Maya Train Sparks Illegal Real Estate Boom

Mexico — The Maya Train project has fueled a surge in real estate speculation, with luxury developments systematically omitting required Environmental Impact Assessments (MIAs) and building with only municipal or state permits in violation of federal legal provisions. The non-governmental organization Defending the Right to a Healthy Environment (DMAS) has documented approximately a dozen luxury residential developments that have damaged mangroves, flora, and fauna.

"Illegal real estate development has grown; the developers who bought plots of land around the train, that was the business—to promote themselves as luxury apartments near the Maya Train station," said attorney Irma del Carmen Morales, who is handling some of the cases against real estate firms violating environmental law.

Environmentalists like José Urbina assert that in Tulum, around 600 authorizations for some type of building development have been granted in recent years.

The scheme employed by real estate firms, particularly in zones close to Maya Train stations or in impacted tourist destinations, involves beginning construction even without municipal permits. "They start building with a municipal construction license and land use certificate, when this is in coastal ecosystems, where they are required to obtain a federal MIA," detailed the attorney.

Developments Under Scrutiny

The real estate developments facing accusations of violating environmental regulations are spread across Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Puerto Morelos, and even Cancún.

One of the latest developments seeking to build contrary to environmental regulations is located in Playacar, a high-demand tourist zone that is governed by a master development plan guiding the area's potential expansion. Residents of the residential complex have reported that six new luxury apartment developments are affecting local flora and have contributed to the death of baby deer living in the area, stated Laura Morales, a Playacar resident, in an audiovisual statement.

The developments reported to the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), the municipality of Solidaridad, and the Ministry of Territorial, Urban, and Sustainable Development (Sedetus) are: Departamentos Legacy Agua, Macondo, Bakabá, Casa de Piedra, Huma, and Vi-há 36. Furthermore, in Playa del Carmen, the Paradise Residence development has been reported.

In Tulum, the developments Neró, Adamar in Solimán Bay, and MAIIM are facing complaint processes for construction irregularities. In Puerto Morelos, Alux 33 and Sole Blu, plus a development on Heriberto Frías street, have been shut down due to complaints filed with Profepa.

Military Rest Stop Project Halted

The Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) attempted to build a rest house next to the Bacalar lagoon, arguing that the project—which has allegedly contaminated the area with construction materials—was for national security reasons.

"They alleged that this rest house is a matter of national security, similar to what happened with the Maya Train. This is clearly and manifestly inapplicable because… one could say these are particular interests within Sedena," added attorney Morales.

The army has attempted to overturn the definitive suspension that has halted work in Bacalar; the latest motion resolved by a judge occurred last week when an incidental appeal was dismissed. The trial will continue with the works remaining unable to proceed. In the coming months, environmental inspections will be carried out to verify if the lagoon has been contaminated by the construction.

Sedena avoided presenting the MIA by arguing the work consisted of rehabilitating a pre-existing structure; however, the suspended construction is a new development.