Cozumel, Q.R. — Governor Mara Lezama says permits have not been issued for the construction of a fourth pier on Cozumel. Lezama said she personally verified the status of the project after her recent visit to the island.
“I just went to Cozumel a few days ago. It’s a widespread feeling but there are no permits. The mayor made it very clear. I still asked about it Wednesday because there might be a surprise there,” she said.
According to Lezama, neither federal or state authorities have issued construction permits for a pier. She said public opinions would be taken into account before considering a development of that nature.
Lezama attributed the resurgence of the issue to statements made during an international cruise ship event in Miami, but made it clear that as of yet, no formal authorization has been issued by the relevant authorities.
Lezama said if there were any future intentions to promote that type of infrastructure, a detailed evaluation would be necessary including environmental studies.
Cozumel Mayor José Luis Chacón Méndez also clarified there are no permits issued for a fourth pier. He said that the fourth pier project did not originate during his administration, but rather stems from a lawsuit initiated six years ago by a private company, which recently won the case.
Chacón Méndez explained that the presence of machinery near the Naval Search and Rescue Station (ENSAR) is allegedly due to environmental studies, although the City Council has not received any formal request for the construction of a dock.
“It is a project that must have its Environmental Impact Statement. There’s still no formal authorization,” he confirmed. Chacón Méndez also confirmed no permits for a possible beach club. Cabo Mantarraya, a beach club that would be part of the fourth pier, is also not in the works. “We have not granted, nor do I think we will grant, any permission for a beach club,” he said.
