Reclaiming reserves and alleyways that are encumbered by businesses and residences is part of the City Council’s push to transform the look of Georgetown, according to new Town Clerk Royston King.
“We are moving to have a green Georgetown; we want to replant trees and plant more trees, bringing Georgetown up to a standard matching the advancement of the Carib-bean,” King told Stabroek News.
In fulfilling its obligation towards the city, the council wants to give the city a chance to breathe again, King said.
He explained that the council will remain firm on its principles and the laws that govern the municipality but at the same time is also seeking to establish partnerships with the business community. King, however, noted that if businesses are not willing to adhere to the laws, it will affect their relationship with the council.
A source from the City Council recently told Stabroek News that the Town Clerk had sent out as many as six letters to businesses in Georgetown that have fenced reserves, parapets and alleyways to surrender keys to those areas.
The source had said council workers are often prevented from cleaning and maintaining the fenced off areas.
When questioned yesterday, King said at least two businesses to which letters were sent have responded and indicated their interest to have discussions about the issues raised in the correspondence.
King also stated that John Ganesh, owner of IMEX International, has indicated his interest to rectify the situation at his Leopold Street property to bring it in accordance with the standards of the City Council.
The construction that was done by Ganesh on the alleyway was blocking the free flow of water, while the steel fence that was erected was not part of the agreement made with Ganesh.
In addition, a generator was being stored and is believed to have been responsible for harmful emissions. King said the council will not allow anyone to store engines on its property that give off harmful emissions that affect the environment.
According to King, Ganesh was given two weeks to rectify the breaches.
Guytrac, on Lombard Street, King said, has also committed similar breaches and it was given until Friday to rectify the problem.
