AN official hopes that the projected increase in economic activity as a result of the Garapan Revitalization Project will deter crime in the area.
“I think because there is going to be a lot of activity…hopefully, it drives crime down,” said Christopher A. Concepcion, Garapan Revitalization Task Force chair and Office of Planning and Development deputy director.
“When this project is…completed, we predict that it’s going to drive land values up because it’s going to be a really nice place to do business, and it’s going to be a really nice place to reside if you want to live in the area,” he said. “So, I think overall, there are way more positive benefits that are going to happen because of this project.”
Concepcion said the revitalization project will transform the area.
“It’s going to bring it up to another level as part of our goal of becoming a world-class service destination. This is just one more step toward becoming that destination,” he added.
The $11.7 million Garapan Revitalization Project is slated to break ground in the coming weeks.
The project, funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce-Economic Development Association, includes repairing and repaving streets, maximizing on-street parking; creating new concrete sidewalks with curbs, trees, landscaping, street lights, bike lanes, and shared streets; maintaining existing storm water drainages; and creating a hybrid Paseo De Marianas that allows street and event space.
The areas that will be affected include Beach Road north of Garapan Street, Royal Palm Avenue, Ginger Avenue, Plumeria Avenue, Coconut Street, Date Street, Palm Street, and South Micro Beach Road.
Christopher A. Concepcion
