Pedestrianization of Santiago Center

posted on: Feb 8 2010 9:37 by Royston. Viewed 125 times.


The historic Calle Espana in the city of Santiago, will be converted into a pedestrian walkway from the Calle del Sol to Avenida de Circunvalación as part of a deal being discussed between traders and hawkers and City officials.

Other important sections of streets that form the center of the city, such as Benito Monción, 16 de Agosto and General Cabrera, were closed in the early 90’s as part of a project to form a “culture plaza” that included even abandonment and partial destruction of old houses, buildings and premises such as the Colombus school.

The Council of the Plaza de la Cultura, was chaired by the late bishop of Santiago, Monsignor Roque Adames Rodríguez and Tácito Cordero was appointed as architect.

The proposed pedestrianization of Calle Espana, is part of a plan for the old Santiago to give continuity to the process of renovation, according to Carlos Lora, spokesman for businesses in the town center.

The president of the National Transport Workers (CNTT), Juan Marte, said everything that helps to rejuvenate and organize traffic in the historic city center deserves support.

In this context, Marte agreed that if this proposal brings more tourists to the historic town center, then it should be encouraged. However, he argues against the elimination of vehicles form the streets simply to accommodate street vendors when they could be relocated to another area of the city, like the old park Compañía Anónima Tabacalera.

Mayor José Enrique Sued  said there is certainly a project that seeks pedestrianisation of part of Calle Espana, but not any other streets.

"This is part of the rescue plan for the historic city, which has not yet been completed is within my plans for my next six years in municipal government," said the mayor.

The president of the Association of Traders of the Historic Center of Santiago, Antonio Castillo, said the organization of the street traders should be included as part of this plan. He said there are 145 licensed vendors who should be allocated a central place for their business. He wanted to see the permanent removal of the un-regulated traders who he claimed were mostly illegal immigrants.