Chetumal’s Barrio Mágico Project Delayed as State Prioritizes Flag Plaza Renovation

Chetumal, Mexico — Quintana Roo state officials have confirmed that the Barrio Mágico urban renewal project in Chetumal is on hold while they seek funding, with priority shifting to renovating the Flag Plaza in front of the Government Palace.

Nabil Eljure Terrazas, the state’s deputy secretary of government, clarified that the Chetumal Citizen Council has not formally submitted proposals for an administrative building, modernization of Carmen Ochoa de Merino Street, and a mangrove park to be included in the city’s downtown improvement strategy. He said officials are working to secure resources for announced projects.

Eljure acknowledged attending a business meeting where proposals were discussed informally, but noted the main issue is a lack of funds. “We have urgent and important matters to address right now, and the state government is in the process of prioritizing actions,” he said.

He described the proposals as important for boosting the state capital’s development, but added, “There are other priorities now where we need to invest. Obviously, we haven’t set it aside, and I had discussed with state government officials that it could be funded at the federal level, which would be wonderful, but we need to manage that process, and that’s where we are now.”

The deputy secretary said the Barrio Mágico project’s community outreach phase continues, as it involves not just modernizing Heroes Avenue but an entire area from Mahatma Gandhi Street to Bahía Boulevard. While that project awaits, the state government decided to upgrade the Flag Plaza first.

“The technical feasibility study covers from Independence Street to 16 de Septiembre Street, all the space from the boulevard to 22 de Enero Street,” Eljure explained. “They’re already working on soil mechanics studies to see if it’s viable; we hope it is because the idea, the concept, is very good and would improve not just tourism but also social dynamics here in Chetumal.”

He recognized that Barrio Mágico has moved to a secondary stage for attention, but emphasized this doesn’t mean the initial proposal has been abandoned. The city council will handle urban image improvements like public lighting and other minor upgrades, while major works on Heroes Avenue remain on standby.

Eljure clarified that funds announced for Barrio Mágico haven’t been lost, as they belong to a state-established cruise passenger trust fund. These are state, not federal, resources and will be available when needed, he assured.