Editorial | Mayor Scott sets an example

Kudos to the St Catherine Municipal Corporation for taking the bold step of seeking to impose fines for breaches of the Town and Country Planning Act, specifically on the parking of heavy-duty vehicles and commercial equipment in residential areas.

We salute Spanish Town Mayor Norman Scott for his admirable leadership, which says that we cannot stand by and watch as people flout rules in our communities. He has secured the votes to pass a resolution that gives legal effect to a clean-up drive in St Catherine communities. This means that operators who park heavy-duty vehicles and equipment in residential areas could face a fine of $250,000. He argues that this equipment damages road surfaces and poses security risks.

By succeeding in incorporating the new rules into the corporation’s by-laws, Mayor Scott has demonstrated to other municipalities what can be accomplished with determination, and we hope that we will see successful enforcement of these rules. We also hope that other municipalities will be encouraged by the St Catherine example to clean up their communities so that residents can better enjoy the sanctity of their homes.

It is unfortunate that there are many citizens who pay scant regard to the rules that govern planning, land use, and the environment in communities throughout the length and breadth of this island. Sadly, the municipalities have been spectacularly unsuccessful in enforcing zoning and planning laws and often appear inept. Indeed, a study of the kinds of encroachment in some communities could lead one to conclude that the rules have been relaxed to accommodate any and every kind of activity.

STEADY DETERIORATION

The result is not only the steady deterioration of roads in residential communities, but intrusion, reduction in property value, destruction of flora and fauna, and, in many instances, rampant commercialisation. For instance, we have seen garages flourishing on sidewalks, and we have seen, with deadly consequences, gas-filling stations sprout in residential areas while restaurants and other businesses have taken root in communities, completely changing their character from residential to commercial.

We are of the view that municipal corporations ought to be playing a greater role in good governance. At the moment, their record is less than stellar, with allegations of fraud, corruption, and other indiscretions. This is why we applaud St Catherine for seeming to make real change. The ugly pattern of municipalities turning a blind eye to breaches should stop. Citizens want to be assured that their municipality is working in their best interest.

For example, there should be greater public consultation on community projects. In many instances, residents wake up to see land being cleared, which is quickly followed by work crews and heavy-duty equipment being dispatched to an area. It is usually at that stage that residents may start asking questions: What is the size of the development? How will it affect traffic and utilities? Does this project serve the best interest of the community? Obviously, a residential or commercial complex will have different infrastructural needs from, say, a family home.

We are all for development. However, when corporations work with developers and communities, the result is that new communities can be created without disrupting or destroying existing ones. Without the correct policy responses to the problems of breaching planning laws, homeowners will be denied the protection they seek in their investment.

Zoning is one of the common land tools available to the municipalities, and they ought to use it effectively and efficiently. Indeed, we suggest that the question of how to preserve our communities deserves a place in our national conversation about community development.