Thursday, February 07, 2008 2 of 4 'closed' firms comply with parking space requirements
AT least two of four business establishments that the Cebu City Government closed this week for lack of parking spaces have already started compling with the requirements.
AA BBQ has demolished structures to start implementing its development plan that will reduce the number of its dining tables to make way for 15 parking bays.
Grill sa Salinas owner Chuck Wisley Gothong-Tio yesterday submitted to the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) a sworn affidavit of undertaking wherein he promised to close a portion of a nearby car wash business for the restaurant’s parking lot.
Recommendation
In an interview, CPDO Chief Paul Villarete said he was convinced that Tio was sincere, especially because he personally came to his office, and will make a favorable recommendation to the mayor over his request for reconsideration.
Grill sa Salinas, AA, Dhara’s Tapsilogan, and Goodah Gud restaurant were closed by the City’s Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division (Speed) last Monday.
The establishments were cited for violating Section 16, Article V of City Ordinance No. 1656 or the City Zoning Ordinance.
The four establishments were also told to submit site development plans for further evaluation and assessment.
They were warned that failure to comply will mean revocation of their business, building, and occupancy permits as well as other clearances from the City.
Yesterday, Villarete said the concerned establishments do not even have business permits.
Requirements
Before the permit is issued, businesses are supposed to secure first a building permit, which requires a locational clearance, which the CPDO would not issue unless the Office of the Building Official certifies that all requirements, including parking spaces, are complied with.
Villarete said businessmen should not take the closure negatively, saying strict enforcement of the guidelines are designed to encourage business in Cebu City.
“We just want to have order in the entire city. Mao na, kay rampant na kaayo ang violations karon in all aspects, parking regulations, building permits, daghang kaayong wala na kaayoy business permits. Siguro because people think that they can get away with it,” he said.
“We will be very stringent in inspecting businesses all over the city. Not because we don’t want business in the city, but because, primarily, we want business to flourish. But we want business to flourish in the right atmosphere,” he added. (RHM)
