Panama loses its pedestrian way

By Karla Jimenez Comrie

Central Avenue, in the capital city, has been the object of controversy in the last few weeks due to proposed radical changes. A group of traders have created an action plan to awaken the interest of the shoppers and at the same time give a new image to this historical Panamanian location.

There are also plans to give a face-lift to the facades of the buildings.

One of the most drastic changes is opening the way to through traffic from October 1. This will end 15 years of pedestrian domination in “La Central”. There are also plans to give a face-lift to the facades of the shops and to repair sidewalks and adjoining streets with the hope that the area will recover its popularity.

This measure was approved by the Housing and Urban Committee of the Municipal Council as an answer to businesses and shop owners who complain that the area is losing its commercial viability.

The Committee's President, Virgilio Crespo, said that the reforms would be jointly implemented by different government entities such as Municipality of Panama, the Housing Ministry, the Casco Antiguo's Office, the Traffic Authority and the Ministry of Public Works. They will be responsible for road repairs, cleaning and the organization of street vendors.

A group of traders have created an action plan to awaken the interest of shoppers.

The business's owners will bear the costs of painting and renovation of their facades and shops' windows.

Ezra Hafeitz, proprietor of the Bazar Pico Pico, one of the leaders of the campaign said: "We are very worried with this state of affairs, because the livelihood of our employees is in jeopardy. The situation is dire, many businesses have closed their doors.

Hafeitz concluded that the habits of the Panamanian consumer have changed. They prefer to go to shopping centers where they have parking facilities, air conditioning, recreational areas and cafeterias nearby. "We know we cannot offer those services, but we have other incentives like a touristic atmosphere, low prices and the flavor of the neighborhood and of course areas full of history".

The situation is dire. Many businesses have closed.

Although this project is supposed to revive the popularity of Central Avenue, there are some who think that the plan is full of holes and will have a negative influence in the area. The former Mayor of Panama, Mayín Correa, creator of the pedestrian zone in 1992, queried the scheme and said: "The city needs parks and family friendly spaces to walk. Through traffic in Central Avenue will not guarantee the revival of the economy in this place".

There are also plans to re-open the streetcars system that used to run across the Central Avenue. This project is the brainchild of the Casco Antiguo Office, which has a keen interest in the revival of the area.

The director of this organization, Ariel Espino. informed that the streetcar will have different routes around Central Avenue, the Casco Antiguo and Calzada Amador.