Controversy over Limassol centre parking lot.

Byline: Anna Hassapi

PLANS FOR the creation of an upgraded parking space in Limassol town centre, an area marked by both traffic congestion and a stark lack of parking, has drawn opposition from a group of local residents and an environmental group looking to protect several ficus trees.

Limassol Municipality, however, insists that the plan is in accordance with two traffic studies and will respect the environment, creating an area of green in the centre.

"We believe that it is unacceptable that a giant parking space for 700 vehicles will be created in an area troubled by traffic congestion, along with the construction of more shops.

"These spasmodic moves by Limassol Municipality will cause an increased presence of cars and gridlock.

"At the same time, the last remaining green lung of the old town will be destroyed and residents' quality of life irrevocably undermined," said Michalis Onisoforou, of the Group for the Protection of Century-Old Trees.

Limassol Municipality sought to clarify the matter, saying the proposed parking lot at Andreas Themistokleous Street will not accommodate 700 cars but approximately 300.

The plan foresees the creation of one underground parking lot and a ground-floor parking on the present site, which will include a green area and a retail area.

The site currently known as the E&S parking presently accommodates 150 cars and is usually packed. Its upgrade has been on the table since 2004, but a previous proposal was not approved by the Town Council. The current proposal, developed by Town Planning is considered the most well-balanced and acceptable by the Municipality.

"Town Planning developed this plan based on two expert studies: a study made as part of the European Air Quality and Mobility Programme, and the Limassol centre traffic study developed for the purposes of TEPAK. The latter clearly advises to upgrade the present parking lot at E&S to accommodate more cars," explained Tassos Tsaparellas, Limassol Municipal Councillor.

"I think this plan is a balanced one that takes into consideration the opinions and concerns people have about development on this site.

"It takes into consideration the accommodation of vehicles, but also the need to preserve the site as a green area. It offers the right combination of these two uses and respects the environment," Tsaparellas added.

Environmentalists, however, object to the part of the plan that provides the cutting of several tall ficus trees from the present site and their replacement with a 'green area' that they claim will be nothing more than some grass.

"At a difficult time when the island's desertification has already started, we do not have a lot of room for sacrificing trees at the altar of 'development' and cementing," Onisiforou said.

"Ficus trees are considered destructive for urban environments as their roots lift up sidewalks and tiles. The Forestry Department recommended that ficus trees are replaced with other trees and it is the official policy of Limassol Municipality to discourage their planting and to replace them with other trees," Tsaparellas replied.

The Councillor also clarified that although the long-term aim is to decongest the centre by developing dependable public transport, current realities dictate the need for more parking as the car is practically the only mode of transport.

"Although the ultimate aim is to totally decongest the centre from traffic, we have to look at the current reality which is that people go to the centre and cannot find parking.

"We have started taking action on solving the problem and I hope and wish that we get the infrastructure that would allow us to fully pedestrianise the centre.

"At present, however, that infrastructure is not there and although total pedestrianisation is desirable it is not achievable at present," Tsaparellas said.

Copyright Cyprus Mail 2009

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