City government work crews this week completed the bulk of the makeover of the pedestrian walkways along Chapala’s central avenue, leaving everything ready for the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE), Telmex and local businesses to kick in on the last stage of the project.
The initial phase comprised full reconstruction of sidewalks along the full length of Avenida Madero, resurfaced with colored stone pavers laid out in geometric patterns, along with the installation of wooden benches, trash containers and dozens of metal posts marking the curb lines.
Underground wiring
CFE and Telmex will be responsible for laying down underground wiring and the final removal of their utility posts and overhead lines. According to Chapala public works director Rafael Garcia Macias, those tasks should get underway within the next two or three months, once the CFE completes an obligatory bidding process on the work.
“We are maintaining regular communication with company management to keep everything on track,” he says.
Color scheme
The city is also holding talks with Avenida Madero business owners to get them on board for improving their storefronts over the coming months. Their part will involve repainting building facades, selecting colors from a predetermined pallet of pastel earth tones. They will also be allowed to choose one of two colors for outdoor awnings. Most have bought in on the overall concept of giving the city’s main drag a more uniform and attractive appearance, Garcia says.
Critics
The renewal project has had its share of local critics as work has progressed.
Some folks complained about the uprooting of several dozen ficus trees that shaded the street. Garcia notes that Caribbean copper plants (Euphorbia cotinifolia) are being planted in their place. The alternate species – also known by the common name tropical smoke bush – was selected for its showy burgundy colored foliage and growth characteristics. For example, its narrow root spread is typically far less invasive than the ficus.
Some citizens have also expressed doubts about the short curb posts, referred to in Spanish as bolardos, questioning their looks, purpose and cost. Garcia counters, underlining both aesthetic and practical functions. “The bolardos add a visual effect that delineates and sets off the sidewalk areas, as well as giving protection to pedestrians by preventing vehicles from jumping the curb,” he explains.
Negative public opinion notwithstanding, the official says the city is obligated to stick with the project design as approved by the federal government’s tourism ministry. The agency has put up funding for more than half of the 10.5-million-peso budget.