Chedraui Store Project Halted Over Public Street Dispute – Playa del Carmen Residents Speak Out

The Chedraui store project in downtown Playa del Carmen has been halted by the Urban Development Directorate of the Municipality of Solidaridad. This follows allegations that the company was attempting to incorporate a public street into their facilities.

The public street in question is a section of 3rd South Street, which runs between 45th Avenue and Playa del Carmen Boulevard. This street section intersects the parking lot of the Chedraui store. Despite being a public thoroughfare, the company allegedly planned to install toll access arms, effectively closing the street and integrating it into their property. This move was met with significant backlash from local residents, as this road serves as a vital relief route for traffic from Juarez Avenue, particularly during peak hours.

Official documents confirm that the section of 3rd South Street is public property, as recorded under the electronic registry folios 55129 and 55132 in the Public Property and Commerce Registry.

Chedraui also reportedly planned to introduce a parking fee for the use of their lot. While the company is within its rights to do so within its private property, such as lot 27, residents have insisted on maintaining the public nature of 3rd South Street. They argue that the street should not be privatized, as confirmed by the aforementioned documents.

Public concern over the potential privatization of 3rd South Street led to intervention by municipal authorities. The Urban Development Directorate subsequently halted work in the disputed area. Local residents have called for transparency in this process, emphasizing the importance of preserving public spaces. This is particularly relevant in a tourist destination like Playa del Carmen, where a balance between development and community well-being is essential.