For Francisco Alemán, owner of Alemany footwear on Calle Real, "the area is a disaster." For several days they have not had public lighting and last week three windows were broken from three different stores. They regret that police presence has been scarce for a year. For these reasons, the Association of Merchants of the downtown area had requested a meeting with the mayor of Arrecife, to present their complaints. However, for some attendees the meeting has "not served for anything", because they have not been given solutions.
"There are often robberies and drug addicts are staying in the abandoned Hostal Alepa building, with the consequent insecurity", explains the owner of one of the premises on Calle Real. However, the mayor has assured that she cannot put more police officers. According to the merchants, the mayor has suggested that they resort to "private security". Francisco Alemán, has opposed the mayor's proposal and considers that "they pay high taxes" for being located in the downtown area, so that the City Council does not maintain the security of Calle Real.
The merchants also denounce that Calle Real is in a state of neglect. The intention of the meeting was to present their situation to the City Council in order to obtain their support, however they believe that the mayor has not responded.
