Merida, Yucatan — The Mayan Train coordinator who announced a proposal to roll its rail cars through the Centro and into the historic train station at La Plancha now says there is a “plan b.”
Aaron Rosado Castillo said land inside Merida’s city limits could be left out of the Mayan Train route entirely, possibly linking instead to the current rail depot in Poxila, in Uman.
He did not mention the airport proposal that presumes the Mayan Train would rumble through southern Merida, where it would link with a brand new air terminal.
The Gran Parque La Plancha civic association, which for years has advocated and planned a Central Park-style green space at the abandoned rail yards, expressed outrage that the federal government would nix their project. The La Plancha park was approved and was making progress under the previous administrations.
The historic train station at La Plancha is a state-run art school, with an ongoing expansion project to accommodate dance and music departments.
“There will be more additional information on the issue of Poxila,” Aaron Rosado told reporters, adding that officials are in talks with members of the La Plancha group.
“We are in communication with them and we will be talking to generate a better project. There is a good dynamic of cooperation and good will based on dialogue for the generation of a regional project,” he said.
Gran Parque La Plancha AC, which has seized on the 60-acre site as the Centro’s last chance for a healthy green space, earlier called on federal, state and municipal authorities to participate in a dialogue with civic, academic and neighborhood groups.
Felix Rubio Villanueva, president of the Gran Parque La Plancha civic association, said that running the train at ground level through Centro auto and pedestrian traffic is a bad idea.
Source: Sipse
