COROZAL LPWGMunicipal Development Plan

Presentation of draft chapters 1, 2 and 3

2nd National WorkshopBelmopan, December 12 2013

Chapter 1: Assessment of conditions in Corozal

Analysis of key maps of Corozal Town and the

surrounding area

Chapter 1: Assessment of conditions in Corozal

Flood-Prone Areas of Corozal Town

Chapter 1: Assessment of conditions in Corozal

Flood-Prone Areas of Corozal Town

Mainly Concentrated in the White Cocal and

Port Saul Area

Chapter 1: Assessment of conditions in Corozal

Corozal Town, Land Use Map

Chapter 1: Assessment of conditions in Corozal

Corozal Town, Land Use Map

Main Points of Interest include:

Chapter 1: Assessment of conditions in Corozal

• Concentration of commercial business and social services in the downtown area

Chapter 1: Assessment of conditions in Corozal

• Concentration of commercial business and social services in the downtown area

• Potential lack of land for housing developments due to occupancy of surrounding settlements

Chapter 1: Assessment of conditions in Corozal

Chapter 1: Assessment of conditions in Corozal

• Concentration of commercial businesses in the down town area.

Chapter 1: Assessment of conditions in Corozal

• Concentration of commercial businesses in the down town area.

• Limited vacant land within the Corozal Town Boundaries

1. Economy

Factors affecting the economy of Corozal Town

1. Economy

• Unemployment and lack of job opportunities;

1. Economy

• Unemployment and lack of job opportunities;

• Corozal Free Zone is loosing importance as an employment center;

1. Economy

• Unemployment and lack of job opportunities;

• Corozal Free Zone is loosing importance as an employment center;

• Lack of diversification within the local economy;

2. Underutilized sea front

The Corozal Town water front is 1.5 miles of public accessible land which can be utilized for economic development through the form of local and foreign tourism.

2. Underutilized sea frontPotential Utilization of Water Front Include:

2. Underutilized sea frontPotential Utilization of Water Front Include:

• Key asset for attracting local tourism;

2. Underutilized sea front

• Key asset for attracting local tourism;

• Support Local Businesses (old and new)

Potential Utilization of Water Front Include:

2. Underutilized sea front

• Key asset for attracting local tourism;

• Support Local Businesses (old and new)

• Link to downtown area and relevant sites to create a destination

Potential Utilization of Water Front Include:

2. Underutilized sea front

• Key asset for attracting local tourism;

• Support Local Businesses (old and new)

• Link to downtown area and relevant sites to create a destination

• Linked to public space improvements and beautification

Potential Utilization of Water Front Include:

3. Flooding and environmental risks

•Flood prone. Situated on a flat coastal plain with only a little elevation.

•2 day constant rain creating 4 feet of flooding in some areas;

•Linked to poor drainage and street quality.

•Also: high tide flooding, affluent pollution due to poor construction and design of sewage facilities, mosquito infestation due to stagnant water

Insert map of flood prone areas.

4. Traffic congestion

• Traffic congestion in the downtown needs alleviation;

•Major obstacle in the improvement of the downtown as a destination;

•Relocating bus terminal would contribute to alleviate this problem;

Insert map of streets.

1991 2000 2010

Annual growth rate

(1991-2000)

Annual growth rate (2000-2010)

Corozal Town 7,062 7,938 10,287 1,30% 2,59%San Antonio 266 251 517 -0,64% 7,23%San Andrés 725 740 1049 0,23% 3,49%Paraiso 667 834 1007 2,48% 1,88%Ranchito 915 1045 1340 1,48% 2,49%

Population in Corozal Town and surrounding villages (1991-2010)

Source: SIB

“Total Corozal Area” (2012): ~15,000

5. Growth outside the boundary

6. Limited vacant land within the town

About 377 acres of vacant land left within the Corozal Town boundary –most of it already subdivided;

No physical distinction between town and surrounding villages

Cooperation already ongoing

Chapter 2: Vision, strategies and development scenarios

1. Promote economic development through industrial diversification and tourism development;

2. Promote a well-planned, sustainable community with amenities;

3. Create an attractive and economically vibrant downtown;

4. Create an attractive waterfront—a “seaside development zone” – as a destination;

5. Improve the existing infrastructure, including the comprehensive upgrade of the town's drainage system and street system and aim for greater environmental sustainability including “zero waste”

Population growth scenarios

Year / Area Corozal Town Corozal Area

2012 10,800 15,000

2020 14,800 19,000

2030 18,200 25,500

Chapter 3: Planning proposals

• Downtown improvement plan;

• Multipurpose hub: Government/Social services;

• Relocated market;

• Relocation of bus terminal;

• Comprehensive drainage plan;

• Shoreline Improvement;

• Upgrading recreational facilities to higher national standards;

Proposals within the existing town

• Downtown improvement plan;

• Multipurpose hub: Government/Social services;

• Relocated market;

• Relocation of bus terminal;

• Comprehensive drainage plan;

• Shoreline Improvement;

• Upgrading recreational facilities to higher national standards;

Proposals for expansion: Option 1 - Northern expansion

Proposals for expansion: Option 1 - Northern expansion

Pros:

•Unclaimed land;

•Potential for commercial along the coast;

Cons:

• Growth not really taking place there;

• Limited infrastructure (water and electricity – incremental investments needed;

•Limited road accessibility – new link needed;

• Subterranean caves;

New road link

High investment

Low to medium investment

Proposals for expansion: Option 2 – “Greater Corozal Area”

Proposals for expansion: Option 2 – “Greater Corozal Area”

Pros:

•Supports current growth pattern;

•Proximity to infrastructure;

•By-pass would support growth in outer areas;

Implementation implications:

• Need for a Coordinating Body;

• Representation from Corozal Town and villages;

• Overall plan for the area: focus on expansion, land uses, infrastructure, municipal services, environment.

By pass

Areas suitable for industrial /light industrial/ offices uses

By pass