Dear General Director,
In view of the letter sent from your General Directorate, I have the pleasure of conveying several considerations to you, as well as to the public opinion, given that it has become aware of its content through the Press practically at the same time.
I understand your concern for the Avenue of Arrecife, taking into account the alarmist story conveyed by the management of the Royal Yacht Club and other companies and groups of greater or lesser representation.
Indeed, the aforementioned private entity has been affected by the traffic restriction process, which prevents its members from arriving by private vehicle to the door of the center.
Believe me, I regret that the alternatives to the privileged treatment they claim have not been welcomed. Neither the offer of access cards for people with reduced mobility, nor the permit for the approximately 20 cars that cover the total number of spaces in their parking lot, nor the consideration of Avenue workers for their staff, nor the facilities for the entry and exit of their boats.
I would also like to clarify that, contrary to the conviction expressed in your letter, a shuttle bus has been operating for more than half a year. This vehicle allows both the members of the Yacht Club and, naturally, the rest of the island's citizens, to park in either of the two parking lots located at both ends of the Avenue and travel free of charge to any point along its route, including the door of the aforementioned social and sports center.
I am also pleased to notify you that the drafting of the sustainable mobility plan for Arrecife is being awarded by the Cabildo these days, which will reinforce the actions already taken to give greater fluidity to traffic in the interior of the city. Likewise, we have complemented the signage of the parking areas that operate in the urban area.
Faced with the continuous changes of criteria of other entities and political forces with a voice in this debate, the Socialist Party is consistent with the project presented by the General Directorate of Commerce of the Government of the Canary Islands in the past Legislature and approved by the previous Municipal Corporation with our convinced vote.
We also consider that, given the achievements to date - the increase in safety, the reduction of noise and emissions, the multiplication of bicycle trips, the opening of new businesses and that some neighbors remind us that "the sea smells again" - it is neither convenient nor acceptable to go back on the decision taken.
You will agree with me that, given that the requirements raised by your technical reports are met or are in the process of being met, it is in the interest of maintaining the Avenue with traffic restriction and pedestrian and cyclist priority.
In this way, in a period not exceeding eight months, the citizens of Arrecife will have criteria to decide, within the framework of a regulated and binding consultation, whether to move towards the future of sustainable urban planning or bet on resistance to progress, which is the sign of the times.
Without further ado, receive a cordial greeting
*Eva de Anta de Benito, Mayor of Arrecife