In the neighborhood of La Boca, organized neighbors launched a campaign on Change.org titled “Let’s Save the green space and ombú trees in the neighborhood of La Boca”.
The claim seeks to preserve two ombú tree specimens and a green area located at the corner of Irala and Pi y Margall, which is part of the first public park with native flora in the City of Buenos Aires.
According to reports, the Institute of Housing of the City (IVC) plans to build a tower building there, putting the landscape and biodiversity of the area at risk.
A request based on legal and environmental grounds
The request is based on Article 26 and 27 of the City Constitution, which guarantee the right to a healthy environment, the protection of natural and urban heritage, and the increase of public spaces with free access.
They also mention Law 2240, which declared La Boca in a state of Urban and Environmental Emergency, and the Urban Environmental Plan, which promotes the preservation of neighborhood identities and the rational use of land.
“We ask that the construction be carried out on vacant properties in the neighborhood and that the green space be preserved, in compliance with current regulations,” highlight the neighbors.
Green space in the neighborhood of La Boca[/caption>
History of a neighborhood struggle for public space
In 2000, the neighbors’ Commission presented a project to create a public park on the grounds of Casa Amarilla, which included sports areas and the Multimodal Terminal.
After years of efforts, they achieved the rezoning to Urbanization Park (UP) and the participatory design of the landscape. However, some lots were excluded due to administrative omissions, generating conflicts over their maintenance and use.
Omissions, bids, and loss of access
In 2004, during the park bidding process, lands such as plot 18 were omitted, leading to the loss of the main access through Irala at 200 and the reduction of projected spaces, such as the labyrinth and a soccer field.
Furthermore, a 9-story building was constructed on plot 19, to the detriment of the landscape and without respecting Law 2240.
Formal complaints and administrative claims
Between 2012 and 2014, complaints were filed with the IVC, the Chief of Government, and the Ministry of the Environment, due to disproportionate surveying and improper occupation of public space.
In March 2014, they managed to stop the attempt to fence off part of the park for services and parking lots, thanks to the quick community reaction.
Proposal for restitution and zoning as Urbanization Park
The Commission requests that plot 18 be physically and legally incorporated into the Benito Quinquela Martín Native Flora Park, as part of an environmental compensation for the lands ceded to Club Boca Juniors and the Navy.
This action would allow to restore the original design, strengthen neighborhood identity, and guarantee the right to public space in a historically neglected neighborhood.
