Chetumal Vendors Fear Magical Neighborhood Changes

Chetumal — The Magical Neighborhood project is advancing, and as part of the ongoing consensus-building process, street vendors located within this polygon will now have their turn to learn about the remodeling work intended to give a new face to the city center. They have been summoned to a meeting with the authorities involved in the proposal on the upcoming November 19.

However, there is fear and, to a certain extent, uncertainty, especially among those who occupy spaces in the Flag Esplanade. This is due to the fact that the information regarding the plan contemplated by the State Government has been scarce, and because this could imply a possible definitive relocation once the work begins.

The person who notified the merchants in this area about the meeting was the Secretary General of the municipality, Luis Gamero Barranco. When questioned about this situation, he limited his response to stating that the details will be announced on the scheduled date and that it will also serve for the municipality to obtain precise data about the Magical Neighborhood.

"Really, we too are going to learn first-hand what that development will be like. I believe that everything that is for the benefit of our community, of Othón P. Blanco and Chetumal is welcome, and above all, the fact that there is a direct approach with all the people involved, both the vendors and the authority, speaks well of a government that listens to all the voices of the people of Chetumal, and more than anything when it is for the benefit of the beautification of our capital; but there has never been talk of a removal of the street vendors, that is not on the agenda," he said.

He mentioned that the rehabilitation of the historic center has been proposed by the municipality since 2021 when the improvement of the Bahía Boulevard was announced. Therefore, the fact that the current administration has it among its priorities is a significant and important achievement for the rescue of Chetumal.

He highlighted that there will be approaches with all those who could be affected once the project begins, and efforts will be made to minimize the negative effects that this could represent for them, to avoid misinformation and speculation.

"We have to first know the project, we will know it on the 19th. There is no indication of a possible relocation, but we will be present and support them at all times, because we know it is a source of income for many families and the city council will support them."

It should be noted that this concern is due to the experience that many lived through with the modernization of the Bahía Boulevard, which forced them to abandon their places and set up in other locations. This led to a drastic decrease in their sales, and that is what they do not want to happen again.