For years, city governments have been complacent and have allowed developers to plant high-rises and restaurants where before there were single homes with patios, ignoring the exacerbated density problems these create for city residents. Governments have ignored traffic ordinances and consistently offer low financing for cars.
The result: Santo Domingo is a city filled with cultural and business activity but impacted by major traffic jams and lack of parking space. When it rains in the city, underground parking lots now are impacted by the flooding waters that in the past would have been absorbed by the patios.
UNPHU dean of architecture Omar Rancier has not lost faith and once again is organizing a series of talks about the city we want. He says the same recommendations that were made decades ago and that were ignored, are still valid.
In an interview for Diario Libre, Rancier says the capital city is lacking of basic services – sanitary system, rainwater system, and maintenance to city sidewalks and streets. He says the plans, laws and rulings are there. What is lacking is that city government assume the responsibility for the management of the capital city.
Making matters worse, Rancier highlights that he is not talking about the low-income barrios. Even the expensive neighborhoods are lacking the basic services.
The UNPHU is preparing SD 2000 50+, to be held in 2025, to once again present innovative ideas for urban planning in the capital city.
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Diario Libre
Listin Diario
6 August 2024