Urbanists Discuss Challenges of Gentrification in Yucatán

Mérida, Yucatán — Gentrification can be positive when carried out through proper urban planning that integrates local communities, according to Antonio Peniche Gallareta, an urban planning architect from the Yucatecan College of Architects and head of the Acceso Urbano firm.

The specialist, who studied urban planning at Harvard University and served as director of urban development for the Mérida City Council, noted that the term has been used with negative connotations in academic discourse, but development can benefit everyone when there is coordination between government, private initiative, and the social sector.

Peniche Gallareta emphasized that the key to avoiding the negative effects of gentrification lies in public policies that generate incentives for local businesses, including training and credit, as well as the integration of affordable housing within commercial developments. The urban planner explained that when local families cannot acquire properties due to price increases, as has occurred on the coast of Progreso, urban development programs that consider various income levels are required.

The specialist shared successful experiences of public-private collaboration in Yucatán, such as the urban development program for Motul, developed at the end of the pandemic, which contributed to the municipality obtaining the designation of Pueblo Mágico.

He also mentioned the case of the northern zone of Mérida’s periférico, where since 2006 the main developers worked together with the city council to create a partial program that converted that area into one of the city’s highest-value zones.

Regarding Tulum, Peniche Gallareta noted that the city has experienced accelerated growth without proper planning. Although an urban development program was recently approved, it has not been implemented appropriately.

The urban planner indicated that while tourist developments facing the sea present good real estate value, the town of Tulum lacks sufficient services, a situation that requires the joint participation of developers and municipal authorities.

The architect warned that Mérida is at an inflection point due to its rapid growth in the last decade. Although the city has achieved significant advances in property value, it still needs to effectively integrate public transportation into urban development.

The taller buildings being constructed are not articulated with the city’s general planning, which represents an opportunity for territorial organization.