permitting.
The government also intends to pursue a multi-story parking facility on the former post office property, although that project remains in the early planning phase.
“As these projects advance, we will be able to provide Parliament with more precise timelines for when the additional parking capacity will become available.”
Alongside the physical expansion of parking, Heyliger-Marten was asked whether she agreed that St. Maarten needs a comprehensive legal framework covering parking management and enforcement, including designated parking zones, paid parking, permits and stronger enforcement mechanisms.
Heyliger-Marten agreed. She said the parking management framework should include designated parking zones, paid parking options in high-demand areas, permit systems for residents and businesses, stronger enforcement and proper maintenance of parking facilities.
“As we expand parking capacity, we need to create a parking management framework that includes designated parking zones, paid parking options in high-demand areas, permit systems for residents and businesses and stronger enforcement as well as proper maintenance of these facilities.”
The minister said regulatory changes should accompany the physical expansion of parking. The Minister was also asked whether she was familiar with Aruba’s Parking Zones National Ordinance and whether she would support examining it as a possible model for St. Maarten, including its framework for parking zones and enforcement measures.
Heyliger-Marten said the government is familiar with the ordinance and supports examining it.
