The Malecon Libre project gets off to a big start this Sunday with a gala opening of the ocean-side boulevard to pedestrians, and the performance of very popular stars and band leaders ? Tulile, Pavel Nu?ez, Kinito Mendez and Hector Acosta. Mayor Roberto Salcedo, a former TV host and producer himself, told reporters that his plan was ?to open the George Washington Avenue, popularly called the ?Malecon,? to families for the enjoying of all sorts of cultural events and sports activities. He disputes that attracting crowds down to the Malecon will convert it into a ?slum? , as some critics have said.