As work continues on the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) financed renewal program for the Colonial City of Santo Domingo, El Caribe reports that commercial activity in the historic center is slowly returning to normal.
The sidewalks now have benches and native trees have been planted to encourage pedestrian traffic. According to the newspaper, there is enthusiasm among traders in the area. Maria Antonia Jacobo, who owns an art gallery on Arzobispo Merino Street told reporters that she expects an increase in both Dominican as well as tourist traffic this Christmas season. Around Santo Domingo Cathedral, the first in the New World, which also underwent improvements, dozens of workers can still be seen placing bricks on the sidewalks as part of the finishing touches.
Maribel Villalona, project director for the Ministry of Tourism, said that six of eight streets that have undergone renovations, are now open again to vehicular circulation.