Citizens, local organizations and academics presented “botanical, geological, landscape and aquatic” arguments against the real estate initiative.
The hearing for the controversial real estate project in Ballena Point, summoned by andl Ministry of Environmenttook place on Monday and included the participation of the head of the convening portfolio, Robert Bouvier, as well as representatives of the construction company, neighbors, local organizations and academics. The groups opposing the initiative in one of the most important natural spaces in Uruguay He described it as “absolutely unviable.”
The instance of public consultation was convened on April 11 with the objective of “enabling the citizen participation” regarding the controversial real estate project that seeks the construction of a residential complex of 29 buildings in the spa of Maldonado. It is a stage provided for by law that, in addition, became particularly necessary in the face of the significant rejection by residents and environmentalists who, last November, had already presented more than 11,000 considerations to the project, almost ten times more than what it received. Environment by UPM.
In that sense, for the enormous group of people who oppose the project and who filled the Panoramic Room of the Hotel del Lago, the hearing showed that investors “were not prepared.” While they “discredited the technicians they themselves cited in their report,” the neighbors laid “foundations of all kinds: botanical, geological, landscape, aquatic.”
“It was a very forceful hearing, I think we were all left with that feeling that there was a clear message from everyone that this is absolutely unviable.” one of the members of the group against the project that plans more than 300 apartments told Telemundo.
More than 12,000 signatures against the project
Last week, the Movement No to the Project in Punta Ballena presented more than 12,418 signatures against the project in Ballena Point, with the intention that the government declares the area as Protected Natural Area and that the real estate initiative cannot advance, as this would generate a serious environmental, social and patrimonial impact.
“It is a unique point in terms of biodiversity vegetable, there are several unique spices in Ballena Point, others that are to be preserved. We are also talking about a very important geological site, even at an educational and scientific level. And on a social level, it is a representative point for Uruguayans, icons of the Natural Uruguay”, he claimed Cecilia Alamón, part of the movement that opposes the real estate initiative that even garnered the rejection of the mayor of Maldonado, Enrique Antía.
The government points out that the land is private, so the project can be evaluated and, eventually, approved according to the environmental impact report.
Source: Ambito
