Cancún clears sidewalks of business encroachments

Cancún, Mexico — A total of 17 structures, including awnings and sheds, placed on sidewalks as extensions of commercial establishments have been removed by authorities in recent weeks, according to José Gamaliel Canto Cambranis, director of Commerce and Services on Public Roads for the municipality of Benito Juárez.

The latest operation took place in superblock 259 in Villas Otoch Paraíso, where 11 structures were removed. “Previously, in Tres Reyes, we removed two similar structures, and in the specific case of Tierra Maya, we removed approximately 4 structures in the area of Lak’in Avenue,” Canto Cambranis detailed, referring to the intersection with Route 5, which was the intervened zone.

The official explained that these removals are being carried out because the municipal government will be implementing various works in these areas, requiring the public spaces to be cleared.

He assured that during these operations, the merchants themselves are not removed, only the structures that extend their products onto sidewalks to display them to potential customers, making way for municipal government projects.

Additionally, he reminded that public spaces, such as sidewalks, are for the free and safe passage of all people, which is obstructed by these structures.

Canto Cambranis stated that these operations are not surprises, as authorities first contact merchants to urge them to voluntarily remove their structures to allow for the work.

“Approximately a month and a half ago, we conducted a tour and census throughout the Villas Otoch Paraíso area, in superblock 259, with the objective of informing merchants that, due to an urban improvement project that will be implemented in that zone, all businesses with structures invading the sidewalk area would have to remove them voluntarily,” he commented.

However, he acknowledged that many of the tenants ignored the request, forcing the municipal government to remove the structures.