BAGUIO CITY – The City Council approved on first reading a proposed ordinance authorizing the implementation of the master development plan for the Burnham Park property complex, particularly the D.5.2.5., which is an existing tourist bus parking area between the Baguio City High School (BCHS) campus and the skating rink area, more particularly described as the Baguio auditorium, wherein a proposed multi-level parking building with concession areas adopting a ‘green architecture’ concept. Its surrounding grounds shall be designed in the area D.5.2.8., or the new library grounds, and park management shall serve as an alternative to the Ganza Park proposal and authorizing the City Mayor to implement the same.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Edgar M. Avila stated that effective upon its approval, the master development plan for the Burnham Park property complex shall be designed, built and operated pursuant to the green architecture concept being embraced by the local government to serve as an alternative to the proposed Ganza multi-level parking structure.
The ordinance authorized the City Mayor to implement the pertinent provisions of the measure and implement the design and construction of the Baguio auditorium parking building and its amenities and is further authorized to enter into a memorandum of agreement with any interested party for the realization of the master development plan.
Earlier, the City Council Committee on Public Works reported out a proposed resolution urging all interested architecture and design firms to submit a design for the Baguio City auditorium with parking facilities and amenities.
Resolution No. 028 series of 2010 confirmed the memorandum of agreement entered into by and between the University of the Cordilleras (UC) and the local government of Baguio for the preparation of the master development plan for the Burnham park complex and the said resolution remains in effect as the same has not been revoked, cancelled and nullified.
The area covered by the auditorium is approximately 247,690 square meters, excluding the area of the children’s playground and the area currently occupied by the BCHS with an aggregate area of 80,700 square meters.
Among others, the master development plan for the Burnham Park property complex which is an existing tourist bus parking area between BCHS campus and the skating rink area is suitable for the proposed multi-level parking building with concession areas and amenities adopting green architecture concept.
The ordinance cited the Burnham Park property complex provides for at least 400 parking spaces which will effectively and efficiently contribute in alleviating the parking problems of the local government, especially in the central business district area.
It can be recalled that several proposals have been introduced to build the parking buildings in the parking area but the same has been allegedly met with stiff opposition, thus, by way of an acceptable alternative and pursuant to the committee on public works report, the proponents submit that it would be best to implement the master development plan for the complex as studied, proposed and agreed upon by the UC and the local government through former city officials.
By Dexter A. See
