The government has embarked on a $15 million project to enhance Ariapita Avenue, including building a municipal police post to be positioned smack on the green space at Adam Smith Square.

Work on this project has already begun, and the reason touted for the rush to build on green space is the current high level of crime. The outline of the $15 million project, as reported in the Guardian on 31 July 2022, is as follows: "Phase One will incorporate west/east arches, development of textured sidewalks, greenery/landscaping, shuttle stops, cycle track, decorative garbage bins, signage, electronic billboards, police post, public washrooms, street lighting and accessories. Phase Two will see a west/east car park being constructed." 

This petition focuses on government grabbing our green space to use as a building site, despite urgent entreaties by the community (which is over 110 years old) to immediately halt the offensive work that has already begun. This proposed police post will only destroy our green space without curbing lawlessness, will disrupt the environment necessary for the community's health and wellbeing.

The signatories of this petition do not support this action for the following reasons:

Value

• Green spaces are imperative for communities' mental and physical health.
• Green spaces and trees absorb rainwater and are valuable when flooding occurs.
• Adam Smith Square provides pleasing aesthetics for the surrounding properties and serves as a rest and relaxation area for the wider community.
• Building on the park will degrade the value of the properties that surround it.
• Green spaces are imperative for tourism and maintaining a beautiful T&T.
• Gentrification of the area will only be for the benefit of the wealthy and does not consider the long standing-community of this neighbourhood and the wider society.
• Adam Smith Square is a meeting spot for families and friends during cultural and annual events. Building on it will destroy traditional events and meeting spots.
• Adam Smith Square is a valuable location for music and cultural events. 

Police Presence

• The Woodbrook Police Station is a mere 1-1/2 blocks away, and EIGHT other police stations are within a one-mile radius.
• Visibility of police is necessary, and Ariapita Avenue is a perfect location for foot and scooter patrols. Police can hide in buildings.
• Our authorities can achieve enforcement of laws without another building.
• This proposed police post will destroy our green space without curbing lawlessness.

Residents and property owners

• Insufficient meaningful consultation and dialogue with the residents and property owners, including The Woodbrook Residents Committee and the Woodbrook Community Council. The perimeter of the Square includes more than eight residences, as stated by MP Keith Scotland (Guardian 31 July 2022)
• Hundreds of residents are affected by the noise and other environmental pollution from "De Avenue", which is being positioned as "a premier economic and leisure zone" (Guardian 31 July 2022)
• The residents do not welcome public Washrooms in this green space.

Alternative locations and development and infrastructure

• The park should be enhanced as a green space to encourage nature to thrive and to be helpful as a water absorption site during heavy rains. Plant more trees and play a valuable part in the fight against climate change, as well as to improve the health and wellness of our society.
• On the opposite side of the street to the government-proposed police post, properties on Carlos Street are unoccupied and derelict. Can these be options for purchasing property for building a police post and public facilities?
• Developing and enhancing an area for culture and tourism includes preserving the layout and design of all historical green spaces within Port of Spain.
• The government must work with the communities to PROTECT the parks and squares left to us by our forefathers, not destroy them.

WE, THE PEOPLE, SAY SAVE OUR GREEN SPACES.

THIS CONSTRUCTION AND THE LOSS OF GREEN SPACE WILL AFFECT US AND FUTURE GENERATIONS. 

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