A gas station project in Cholul has now drawn Mérida’s largest reported fine for tree destruction. The case began with seven felled maculís trees and neighborhood complaints over work tied to the site. City officials say the money has already been paid, but the replacement work is not finished. Part of the case remains tied up in a legal process, leaving residents waiting to see how much of the repair plan actually moves forward.
Mérida issues record fine after Cholul tree cutting
Mérida City Hall imposed a 586,000-peso fine on a gas station company after seven maculís trees were cut down in Cholul.
City officials described it as the largest fine Mérida has collected for the destruction of urban trees. The company has already paid the penalty, and the money is now in the municipal treasury.
The case has drawn attention in Cholul because the trees were near a bike lane used by residents. Neighbors reported the cutting and later protested the gas station project, saying the trees and public space should be restored.
Fine money will go to a bike lane and green corridor
The city plans to use the fine money for a pilot bike lane and green corridor in Cholul.
The corridor is expected to begin near the “mega tope” at Calle 7 and Calle 45, then extend south as far as available funds allow.
The company also must replace the seven maculís trees with specimens of the same species and similar size. In addition, it delivered 80 more trees, which are expected to be planted along the streets around the community.
Officials said the broader planting work can begin in Cholul while the disputed site remains unresolved.
Legal process delays full replacement at the site
The seven replacement maculís trees have not yet been planted where the originals were cut.
Raúl Escalante Aguilar, head of Mérida’s Unit for Environment and Animal Welfare, said that work has been paused due to an administrative process involving the company.
The case also involves questions about permits. Earlier city statements said the project lacked municipal authorization and that a document from the federal transport agency, SICT, had expired.
Until the legal situation is resolved, the city is expected to move first on other planting work connected to the fine.
Neighbors pushed the case forward
The case began after residents reported the tree cutting and organized against the gas station work.
Neighbors have asked for the repair of damage to the bike lane and the restoration of the felled trees. They have also opposed the gas station itself.
City officials said the company’s work had already been suspended as part of an administrative process. The fine now sets a public benchmark for how Mérida responds when trees are removed without the required authorization.
For residents in fast-growing areas of Mérida, the case also shows how local development disputes can move from neighborhood complaints into formal penalties.
