Mayor Mercado approved luxury Zonna project despite outcry

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — Municipal documents reveal that Mayor Estefanía Mercado Asencio approved a controversial change in land use for Playa Mamitas, facilitating the construction of the luxury residential project Zonna Beachfront Residences. The decision, ratified by a majority-Morena city council on March 31, 2025, permits a dramatic increase in housing density—from 60 to 127 units per hectare—alongside a rise in permitted building heights from 4 to 7 stories.

Environmental and Ethical Concerns

The project, which includes 200 apartments, 68 hotel rooms, and 4 commercial spaces, has sparked outcry over its potential ecological impact. Critics warn it threatens mangrove areas and endangered sea turtle nesting sites, including those of the hawksbill and white turtles. Despite public protests, the city council approved the rezoning under the classification of “high-density residential use.”

Mayor Mercado initially denied the project’s approval in a public statement, asserting:

“In Playa del Carmen, beach access is guaranteed by law. As a municipal government, we not only respect the law—we enforce it. We will not permit the privatization of beaches, which belong to Mexicans and the tourists who visit us.”

She further clarified that the project remained under environmental and urban review by other authorities and that no construction permits had been issued. However, documents obtained by Reporte Maya and Diario Cambio 22 contradict these claims.

Official Approval and Project Details

Hernán Gerardo González de los Santos, Secretary of Territorial Planning for Playa del Carmen, formally endorsed the land-use change for Lot 008, Block 001, Region CO3, a 21,006.87-square-meter parcel near the federal maritime zone. The rezoning study argued the project would align with urban growth patterns and provide “sustainable, secure housing with adequate infrastructure.”

Key excerpts from the approval document state:

“The proposed modification does not disrupt natural growth conditions in the area and adheres to the city’s planned development. The project will comply with all federal and state requirements for residential and commercial use.”

The Zonna Beachfront Residences, designed by the prestigious firm Sordo Madaleno Arquitectos, markets itself as a “sanctuary of peace” with luxury amenities, including a spa, pools, a private beach club, and 24/7 security. Units are priced from $488,172 for a one-bedroom to $1.22 million for a penthouse, with completion slated for summer 2028.

Allegations of Corruption

Rumors suggest the project’s permits were secured through bribes totaling approximately 100 million pesos ($5.4 million USD), including the alleged allocation of 10 units to municipal and state officials. Recent social media reports also accuse developers of illegally clearing mangroves, though Mercado denied these claims, emphasizing that no construction licenses or environmental permits have been granted.

“No machete-wielding individuals have been seen cutting mangroves, nor are there any authorized works on the site,” she stated, adding that federal environmental approvals from SEMARNAT would be required before construction begins.

Despite these denials, the rezoning approval marks a critical step toward the project’s realization, raising questions about transparency and environmental safeguards in Playa del Carmen’s urban development.