With this project, "La París and its surroundings," which involves an investment of RD$440 million, a total of 136 informal vendors have been relocated along the route. In the first phase, 84 of the approximately 700 vendors scattered from the Huacalito building to Josefa Brea were settled.
SANTO DOMINGO.- The chaotic scene that has characterized the famous Paris Avenue for decades, where hundreds of entrepreneurs converge daily offering a wide variety of combined deals, is trying to leave behind its characteristic disorderly style, to make way for a more comfortable place where its protagonists can have a dignified space to market their products.
We share this article, published by the newspaper El Día, which outlines the improvement works being carried out to enhance the environment for merchants.
The second stage of the project to renovate Paris Street from Duarte Avenue to José Martí is a reality, and in a matter of days it will be delivered by the authorities.
The new section will accommodate some 58 street vendors in an equal number of modules, allowing them to carry out organized work and leave behind the slum-like conditions of that area.
Optimism has taken hold of the beneficiaries, who express satisfaction with the work carried out by the "Action, Entrepreneurship and Transformation Foundation", led by David Collado, Minister of Tourism.
With this project, "La París and its surroundings," which involves an investment of RD$440 million, a total of 136 informal vendors have been relocated along the route. In the first phase, 84 of the approximately 700 vendors scattered between the Huacalito building and Josefa Brea were settled.
Reviewing the construction plans.
Upon delivering the first phase, David Collado stated that it is one of the most impactful urban redevelopment projects in the country, as the area had been a prime example of the prevailing disorder for the past 40 years. The area's revitalization was the result of a partnership between Collado and Mayor Carolina Mejía, as David had initiated this work even before leaving the city council.
What is it about?
In addition to the metal booths or modules with roll-up doors and security system, the project was equipped with rainwater drainage, a pedestrian walkway, retaining walls, lighting, high-resistance cobblestone roads, a bay for unloading goods, trash cans, among other facilities, as well as security.
Martina Pimentel Moreno, president of the Paris and Duarte Street Vendors Association, praised the civil works and explained that the intention of the project is to free up space not only so that the vendors can work peacefully and in adequate conditions, but also so that pedestrians can move around easily.
“There were countless situations here, the rule now is to have a minimum of ten years here, be Dominican and work every day, and yes, be a foreigner properly documented,” Pimentel commented.
He specified that the next section, from José Martí to Yolanda Guzmán, will be continued, according to what he has been informed, with funds from the District Council and the Government, as well as a mini-council that will be established in the area to oversee the project.
With 40 years in the area, Basilio Vásquez assured that they are much better off than before because now they don't have to collect the merchandise and they sell in decent conditions.
Fatima Perez, from the Shoe Importer, one of the collateral stores, like other merchants, remains hopeful that the work will be a positive change.
The transformation contrasts sharply with other sections that remain in complete disarray. Duarte Avenue and its surroundings have undergone several urban interventions. However, these have faded over time due to a lack of oversight.
