Restaurants in the Mérida Gastronomic Corridor have begun to invade the recently remodeled sidewalks to expand their businesses, limiting public space for pedestrians.
The sidewalks were widened this year to favor pedestrians and not businesses.
The regulations of the Mérida City Council establish that fines for improper use of public space, such as sidewalks, can range between 5 thousand and 10 thousand pesos.
However, the so-called “invasion” has been well received by diners but has raised concerns about its legality, implications for pedestrian mobility, and the urban image.
The gastronomic corridor begins at the intersections of streets 60 and 61 and continues on street 47 to reach the Gran Parque de la Pancha. It was conceived as a space to enjoy the rich Yucatecan gastronomy, as well as to promote tourism. Little by little, this space is positioning itself as a city benchmark.
Restaurants and cafes have seen their sales increase, and the area has become a meeting point for locals and visitors.
The merchants argue that occupying the sidewalks is necessary to meet the high demand for their services and contribute to the economic dynamism of the area.
Furthermore, they ensure this practice does not affect pedestrian mobility and beautifies the environment.
An employee who asked to remain anonymous said: “We set our tables so that tourists can enjoy the view of the corridor, it is just a small space in the corner where the business is and we do not hinder the passage of people,” he commented.
It must be taken into account that according to the Regulations of the City Council of the city of Mérida – in force since the last administration – it is indicated that it is prohibited for people who own establishments or in general to place advertisements or other elements that obstruct the passage of pedestrians, the fines according to that scheme were available from 200 pesos to 100 thousand.
Residents expressed their concern about this situation, pointing out that the sidewalks are public spaces intended for pedestrian traffic and that their irregular occupation can generate accessibility problems for people with disabilities and older adults, among others.
Likewise, they expressed concern about a possible lack of regulation or a possible negative impact on the urban image.
Carmen Galaz, a resident of the La Plancha area, applauded that this space is more attractive than before, she is concerned that the tables with chairs of the merchants, particularly those located on 47th Street, are getting out of control, preventing free movement, forcing pedestrians to walk on the street.
“If they don’t control it now that there are few businesses that are putting their tables out later it will become impossible, the corridor is very nice, we know that it is for tourism to come and see, but it also gives a bad impression to the image, In addition, there is a risk of an accident occurring,” he commented. The Mérida gastronomic corridor represents a unique opportunity to promote the economic and tourist development of the city.
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