Hoy newspaper reports that the Ministry of Environment has not issued the necessary permits for the cutting of trees in the Mirador del Este Park for the Panamerican Games. “I hold to what the Minister (Frank Moya Pons) has said, that the installations should not be built there because they will change the image of the park,” said Franklin Reynoso of the Ministry when interviewed. This week builders began fencing the area where the sports venues will go up in the park. The construction of the venues is opposed by the park’s builder, former President Joaquin Balaguer, along with many architects, environmentalists and a large number of residents in the area. Likewise, engineer Salvador Ramirez Peña said that in-depth geological studies must be ordered prior to construction due to the fragility of the ground. He said that a Boyle Engineering Company study showed the enormous potential of underwater wells located in the eastern zone as a potable water source. He said it is likely that the park is above large subterranean caves. Listin Diario reports that 17 caves with Indian art have been found in the area. Peter Morales, former governor of the Columbus Lighthouse monument adjacent to the park, said that he does not oppose hosting the Games in Santo Domingo. “What I oppose is that the Mirador del Este Park be destroyed for a 15-day party,” he told journalist Maria Elena Núñez when he was interviewed on channel 37 (CDN). Morales says there are sufficient large areas on the eastern side of the city where the sports venues could go up without affecting the green area.
