Palma seeks more “quality of life”

The deadline for public contribution to the debate over the future of Palma was in fact on 5th February this year - the majority of suggestions related to transport, suburbs badly in need of reform, and the city's green areas.

Planning Councillor Yolanda Garvi revealed that what has been dubbed the “Citizen's Document” concludes that in order to plan the city of the future, Palma's transport systems have to be restructured and facilities for both residents and tourists have to be rethought.

It was also clear, said Garvi, that people want the Council to overhaul the ageing city suburbs such as Son Gotleu which was originally conceived in the 1960s as an “out-of-town” neighbourhood for an immigrant workforce.

Residents are also keen that there should be more park areas and that those which already exist should be well-maintained and landscaped. The Citizens' Document proposes that before more development is undertaken, better use should be made of urban areas that have become abandoned and unattractive over the years, and that already-existing housing should be made more accessible to others apart from the wealthy.

Garvi confirmed that apart from assimilating suggestions through the internet, the Citizens Document had also been compiled as a result of meetings between the Planning department and residents associations, social and cultural organisations, and union representatives.

The Councillor said that the revision of planning laws is being monitored by a non-permanent working committee made up of representatives of all political parties at City Hall. The next stage is to match up public suggestions with current legislation.