PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – The city of Puerto Vallarta has stepped in to mediate between real estate developers and environmental authorities regarding the ongoing closure of real estate construction projects.
Several developers in Puerto Vallarta approached the city after facing closure seals on their buildings. Approximately 22 construction sites have been sealed, some of which have been closed since January.
The closures result from the builders' failure to provide an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The city of Puerto Vallarta has been actively communicating with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA) to address the issue.
"We are committed to ensuring these developments can continue. PROFEPA's action to seal these sites primarily revolved around the absence of the EIS. After discussions, it's evident that the main challenge is that developers lack this essential document. SEMARNAT has stipulated that they need to fulfill this requirement. We've regularly talked with the developers and are optimistic about resolving soon. Our main aim is to rejuvenate the economy and foster investor development," said the representative from the city of Puerto Vallarta.
Furthermore, over 20 real estate developers have taken protective measures against the closures. They argue that, according to current legislation, in affected areas, it isn't necessary to provide the EIS to SEMARNAT. Instead, they believe that only the municipality should be approached.
This perspective emerged strongly in January 2023, marking the onset of the closures initiated by PROFEPA, an organization that has since been guarded about sharing more details.
The standoff continues between developers, who know that their construction is detrimental to the environment, so they begin construction without presenting a required environmental impact study, and the governmental agency tasked with environmental protection.
The City Council in Puerto Vallarta regularly approves construction without the State and Federal Government requirements. The City spokesman reiterated, "Our main aim is to rejuvenate the economy and foster investor development," without including environmental protections as the city's goal. Many times, a vote for City Council approval can be bought by wealthy developers.
