Bella Vista is a rare exception of a primarily residential neighborhood in the capital city. Its streets are tree-studded and the low density of the area means there is relatively little traffic.
Now the neighborhood has for months been contesting the installation of offices for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR-ACNUR) in the area. The operation of the offices is in violation to the neighborhood rules.
The board of the neighborhood purchased a paid advertisement in Diario Libre to go public in reporting that the installation of the UNHCR offices is a land use violation as established by the Junta de Vecinos Reparto Helios de Bella Vista Este y Oeste Inc. The facility would open at Av Las Ninfas #8, corner Las Jabillas, in Helios de Bella Vista.
The neighborhood board under board president María del Pilar Rodríguez de Messina, says that the municipal authorities verified the land use violation, construction of additions to the location and remodeling without proper permits. Also the project is in violation of the Acta de Comprobación de Infracciones No. 13462 issued on 17 January 2019 by the Urban Planning Department of the National District Municipality (ADN). Also the violation of Municipal Resolutions Nos. 48-2006 and 85-2009 that regulate land use and prohibit the installation of business and institutional entities in Helios of Bella Vista. Rodriguez has expressed concern the new office would disrupt the residential area’s quality of life.
Representatives of UNHCR were invited to a meeting with the neighborhood boards at the city government on 22 January 2019, but did not attend.
The neighborhood groups criticize the apparent lack of ethical norms established by the ethics office of the United Nations itself that promote the reputation of by their executives.
The board members expressed their concern after being told that because of the investment already made by UNHCR they would go ahead and install their new offices at the site.
On Monday, 28 January 2019, the city government under Mayor David Collado ordered the halt of the remodeling works.
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El Nacional
29 January 2019
