The construction of a residential and tourist complex proposed for the coastal area of Red Cape This has residents in the area worried about the impact that development could have on land of high ecological value and habitat for hundreds of endemic species, such as the guabairo and the mariquita.
“We are concerned about the development of the project for several reasons, but mainly for ecological reasons. According to a site map publication with the area covered by the project, a substantial part would be in what is zoned as ‘Specially Protected Rustic Land-Ecological’ (SREP-E),” said Dr. Pedro Vallepresident of the Caborrojeño Committee for Health and Environment.
Specially protected rustic land is that which is not contemplated for urban or developable use, either due to its location, topography, aesthetic, archaeological or ecological value, according to the Land Use Plan (PUT).
Over the past few months, the Caborrojeño Committee has publicly expressed multiple reservations about the development of the Esencia complex, which, according to its proponents, will have up to 500 luxury condo-hotel keys and nearly 900 tourist residences. Esencia will encompass more than 2,000 acres of coastal land and is projected to be ready in seven to 10 years., recently shared with El Nuevo Día Roberto Ruiz VargasChief Operating Officer (COO) of Three Rules Capital, the company developing the project together with Reuben Brothers.
The plan also includes the construction of a kindergarten to twelfth grade school, golf courses, sports clubs, a health center, community centers, among other features that will be added to the housing and tourist units.
In mid-July, the nonprofit published an open letter outlining its concerns, including the impact construction could have on the area. Melon Rockshabitat of the guabairo and the ladybird; Rincon lagoonhome to one of the largest colonies of oysters; and the Iris Alameda Wildlife Refuge.
“In Peñones de Melones, the network EBird International “128 species of birds have been recorded. These are periodic counts that have been done for years; it is not done to justify our position. It is an area of incalculable ecological value, as is how federal agencies identify it,” Valle stressed.
The lands near the extensions of land classified as SREP-E, according to the PUT, border the Boquerón canal and the Iris Alameda Wildlife Refuge, which has mangroves, wetlands and important bird species.
“For me, personally, the most important thing is how we are going to continue violating public policy if we have a land use law”said the environmental leader.
He also said that they are concerned about the lack of adequate stormwater, road and electrical infrastructure to support a population increase in the area. “The Boquerón and Combate areas have historically suffered from serious infrastructure deficiencies in sewer and electricity services”Valle added, highlighting that, according to professional metrics, the project could imply an increase of 12,000 daily car trips, which would affect traffic on highways PR-100 and PR-301.
Another concern is that the project could limit public access to the beaches. In this regard, Proponents have indicated that they would respect the limits of the maritime-terrestrial zone and will include four public vehicle accesses and “a multitude of pedestrian accesses” to the beachIn addition, the general public will be able to benefit from other recreational areas of the complex.
“Mangroves and natural waterways will be protected, while the natural coastal landscape will be protected for generations to come. Public access to the coast will be respected and improved, and the maritime-terrestrial zone will be respected. In addition, Esencia is expected to contribute significantly to improving and modernizing the infrastructure,” the proponents told this newspaper. in written statements.
They added that the plan designed for the project proposes that 25% or less of the land be used for the construction of structures, while the remaining 75% or more will be maintained as open space for conservation, recreation and public use.
“
Nothing positive is ever achieved by destroying natural and historical heritage. ”Pedro Valle, president of the Caborrojeño Committee for Health and Environment
At this stage, Valle said the organization is focused on obtaining more information about the initiative and its potential ecological impact, as well as strengthening ties with the community. “The proponents are supposed to invite us to participate, and we would be waiting for that. They have claimed that they will be open and that they will listen to us all.”, outline.
In this regard, the developers assured that the team “has been working hand in hand with residents, community leaders and interest groups in Cabo Rojo” and, as a result, their “contributions” and “advice” were incorporated into the proposal. “We recognize the interest of citizens in learning more about the project, and it is our intention to maintain open and transparent communication about it,” they stated.
On the other hand, the mayor of Cabo Rojo, Jorge Morales Wiscovitch, has qualified the construction of the residential and tourist complex as “a good project”. However, the municipal executive of New Progressive Party He indicated –in a previous interview– that he will oversee the development to ensure that it complies with the protection of natural resources and the permits required by the government.
This media outlet attempted to contact the mayor again as part of this story, but was unable to do so.
“We are not enemies of progress or private property… But first, we must think about preserving what we have. Nothing positive is ever achieved by destroying natural and historical heritage. And, as they called the project Essence, we, in a public letter, ended by saying that we are going to fight to avoid losing the ‘essence’ of our people,” Valle emphasized.