PA board meetings still ongoing, but some concerned about size and ventilation in meeting rooms
Planning Board meetings are still ongoing, a spokesperson for the Planning Authority confirmed with this newsroom, however, some people are concerned about attending given the lack of ventilation in the rooms where said meetings take place.
One person told
that she is concerned that the public might fear going to attend these meetings, yet the applications would still be discussed. Another person was unsure whether members of the public were even allowed to attend such meetings.
This newsroom contacted the PA to ask about these concerns, and a spokesperson said that no directives have yet been issued to stop holding the meetings. A number of procedures, however, have been introduced he said, such as only people interested in a case will be inside the room at any time, and those who are waiting for a different case would wait outside. In addition, disinfectants have been brought in, and a distance created between the board members and members of the public.
On the ventilation of the main Planning Board room, the spokesperson said that it is a large room and doors are being kept open. As for the Planning Commission room, the spokesperson said that doors are also being kept open.
“As a preventive measure, the general public and the board or commission members will be segregated. Access to the respective meeting rooms will be restricted only to those persons who have a direct interest in the decision which is being discussed by the board or commission. The general public is encouraged to limit their attendance at these meetings and is advised to appoint a professional as an official representative,” an official communication by the Authority read.
But herein lies the concern of some people who spoke with this newsroom, as the public might want to attend sessions which might revolve around controversial permits, but are being advised not to.
Some also argued that meetings take place in a stuffy, badly ventilated room with up to 70 people at one go. “This is totally unfair to professionals (architects and lawyers) who represent clients and objectors.”