CITY Councilor Edgar Avila is pushing for the implementation of a specific portion of the Burnham Park master development plan crafted by the University of Cordilleras (UC) as part of an effort to ease traffic congestion in the city particularly in the central business district area.
As pointed out by councilor Avila in his proposed measure the said master development plan for the Burnham Park Property Complex includes the area described as the Baguio Auditorium and which is currently being utilized and existing as a tourist bus parking area, located between the Baguio City National High School (BCHNS) campus and the skating rink area. That the said master plan contains a proposal for the putting up of a multi-level parking building with concession areas adopting green architecture concept at the said site of the former Baguio Auditorium.
Avila pointed out that the implementation of that specific portion of the Burnham Park Master Development Plan could serve as an alternative to proposals for multi-level parking facilities in other areas of the city such as in the Ganza Parking area in Burnham Park.
The alderman added “that the said master development plan for the Burnham Park property complex provides for at least four hundred (400) parking spaces which will alleviate the parking problems of the city especially within the central business district area”.
In his proposed ordinance, the city councilor noted that several proposals have been introduced for the putting up of parking buildings at the Ganza parking. However, this have been vigorously opposed and that as an acceptable alternative it would be best to implement the master development plan crafted by the UC since this has been studied, proposed and agreed upon by the said education institution and the City Government of Baguio through then City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista.
If the proposed ordinance is approved, the City Mayor will be given the authority to implement that particular portion of the plan which will be the establishment of a multi-level parking building with amenities as well as concession areas adopting green architecture concept at the former Baguio Auditorium area and its surrounding grounds shall be designed and constructed with new library grounds and parks management.
Finally if it will be approved, the City Council will also authorize the City Mayor to enter in a memorandum of agreement with any or all interested parties.