I want to share some thoughts with the entire English-speaking community about the "Project" that the Merida authorities intend to build in our city of Merida.

What is sad that this "Project" is not even complying with the City of Merida own regulations, licenses and permits.
We are not against modernization, but this has to be studied and fully justified. We should not forget that Merida is a city that is primarily (if not solely) on two things: The Historical Center and Paseo de Montejo including that reaches the intersection of Home Depot and Sam's Club.

Trying to make a tunnel in the prolongation of Paseo de Montejo to solve a traffic problem, will create another traffic problem even bigger. It does not take an expert to realize that. As all this has been kept secret, many people are not even aware of what is going to be build and why we are protesting at the recently named "Glorieta de la Paz "(which is becoming the Glorieta de la Discordia).

With the little information we have been provided by the City Hall, Here are just a few points that Architects and unions discussed in the meetings that we had:

There is no justification for the work .- Traffic flow would need to stand on the street for at least 45min without moving your car to beginning to be consider a problem. That does not happen in this artery.

Technical Report. - The lanes of the tunnel are reduced; do not comply with the rules and ways of incorporating smaller even form a real bottleneck. Subject to flooding by the type of soil you have and an underground water tanks.

Deforestation. - There are a myriad of ancient trees in the area and the new project is not respected either, the area will look totally devoid of vegetation, increasing the temperature of the city of Merida.

Transportation Options .-The project does not provide an alternate route for bicycles, modernized urban transport, walking, elderly, disabled, etc.. Is not solving the problem of urban transportation.... If not the opposite.

The vast majority of Meridians raise their voice against this ugly project, anti green, depressing and expensive tunnel extensively in the Heart of the City.

No doubt the Paseo de Montejo and its extension are a World Heritage City of Merida and an attraction for tourists and stop for the inhabitants of the city. We need to adopt cutting-edge solution, continue with the idea to improve this urban center while retaining its character and incorporating alternative environmental solutions. If we cling to our history, how are we will continue to be a unique city? Little by little we lose our attractive points just to satisfy or justify political actions?

All who live in Merida ARE Meridians, even if you were not born here, Merida opened her door to you, you're part of us! Do not be a stranger!


Thank you!

Above post is a reprint from the pamphlet given out by the members of the Merida Colegio de Architectos during the protest of Jun 30 2011.
For the full version (Spanish) you can go to “En General” in this Forum.

Most of Yucatecans I have talked to believe that this project has nothing to do with solving traffic problems in the City, there are no construction permits, environmental or urban studies, not even a person officially in charge of it. I guess the law does not apply to the authorities here. But what was really disgusting, how the hooligans send there to defend the ideas of the City Hall were dealing with some of the protestors and the Old Ladies sitting on top of the bulldozers and why ever present police was nowhere to be found?. (Normally in Merida there is at least one of them under each tree). You can see it on YouTube. Shame on you – Merida City Hall.

42 peoples looking at it and no one cares??? Or my ingles is so bad??

Hola
Yes, absolutely we care. We are Meridians you know, those of us who were not born here are little bit confused with the political processes in Yucatan. And the native born well, little bit “chicken” perhaps.

Looks like it is done and over with – we gonna have a tunnel!
No one arrested, politicians still in power, “procuratura” silent. The only good thing to come of this is possible political fallout in the next elections.

Hi
After all the drama, controversy and rigorous debate surrounding this Project, our new tunnel is operational.
We may argue about its usefulness in relieving traffic congestion in the area, its esthetics or its construction quality, but there is one thing we can’t agree about.
Shameful way in which its construction began.
And I hope we will keep this in our memories during upcoming Elections, and quickly get used to its new name:
“ Glorieta 4 de Julio ”

Martin

Well you have explain really nice experience, thanks for sharing. Keep sharing such type of information in future too.

Well you have explain really nice experience, thanks for sharing. Keep sharing such type of information in future too.