Environmental Permits Denied for Luxury Real Estate Project – Puerto Morelos Update

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has denied environmental permits to a real estate developer in Puerto Morelos. The developer had planned to construct a 44-apartment complex, but was accused of starting work without the necessary environmental impact resolution.

The permits were requested by "Extra Temex Mexican Strategies for Business, Entertainment, and Technology", the company behind the Aluxe 33 project. The developer had attempted to regularize the project through an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) after vegetation was removed from the project site. This site is located within the influence area of the federally protected Mangroves of Puerto Morelos.

Despite the developer's claims that they had not removed vegetation from the property, which covers just over half a hectare, they were fined by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa). The fine was issued based on the assumption that the land was originally covered with mangrove vegetation.

According to a technical study, the land was actually devoid of tree vegetation and covered with grass and herbaceous plants when it was purchased by the current owner. Images from a soil mechanics study support this claim.

The property in question is located south of the old town of Puerto Morelos, in the Fishermen's district, close to the municipality's tourist area. The developer began the permit application process in September 2024, requesting a 30-month construction period for the project, which was expected to last 99 years and involve a private investment of 75 million pesos.

However, Semarnat ultimately rejected the construction permits, halting the Aluxe 33 project.