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| The one remaining building |
Last summer I reported on the long awaited demolition of the "Edificio Las Terrazas" on the junction of the Avd. Mediterraneo and Avd Europa. Following years of complaints by neighbours and local businesses about the derelict buildings and its associated dangers, the courts gave approval for the demolition to go ahead. However, and there's always a however, a mere ten months after the first phase began one building still remains - with little prospect of any further progress.
The current holdup is caused by a dispute between the land owners and Iberdrola - the electricity company. At issue is who's responsibility it is to transfer the electric transformer which is located on the the remaining undemolished block, which serves the buildings in the surrounding area. Until an agreement is reached works cannot and will not continue.
According to Juan Angel Ferrer of the Town Planning department, the transfer of the transformer will cost in the region of 130,000 euros. However, in the absence of an agreement between the two parties, the Mayor has called upon the "Ministry of Industry" to rule whose responsibility it is and force them to start, by court order if necessary.
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| Works began last summer at the busy junction |
So for now its a waiting game, which is unfortunate considering its on one of the busiest tourist routes in the town centre, leading directly onto the Levante beach. It has taken since the year 2000, when it was condemned for demolition to get to this stage - lets hope that its not another 10 years before its completed! But as it is private property and not that of the council it may not be quite the quick solution everyone would like.
Benidorm City Council are certainly in no position to help, or pass judgement considering that they are 57.7 million euros in debt! To add further to the crisis, it was revealed last Friday that the City Council has continued to pay companies for services billed but not performed and was aware of this situation for over a year! PP spokesman Antonio Perez said that it is "very serious and very worrying because we are talking about public money and therefore we could be facing a case of alleged misappropriation of public funds". Gosh are they all that bright at the Town Hall to come to that conclusion - just wish I could find someone that would pay me for doing nothing!
