Save Qui-si-Sana

I refer to the report (November 18) regarding the Sliema local council's approval to discuss the proposed development of Qui-si-Sana with the residents.

At the outset, I must reiterate that the residents of Qui-si-Sana are against the construction of a car park below Qui-si-Sana gardens, certainly in its proposed form and under its proposed conditions. They are also against any commercial outlets, whether under the garden or in the garden itself, for various reasons.

Apart from the fact that the quality of life will deteriorate, the car park's viability is in doubt. This is clearly shown in the development brief itself as it allows the developer a change of use. This is only natural when one considers that within a stretch of road, which is barely a mile long, at least four car parks are planned or being constructed.

We all know how the mayhem in Paceville developed from a pub near the roundabout at the lower end of Wilga Street. Definitely no construction on ground level, no matter how small, should be allowed as we have examples that this will in time mushroom into a maze of outlets. If the Malta Environment and Planning Authority continues to insist on a car park then a "change of use" provision in the brief has to go. A car park is there to park cars. There are no ifs or buts.

The residents were always against the proposed development from the moment that rumours were being heard. The residents met the Sliema local council and the mayor, both the former mayor and the present one, four times and wrote numerous letters to the council to show their disapproval and objection to the whole development. In fact, early in 2003, the Sliema local council was in consonance with the residents against the development, following a petition submitted by the residents to the council.

The council now plans to study the development brief and view the developer's application. The residents hope that the council will review its position as it is in no one's interest to turn the present gardens into another Bugibba or ruin an open space and quiet residential area for the sake of creating another Paceville. Both the council and the residents need to work together and speak with one voice so that the well being of the people will prevail and the environs of Qui-si-Sana will be improved for the enjoyment of all.

The plea of the people is to embellish the garden and leave Qui-si-Sana as it is - a quiet residential area of Sliema.

A meeting for all the residents to save Qui-si-Sana is to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Tigne Street, Sliema, today at 6.30 p.m.