On parking lots

Dave Achondo

THIS city is definitely growing at a remarkable pace and as a result, we are faced with traffic jams from all directions when rush hours begin and the times in between.

I am pretty sure you’ve already noticed while driving around town that we have too many cars and less parking areas. This is one of many concerns that has been a torn on our sides for a very long time, yet there has been no solutionto this problem. Maybe it’s because of too much government bureaucracy.

There are just no more space for parking in vital parts of the city’s commercial districts. There is a dire need for this city to create more parking areas, and councilors are now prepared to entice vacant lot owners to aid them in solving the problem. Currently, our councilors are trying to create a win-win solution that would hopefully solve the problem even a little — a little is better than nothing if you ask me.

The solution is to have owners of vacant lots in commercial districts convert their properties into public parking lots and in return, they would enjoy exemption from real property taxes. The proposed ordinance was suggested by Councilor Lordan Suan a week ago.

However, like many ordinances created by our government, I have my doubts. As I have stated: What’s the point of amending or adding laws if they aren’t even enforced?

Anyway, regarding the proposal, it’s a very good idea especially that there are still a few lots around this city that can be used for that purpose. These properties have been idle for many years now, and sometimes people use them as their garbage dump.

I have always imagined this city with multiple car parks, skyways and even a railway system just like in other modern cities. I know the idea of having even one of the three is already close to impossible.

What we need now are car parks around town. This is to lessen road congestion, cause smooth traffic flows, and give businesses a boost. We are a growing city, aren’t we?

I hope that solution is not too late now given that we are rapidly growing as a city, and catching up with our development. The problem is, we have little space in the downtown areas to for more infrastructure projects.

I am crossing my fingers on the councilor’s proposal. I hope it gets passed and fully implemented as it can really benefit the city.