While City Hall says the lease of a section of the Merriman Mall to Sleepin Hotel and Casino proprietor Clifton Bacchus for the development of a parking lot is being finalised, the businessman yesterday said that he has already made payment for a one-year period and has started preparatory works.
When contacted, Bacchus told Stabroek News that he sought use of the area, located between Albert and Light streets, near the Church Street hotel and casino, in order to minimise the congestion of the area, where the roadways have become overcrowded at night and finding parking has become an issue during the day.
He added that the parking area is needed since the situation becomes particularly chaotic when the churches and mosque nearby are all operating at the same time.