Puerto Vallarta, Mexico — The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has brought the construction of 22 real estate projects to a standstill in Puerto Vallarta, a decision that has reportedly obstructed investments amounting to $352 million, or 6,575 million pesos. Local developers have expressed grave concerns about the federal government's stringent measures that commenced in 2021 but have escalated markedly since April 2022.
The crackdown, enforced by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (Profepa), came under increased scrutiny with the appointment of Raúl Rodríguez as the head of the Semarnat delegation in Jalisco in April 2022. According to the agency, the developments were shuttered because they lacked the necessary Environmental Impact Statement (MIA). While developers later complied with this requirement, their MIAs were rejected, leaving the fate of the construction projects in limbo.
Miguel Tejeda, a local developer whose real estate project in the Conchas Chinas area was among those halted, criticized the federal agency's justification. "In the place where we are, it is not mandatory to present the MIA," he said. Tejeda elaborated that under current legislation, namely Article 28 of the General Law of Ecological Balance and Environmental Protection, only 13 types of works and activities necessitate an MIA. He stressed that since their developments are not situated along the beachfront, they are not bound by this law.
Developers consulted by the MURAL news outlet corroborated that none of the 22 affected properties fell within the purview of Article 28’s clause Number 9, which specifically refers to "real estate developments that affect coastal ecosystems." Tejeda further revealed, "If that's the reason for stopping construction, then here's the MIA, which doesn't cost more than 20,000 pesos. They denied all of us the permit."
Félix García Corral, another impacted developer, raised eyebrows at the inconsistent implementation of these regulations. "It's surprising that Semarnat is not taking similar actions in any other tourist destination in the country," he said, highlighting the unique treatment being accorded to Puerto Vallarta by federal authorities. García Corral lamented the lack of dialogue and negotiation with federal agencies, stating, "There is no opening, there is no negotiation, there is no how."
Those affected by these stoppages have estimated significant economic repercussions. According to their data, the Puerto Vallarta Government, led by Morenista Luis Michel, has lost approximately 100 million pesos in tax revenue. Furthermore, the cessation of these 22 developments has led to a loss of employment for around 4,400 workers.
This development raises questions about the motivations behind these stringent measures, as well as their long-term impact on Puerto Vallarta's real estate sector and local economy. While environmental conservation remains a critical priority, the challenges posed by these regulatory actions highlight the need for a balanced approach that also considers economic stability and job creation.
For additional information and updates, continue to follow this developing story.
