Real Estate Firm Accused of Fraud by Hundreds in Playa del Carmen

Provisa Real Estate Group is facing public accusations of fraud from around 400 families. The families, who purchased plots in the Paseos del Parque development in the western part of the city, claim that the company is attempting to transfer ownership of the area to the municipality without providing basic services.

The aggrieved parties gathered outside the real estate company's offices on Juarez Avenue and 25th Avenue. They stated that the sales of the plots began 14 years ago, yet those who have already purchased are being threatened with fines for non-prompt payment of fees.

The company is also accused of trying to transfer ownership of the area to the municipality, despite the development lacking basic services such as drinking water, drainage, and sidewalks. The residents have been paying for their plots for many years, but they still lack access to these services.

The protesters expressed their dissatisfaction, stating, “They want to hand over to the municipality, without fulfilling what they promised us." They held up banners outside the offices to warn potential buyers about the risks of doing business with Provisa Real Estate Group.

The residents disclosed, "We have a lawyer who should be filing the complaint for non-compliance, before they leave us without drainage and water… The plots are all sold and now they don't want to comply with what was agreed."

They explained that the sale of these plots started 14 years ago with Mr. Miguel Mendoza Puc as the developer. At that time, the Potable Water and Sewerage Commission (CAPA) was charging 9.8 million pesos to provide water to the 400 plots. However, they have not received any services despite the 14 years that have passed.

The residents have sought support from municipal authorities since Cristina Torres held office, through Laura Beristain and Lili Campos. They now plan to approach the government of Estefanía Mercado to ensure the development is not accepted until the agreement is fully complied with.

The project initiator, Mendoza Puc, has since left, leaving his wife Matilde Magaña Arcos in charge, along with developers Hugo Lementeyer, of French origin, and Mario Villalba. Amid the protest, staff from the development invited the protesters to a meeting, which was attended by Hugo Lementeyer himself to discuss the ongoing process and review the claims.