The La Floresta Homeowners Association (HOA) and a network of local organizations and residents concerned about troubling urban development management issues scored a minor victory this week when Chapala City Hall shut down work on a high-rise apartment building under construction on Paseo de la Huerta, adjacent to the Club Náutico.
The action appears to have been prompted by a letter writing campaign kicked off at a public meeting held Friday, December 2 at the Lake Chapala Society.
Representatives of the HOA, the Chapala Association of Realtors, Ajijic’s Comunidad Indigena, the Jalisco Architects Association and a Guadalajara lawyer well versed in urban development matters provided background on the high-rise project and steps that can be taken to preserve and protect the area from building and growth that may have a negative impact on the community’s quality of life.
HOA board members explained that La Floresta operates under a partial urban development plan limiting building to low-density residential use and requiring the association’s approval for various kinds of City Hall permits. They learned by chance that the club’s owners had filed a petition for change of land use on the premise that the property no longer pertained to the subdivision. The authorization was granted near the end of 2012 by the city’s urban development director, without the approval of the city council.
The speakers also indicated that the subsequent administration issued a building permit for a boutique hotel. Apparently the plans were later modified to include two eight-story towers for condo apartments.
The HOA has already filed a lawsuit to halt the project and order demolition, but building has gradually continued as the case works its way through the legal system. The matter is also being addressed through the Procuraduria de Desarrollo Urbano, a legal arm of the state government dealing with development issues.
Following the talk, English and Spanish versions of a letter directed to the municipal government were passed out among the audience of 50 residents to be signed and collected for delivery to City Hall.
The missive expressed concerns that construction of multi-level towers will forever change the essence of lakeside villages, increase problems related to traffic, water supplies and public services, destroy lake views, bring down property values and dash Ajijic’s possibility of gaining Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) status. It also asked for a meeting with Chapala’s mayor and for the city council to consider the project at their next regular session.
Anyone interested in obtaining copies of the model letter or submitting similar letters in their own words are encouraged to stop by the La Floresta office at the intersection of Paseo del Lago and Paseo del Mirador, or send a message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at their earliest convenience. A Facebook page will reportedly go live in the near future.