Residents go to high court for proper review of residential-commercial project in Escambrón

Escambrón Unido argues that the Permit Management Office approved the location consultation without an Environmental Impact Statement or public hearings, in violation of laws and regulations.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Escambrón Unido alliance announced Wednesday that it filed a petition for certiorari with the Puerto Rico Supreme Court to halt a residential and commercial project in the Escambrón Resort area, Sixto Escobar Park, Third Millennium Park, and beaches 8, 9 and 10, following the dismissal by the Court of Appeals of an administrative review.

“This plan includes the construction of new structures in the maritime-terrestrial easement area, the relocation of the Old San Juan wastewater pumping system, a parking lot within Sixto Escobar Park, and the alteration of the hotel structure,” said Sonia Fritz, spokesperson for Escambrón Unido, in a written statement. “This is not about preventing the restoration of this historic space, but rather ensuring that the values ​​that distinguish it and belong to all of Puerto Rico are protected.”

The petition -- filed with the support of nine intervenors and the Legal Clinic of the University of Puerto Rico School of Law -- requests that the Supreme Court review the appellate ruling that dismissed the administrative review. The group argues that the Permit Management Office approved the location consultation without an Environmental Impact Statement or public hearings, in violation of laws and regulations.

In the brief, the community argues that the administrative action affects public, environmental, recreational, spiritual and aesthetic interests protected by the Puerto Rico Constitution. “These interests are more than valid and sufficient to demonstrate our legitimacy in this process,” said Lilia Tirado, a spokesperson for Escambrón Unido. “No one has a more genuine interest than those who daily enjoy, use, and defend this natural space.”

The group argues that the case provides the Supreme Court with an opportunity to clarify the rules for active standing in land use planning processes, to ensure that citizens have a real voice in decisions regarding lands of high ecological, historical and cultural value.