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Grand opening set for Paseo de Marianas
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Posted on Oct 16 2004
With the transformation of Third Street in Garapan to a pedestrian mall nearing completion, Nov. 9 has been selected to officially open “Paseo de Marianas,” the name chosen for the newly designated park.
Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente toured the area yesterday and expressed himself pleased with what he saw.
“Renovating this area is having the effect we hoped for,” Benavente said. “Some businesses that tourists found distasteful are moving out, and restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors are moving in. Shops that have been vacant for a long time are now being rented. And business owners who have been here for years are very pleased with the results.”
Bill Wankett, the manager assigned by the Department of Public Works to oversee the project, confirmed that the atmosphere in downtown Garapan is changing for the better. He said that some of the restaurant owners in the area are so pleased with the project that they have provided free lunches for the construction workers. And he said that buildings that have needed a facelift for years are now being repainted by their owners.
The project began last year. It called for raising the level of the street, improving drainage, putting power lines underground, and closing the street to automobile traffic while making it a pleasant area for tourists to stroll.
There will be food courts, coffee shops, gift shops, benches and water fountains as well as covered areas in case of rain.
“I am positive that tourists and the local community will be happy with the results,” said Benavente.
