BRIEFS: Real estate

Building project generates controversy

Víctor Arosemena/LA PRENSA

opposed: Neighbors of a proposed project in Parque Lefevre are questioning how it was allowed to begin without Mivi approval.1101181

Parque Lefevre residents living near the proposed site of two 17-story residential towers are claiming that the project should not be allowed to move forward.

The project, Residencial La Fontana, has been approved by the municipality of Panama City. But opponents say that the site has not been zoned by the Ministerio de Vivienda (Mivi).

Wednesday, neighbors opposed to the project handed out flyers voicing their opposition.

They claim that the project is being built in an area that was supposed to remain free from development so that it could act as a natural barrier between the neighborhood and the Río Matías Hernández.

The residents are also questioning how the project received a building permit from the municipality when it did not have the approval of the ministry.

Deputy Minister José Batista confirmed yesterday that the lot was not zoned for a residential project. The promoter's legal representative, however, said that it has all the necessary permits to allow construction to begin.