Mayor chides anti-parking group
MAYOR Mauricio Domogan rued a growing opposition to proposed pay parking projects in the city.
Close to 10, 000 are opposing the plans to set up a parking lot at Burnham Park through Change.Org by the “Baguio We Want Forum” against the building structure at the park.
“The park is for people, not for cars,” petitioners said composed of civil society organizations and concerned citizens who wish to put on record the vigorous objection to the construction of any vehicle parking structure within the Burnham Park Reservation.
However, Domogan pointed out the Ganza area has since been used as a parking area.
In the City Council, the move was made via a resolution introduced by Councilors Benny Bomogao, Michael Lawana, and Faustino Olowan.
The resolution is “requesting for the construction of a podium
car parking in the City of Baguio, particularly at the area of Ganza, in between Orchidarium and the Children’s Park, former Pantranco and the whole stretch of the city Library.”
Domogan said contrary to what opposition alleges, no proposal has been approved for the Burnham area adding the city is studying a 2012 proposal.
Petitioners noted the “Burnham Park is a park reservation – a recreation ground. Management, maintenance and administration of Burnham Park by the City Government of Baguio is limited by law so that it cannot encumber, mortgage or alienate any portion of the Park and use thereof shall be limited only to recreation and tourism-related activities. The construction and operation of a podium car park would be in violation of this provision.”