Earlier this year Ambergris Today posted a web poll asking whether or not you agree that there are too many street vendors flooding Central Park and a majority of the votes casted agreed that there are too many.
These street vendors encroach on the seating areas at the park and even make it difficult for parking; adding to the congestion. Many have plywood tables (4ft x 8 ft) placed near the park benches with huge umbrellas sticking out on the street sides causing a hinder to traffic flow and parking. These merchants have proven to be problematic and many have expressed their frustration and annoyance on this situation.
Mayor Elsa Paz and Deputy Mayor Severo Guerrero met with the street vendors of Central Park on Wednesday, September 28, 2011, at her office to discuss about their relocation. With the presence of two Tourism Police, Mayor Paz informed these vendors of the relocation they need to make including some rules and regulations they need to follow in order to continue selling at Central Park.
Mayor Paz told the vendors that they would be relocated under the main palapa at Central Park and that the San Pedro Town Council will be providing them with standardized tables measuring 4ft x 4ft for all vendors. She also stated that the palapa will undergo repairs to the thatch roof and proper lighting and water will be installed at the palapa. They will have access to the bathroom at the Central Park and a Tourism Police will be stationed on site to oversee that business is conducted at an orderly manner.
Not quite happy with these changes, the street vendors vented their frustrations and comments on the change. Many did not like the idea of being placed under the palapa as they will no longer be allowed to have the large (4ft x 8ft) plywood to display their arts and crafts.
Mayor Paz gave them suggestions as to how to display their products without needing such a huge piece of plywood. She also made it clear that the palapa should be kept clean at all times and that the Town Council will be placing two large signs (Street Side and Beach Side) indicating that arts and crafts are being sold in that area.
One of the main reasons these vendors are being relocated is because of the congestion that they have caused on both Central Park and Barrier Reef Drive. At the park these vendors encroach on the benches and placing their personal belongings including bicycles and leave no space for visitors or locals to sit and enjoy the park. They also have taken up space on the planters that have prevented the trees and plants to grow.
On the street side traffic is already an issue by having a taxi association parked on the left side adjacent to all the stalls. When tourists park their golf carts or pedestrians stop to check out their products they hinder the flow of traffic. Cleanliness was another reason for having them removed from this area of Central Park.
While these artisans are being relocated to the palapa it doesn’t mean that they own the palapa; when festivities such as Lobster Fest, September Celebrations, fundraisers or other events take place, the palapa will be available to the public.
It is approximated that in a period of two weeks the palapa will be fully fixed, including utilities mentioned above, and the street vendors will be welcomed to conduct their daily business under the palapa.
Anonymous (not verified) –
The main reason why this is being done was to increase the visibilty of Daddy Rocks Nightclub entrance. Mayor Elsa Paz has family who own this club, and due to the congestion, it is hard for tourist to spot it. Removing the vendors makes the club more visible.
Anonymous (not verified) –
People are so Ignorant in todays society. The main reason why this is being done is to beautify the Central park. Instead of seeing the positive side they always see the negative. GROW UP!
I'm a born San Pedrano and living in the US for a period of time now and I'v heard good things about DaddyRock through Facebook and I don't think this club needs visibility because it's known by many and so far thats the best night club in the Island!
Anonymous (not verified) –
It makes the club more visible because it makes everything more visible.
How about a park that acts like a park?
No timeshares peddlers, vendors, and dealers.
That would be a huge improvement.
Anonymous (not verified) –
Whoever made the comment about the Mayor just removing the vendors for family business is very wrong. Have you seen how the park infront of the church looks on weekends. Even people from the mainland are now coming and camping out on the park to sell. It looks like a MARKET!!! I totally agree with the vendors being moving, this will really make the park look more appealing.
Anonymous (not verified) –
This article was clearly written with a tone against the vendors...and I imagine the "poll" was too. I love the vendors. I think they make that whole section of town feel like a community. I think the way these folks, who are trying WORK for a living, are being treated is horrendous. Herded like cattle into smaller and smaller spaces. Did you know the water taxis were bought by an American billionaire? Did you know InterAmerican Development Bank gave a $6 million grant to redevelop the waterfront by the old football field? All of the locals here - who are trying to work - are being displaced....or at least those who aren't getting rich off these new developments. And where are their voices in this debate? Published in a pro-government article like this one?? Nope....there is hardly a mention. In fact, there are TWO SENTENCES of this whole article that represent the voices of the vendors. Not even a semblence of fair reporting. Shame. I hope everyone here likes Playa del Carmen (you know.,...the Mexican shopping mall?) because that is where San Pedro is headed. Soon, the whole world will be one big generic mall for rich people....
Anonymous (not verified) –
the decision made to relocate the vendors makes some sense. they will be shielded from rain and sun, will have the beach traffic as well as street traffic which is positive two fold, in addition they will take pride in their new surroundings keeping it tidy and appealing to all and make this area a destination. while no one can guess anothers motives, the decision seems sound and change, though painful at first, brings out the best in people and their ingenuity. i believe the vendors will rise to the occasion
Anonymous (not verified) –
To me it looks very bad. Expecially if they keep going inside Friendship Park infront of the Catholic Church. I know we all have to work but I have seen one of those venders selling drugs to tourists. That is a no no! The streets are already congested and with them even more. I wish they would do something about the food venders as well. Some of them are very dirty and they make the park look so dirty and like a "mercado" The park used to look so pretty when I was a young child. Clean and full of children playing on the beach. I so miss San Pedro back then. It looks so plain and flat now! We need some new and fresh people working in the Town Coulcil. Fresh ideas!
Anonymous (not verified) –
Well I believe that it might be an improvement for the parking and a way of beautifying the park! I understand that people make a living on the side of the street but just like they are seen on the side of the street they will be seen on the beach! As per Daddy Rock's visibility, People there are 2 clubs on this island and they are accross from each other, do you really thing that the clubs won't be noticed??
Anonymous (not verified) –
IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT NOT ALL CAN SEE THAT THIS IS AN IMPROVEMENT FOR THE TOWN! IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE A LONG TIME AGO, IM SURPRISED IT TOOK THIS LONG! BY THE WAY THESE VENDORS NOT ONLY TOOK OVER OUR PARK BUT THEY HAVE COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR THE TOWN AND LITTER THE AREAS WHERE THEY LOITER!....... WAY TO GO SPTC!!!!
Anonymous (not verified) –
Why not make it a law that timeshare birddogs can not chase tourist with luggage for more than 50 yards.