Residents of Ajijic’s Calle Independencia threw a thank-you reception for Chapala Mayor Javier Degollado Tuesday, November 22 in appreciation for the denial of business permits for the boutique hotel, restaurant and beauty salon-spa complex slated to open at the west end of their street.
The mayor’s address to his hosts, however, raised questions suggesting that the event may have been a bit premature.
On November 7, the city’s business license office issued an 11-page document rejecting the application for three separate licenses to operate the enterprise registered under the commercial name Hacienda del Lago Hotel.
The ruling was essentially based on urban development plans that define the location at Independencia 63 as a low-density residential zone, incompatible with use for that sort of business concern. The decision was supported by a petition from neighbors highlighting the potential noise and parking disturbances the business would provoke in the vicinity.
In addressing neighbors, Degollado began by declaring his commitment to upholding the law and assuring the well-being and tranquility of his constituents.
But he followed this with contradictory statements regarding Hacienda del Lago, stressing that his government is committed to encouraging investment in enterprises that generate new job opportunities. The mayor suggested that the municipality might in fact back an appeal filed by Hacienda del Lago’s legal representative to grant the requisite permit, in a move he believes could satisfy all the parties involved.