A project to regulate the use of paid parking on the coastal strip 3 in Panama was approved by the City Council on March 24. The initiative was presented by the administration of Mayor Mayer Mizrachi. It concerns the regulation of parking at the cultural center in the Puerta Sur area on the coastal strip 3, as well as setting the tariffs. The project was introduced on March 17 during a session of the metropolitan council. Eight days later, it was brought back to the plenary session and approved with 24 votes in favor. The administration of the coastal strip 3, according to Executive Decree 218 of December 15, 2017, is carried out by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP). This ministry will also be responsible for setting the tariffs. After the project's approval, it must be published in the Official Gazette for formalization, and the details will be announced at a press conference. Nevertheless, doubts remain about the collection of fees for parking in the Puerta Sur area, located on plot No. 30379593, as its administration falls under the MOP. One of the project's critics, independent deputy Jorge Alberto González, pointed out that while the mayor discusses paid parking, there is no street lighting or sidewalks in the northern areas of Panama. González invited Mizrachi to visit the northern areas to see what is missing to improve the quality of life and security for the population. Council members also sent a query to the MOP to find out if any concession or permit has been granted for the management of the coastal strip, but as of this report's closing, no response had been received.
