|
This question has to do with the
much talked about proposed Antigua shopping center that will
include 60 stores, a (drive-thru?) bank, BIG supermarket, parking
for 200 cars and loading zones.
The project proposal varies based
on the permits they are requesting, and we have seen three
different sets of plans. The project's main problem is its
proposed location: in front of La Recolección ruins. Solving the
current traffic situation would become paramount since there are
no access roads to the newly planned "Antigua Plaza."
Colonial streets and its neighborhoods would be burdened with this
"development," only adding to the traffic problem that
afflicts Antigua today. Another concern to many is that with
competition from such a large buying base, local businesses and
tiendas may be forced to close. These shops are part of the city's
economic grid, its inhabitants and some 1,000 Spanish students who
provide an economic base for Antigua. While people would come from
all over the department to "go shopping" at one of the
60 stores, the economic benefit would be channeled directly to the
Guatemala City owners of Antigua Plaza.
Apparently the developers,
Vivendas y Desarrollo, S.A., asked some 400 people if they wanted
a Paiz supermarket in Antigua. Of course, everyone said,
"yes!" Antigua's protective laws do not handle much
zoning as of yet, BUT the current Protective Law of La Antigua
Guatemala (1969) and the Master Plan (1972) clearly do not allow a
super-project of this proportion in the protected historic area.
It is believed that its board members showed personal economic
interests when the National Council for the Protection of Antigua
Guatemala (created by the 1969 law) approved the pre-project in
June requesting that the developers hire Council-approved
specialists for key positions in the project.
At the end of September, while
focusing on the museum project for Florencia at a town meeting,
the new project's plans were brought to the attention of Salvemos
Antigua. This resulted in outrage by many Antiguan groups. The
main reasons are: 1) The traffic and 2) The economic effect that
bringing large Guatemala City based businesses would have on local
businesses. We fear that the Guatemala City economic powers have
"found" Antigua and are not working within the legal and
moral framework of the World Heritage Site.
Salvemos Antigua took immediate
action. First, letters were sent to the architects in charge of
the project (Viviendas y Desarrollo, S.A.) and the Paiz
supermarket company (Fragua, S.A.). We asked them to reconsider
their proposed site and locate the project outside of the historic
center. We received no answer. Second, our lawyer, Lic. Jorge
Rosales, who is also a Congressman for the Department of Sacatepéquez,
went to the Council's office requesting information about the
project. He was denied this information which by law is public
record. He summoned the Council members to Congress on October
25th. Taped recordings indicate that the Council had plans to
approve the building license for the multi-million dollar project.
Next, public opinion was addressed in two main forums: one held on
October 19th in Guatemala City, and the other on November 21st in
Antigua. Experienced professionals in urbanism, historic
preservation and heritage legislation were invited to participate.
They clearly explained and illustrated that the location in front
of La Recolección is inappropriate and illegal. Salvemos Antigua
then took legal steps including a Recurso de Reposición submitted
to the National Council for the Protection of La Antigua Guatemala
on December 1st. It requires that the Council hear our's and the
developer's positions in a legal framework. After 30 days, we will
submit a legal amparo and continue with legal action. A manifiesto
and newsletter were distributed with this information and we
collected some 921 signatures opposing the super-project in front
of La Recolección. These signatures are being presented to
authorities so that residents of Antigua and international
visitors who enjoy the World Heritage Site may have a say in the
city's urban future vis-a-vis the Guatemala City developers moving
inside the historic center.
Salvemos Antigua was formed one
year ago. We now have legal and fiscal representation. Our main
goals include: Updating the 1969 Protective Law of La Antigua
Guatemala and getting it approved by Congress; having local
authorities approve a current Master Plan (Plan Regulador de la
Ciudad)-the 1972 version should have been updated every five years
but wasn't; involving Antigua's residents in the balance of the
"Conservation and Development of Antigua"
It is believed that its board
members showed personal economic interests when the National
Council for the Protection of Antigua Guatemala approved the
pre-project in June requesting that the developers hire
Council-approved specialists for key positions in the project.
Our members contribute Q200 a
year to help with legal expenses and paperwork. All of our efforts
are volunteer at this point. In response to the interest many of
you have shown in contributing to Salvemos Antigua, we are
receiving membership payments/donations for Salvemos Antigua at
Antigua Tours (Portal de Santo Domingo - 3a Calle Oriente #22)
where we will extend a factura (legal receipt). Please contact key
board members with any questions: Antonio Palomo (504-1857); Juan
Domingo Pérez (253-2987); José María Magaña Juárez
(832-4124); José Víctor Ordóñez (832-5390) and Elizabeth Bell
(832-5821
|
