PHILIPSBURG:---- The National decree with respect to the new formation of the Independent Committee of Experts as referred to in the National Ordinance on Spatial Development Planning, commonly referred to as the Zoning Ordinance formally came into effect on March 13th, 2015. The Committee now consists of Chairlady Mrs. Eveline Henriquez- Dijkhoffz, Secretary Mr. Eunicio Martina, members Mr. Tadzio Bervoets and Mr. Brian Deher, alongside long-time members Mr. Ronald Daal and Mr. David Morrison.
Efforts to previously form a committee met several challenges as it only consisted of two members after several members resigned. Additional members were proposed by the existing Committee and have since been approved by the Minister of VROMI. The new formation of the Zoning Ordinance Committee of Experts has now formally been established by national decree (A.B. 2015 no.1).
The Committee of Experts plays an important role in the process of establishing development plans, commonly known as zoning plans. The Committee advises the Minister of VROMI with respect to submitted objections against draft development plans that have been put on public review.
Recently, three draft zoning plans have been put on public review, namely for Simpson Bay, Cul de Sac and the Cay Hill - Little Bay areas. A number of objections have been filed against the draft zoning plan Simpson Bay while only a handful of objections have been filed against the draft zoning plans for Cay Hill- Little Bay and Cul de Sac.
All objections have been forwarded to the Committee of Experts for review and advice. More information about development plans in general, as well as pertaining to the aforementioned draft development plans can be found on the government website through the following link: http://www.sintmaartengov.org/government/VROMI/Pages/Zoning-Development-Plans.aspx.
The publication of the national decree regarding the Committee of Experts, including the explanatory memorandum, can also be found on the government website through the following link: http://www.sintmaartengov.org/government/AZ/laws/Pages/Official-Publications.aspx
