Santa Cruz Council Discusses Land Use with Residents
Santa Cruz de Tenerife officials met with residents to discuss future uses for a 4,500 sq meter council plot, currently undergoing essential service upgrades, with options including parking or a community area, while committing to prevent residential development on the main section.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, and Public Works Councillor, Javier Rivero, met yesterday afternoon with people living near a 4,500 square meter piece of council land. Technicians from their department also attended. They discussed what the land could be used for once construction work is finished.
The mayor explained that the work will add essential services to the land, including sewage, rainwater drainage, and drinking water. The council expects this work to be completed between May and June next year.
Bermúdez reminded everyone that the project, which started last November, costs 554,942 euros. The City Council has told residents when the work will happen and has started a discussion process. This allows residents to help decide what to do with the main open space once the construction is done. Ideas include using it for parking or as a community gathering area, fulfilling promises made to the residents.
Councillor Javier Rivero, who oversees Public Works and the Southwest district where the land is located, pointed out that one option is to use the entire plot for parking, fitting about 70 cars. They also suggested creating a children's play area. Both parking and a play area could work together as temporary solutions, though a play area would mean fewer parking spaces.
Rivero also mentioned that as part of the new General Plan, Santa Cruz City Council is still committed to changing the central plot's zoning from residential to public service. This would stop homes from being built there. However, an L-shaped plot next to it, bordering other buildings, would remain zoned for housing and could have about 35 homes, but not as social housing.
Finally, the councillor explained that this project came about after earlier meetings with people from the La Monja neighborhood. They had opposed new housing developments in the area, arguing that parking became a major issue after a large private development was built over ten years ago.
Because of this, both the Mayor of Santa Cruz and Rivero promised last May not to build homes on this land. Instead, they committed to developing the public space and agreeing with residents on how it should be used in the future.