Introduction to Gentrification in Puebla
Puebla, Pue. Gentrification in Puebla is starting to manifest in a “ant-like” fashion, as the hotel sector has detected that at least 10 colonial buildings offer lodging to foreigners visiting for six-month to one-year stays. These visitors work remotely for their companies based in the United States, Canada, and various European countries while enjoying extended vacations.
Impact on the Hotel Industry
Gustavo Ponce de León Tobón, the executive director of the Poblano Hotel and Motel Association, explained that these prolonged stays result in losses for the sector since owners are renting individual rooms instead of entire apartments. This directly affects their businesses.
Call for Regulation
Ponce de León Tobón emphasized the urgency for city authorities to intervene and regulate these properties, which are not listed on Airbnb either. These accommodations are promoted through social media, leading to their detection.
He mentioned that more Americans are occupying these colonial houses in the Historic Center, each offering between 30 and 35 rooms. The costs are 50% lower than hotel room rates, making them an attractive option for remote work over extended periods.
Gentrification and Displacement
Ponce de León Tobón warned that the gentrification seen in Mexico City, causing social protests, will soon affect Puebla if authorities fail to intervene. Rising rents by 70% force families to relocate outside the Historic Center.
Merchants’ Perspective
Rising Rents Affecting Businesses
José Juan Ayala Vázquez, president of the Historic Center Merchants Council, explained that businesses are also affected by gentrification. Rents range from 25,000 to 350,000 pesos per month, making it difficult for small businesses to operate in the area and forcing them to migrate to cheaper locations within the city.
Third-Generation Businesses
Ayala Vázquez acknowledged that third-generation family members sometimes mismanage their businesses, failing to grow sales enough to cover rising rents.
Exodus of Businesses
He noted that at least 150 businesses have been forced to leave their locations due to escalating rents, moving either to nearby commercial plazas or further away. This trend threatens the unique character of Puebla’s Historic Center, potentially replacing local businesses with franchises and convenience stores.
Current Situation
Ayala Vázquez admitted that gentrification has not yet caused severe consequences, but it is evident as some properties are purchased for Asian-origin stores, pushing local businesses out.
Rental Disproportion
He reiterated that rents in the city center have become disproportionate to the sales of some businesses, creating an unsustainable situation for both residents and merchants.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is gentrification? Gentrification refers to the transformation of lower-income neighborhoods into more affluent areas, often displacing original residents and businesses.
- Who is affected by gentrification in Puebla? Both residents and businesses are impacted. Residents face rising rents, while businesses struggle to afford escalating costs.
- What are the consequences of gentrification? Gentrification can lead to the displacement of original residents and businesses, loss of cultural identity in neighborhoods, and an increase in franchises and convenience stores.
- What actions are being taken to address gentrification? Hoteliers and merchants are calling for city authorities to regulate rental properties and enforce civil protection norms.
