A look at the Avenue

It seems that the issue of the semi-pedestrianization of our maritime avenue still lingers and some are not satisfied, the collection of signatures continues and even rallies are called to request the opening to traffic in one direction, clearly in the one that points to the interests of a few, not the general interests of Arrecife.

But let's go step by step, the City Council must face the consequences of its decisions and propose alternatives. With the semi-pedestrianization, traffic is slower throughout the downtown area, so an alternative plan to improve circulation in the area is essential. Practically all parking spaces have been eliminated, leaving residents without a public place to park, at the foot of private initiative. Remember that the City Council is a partner-owner (11%) of the Canary Islands parking lot and perhaps part of the solutions to this problem pass through that parking lot. It is essential to improve the shuttle bus service, making it pass through the main avenue, as a circular line, with two buses circulating in opposite directions, perhaps this would significantly reduce the density of vehicles in the center. Seek solutions in accordance with what was signed for European financing. Flexibility, fewer fines and containing the tax-collecting zeal. Take the bull by the horns, explain their policy trying to convince and managing public affairs well, facing, with arguments, those who stir up the citizens only for their commercial interests or their comfort.

Regarding the merchants, comment that even if you circulate in one direction, it is of no use for commercial purposes if cars cannot stop. The bars and restaurants are already compensated for the closing time, as their terraces occupy most of the sidewalk. Regarding the rest of the small businesses, they must consider whether they can compete with the large surfaces and whether their business model is in line with the times. I understand that they claim some kind of help from the City Council, things could be: permission to place banners on the street in front of the business, in order to attract customers; a small stand at the cruise dock to attract customers to the downtown area or product tasting as a claim for bars and restaurants. Initiatives in accordance with the new situation.

A friend tells me that, perhaps the hidden objective of all this movement is to facilitate the flow of potential customers towards the Marina, but Arrecife cannot be planned based on the interests of a commercial area.

The attitude of the municipal political opposition and some institution deserves a separate comment; before, when the work and its use were planned, most agreed and now they have changed their position, that is thought before. Perhaps it is about wearing down the government team, not looking out for the good of the city.

I don't fit a model where, in the Reducto-City Hall direction, there is free circulation, including buses and tourist train, then in the opposite direction municipal buses, train, taxis and authorized vehicles would pass. Sincerely, I think we would worsen the situation we had before carrying out this work. The semi-pedestrianization was one of the conditions imposed with the financing.

Let's make Arrecife a modern city, open to the sea, where walks along the avenue are taken on foot, not by car, let's forget about parking at the door of the store we are going to. This semi-pedestrianization has been carried out in all European and many Spanish cities, let's value the best we have, which is our marina. Let's build a city where cars give way to bicycles, squash, skates...... In short, citizen enjoyment in a city of the 21st century.

PD. Whoever writes this, belongs to the common of mortals and does not have a card to circulate on the avenue.

By Eduardo Núñez González.

Most read