The Malecón, once a vibrant hub of activity and a beloved landmark in Santo Domingo, has seen a decline in recent decades. However, the waterfront is poised for a resurgence with a wave of new investments and development projects coming, Diario Libre’s Adalberto de la Rosa reports.
He recalls how in past decades, the Malecón had been synonymous with the city’s nightlife and culinary scene. But beginning in the 1990s, businesses started to shutter and the area’s popularity waned, largely due to the rise of large shopping malls and entertainment complexes in the Poligono Central area of the city to the north of the Malecon.
De la Rosa shares the comments of an experienced urban planner who believes that the Malecón has the potential to again become a major tourist attraction but that this will require a comprehensive development plan that complements the nearby Colonial City. He says to attract investors, the city must streamline its zoning regulations and create a more business-friendly environment.
The expert mentions that one major issue hindering the Malecón’s revitalization is the heavy traffic on George Washington Avenue. To alleviate congestion and improve safety, authorities need to enforce the existing ordinance restricting heavy trucks from using this thoroughfare. Instead, these vehicles should be directed to the Circunvalación, a bypass road designed to keep large trucks out of the city center.
Diario Libre tells that a stroll along the Malecón today reveals a stark contrast to its former glory. Numerous storefronts stand vacant, adorned with “For Sale” and “For Rent” signs. The once-bustling stretch between Abraham Lincoln Avenue and Paseo Presidente Billini is particularly affected, with over a dozen closed businesses and several abandoned lots.
Real estate agent Ramón Paulino, who is marketing the former Vesuvio property on the Malecón, told Diario Libre he is optimistic about the waterfront’s future. He believes that with increased support from the Ministry of Tourism, the Malecón can regain its former splendor.
“Developers are interested in building on the Malecón because it’s a beautiful location,” Paulino said. “Not every country has a waterfront like this.”
Several exciting projects are in the pipeline, including a public art initiative featuring murals at the corner of George Washington and José María Heredia avenues. Additionally, a 25-story mixed-use development is planned for the former Metaldom site.
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Diario Libre
4 December 2024