Update on Calle Santa Barbara: What’s Next for the Neighborhood

CategoriesANA ANA News By

The Day Everything Changed

If you were in Puerto Vallarta on August 10, 2021, you probably remember it. That afternoon, a major landslide struck Calle Santa Barbara during excavation work for the Serena development.

Thankfully, no one was hurt—but the damage was serious. Businesses shut down for months. Some neighbors have gone without water for nearly five months. The street has remained unusable ever since, cutting off access and hurting local incomes.

Bringing Voices Together

On January 5, 2022, about 40 neighbors gathered to meet with journalist and activist Susana Carreño from Radio Universidad Puerto Vallarta 104.3 FM. Though she arrived late, the delay gave the Amapas Neighborhood Association (ANA) time to share updates with the group.

When Susana arrived, she shared some big news. She had recently met with María Luisa Albores González, the Federal Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT). Their conversations included concerns from several city districts, including Amapas, about environmental damage and local corruption.

Important News from SEMARNAT

Susana explained that SEMARNAT had completed a full review of the Calle Santa Barbara situation. The Department of Disaster Prevention issued a decision: no new buildings should be approved in that area.

She also said SEMARNAT’s Secretary would return to Puerto Vallarta on February 28. In the meantime, Susana offered to help arrange a meeting with the Mayor and SEAPAL, the city’s water agency. She called SEAPAL’s director, Engineer Salvador Llamas, on the spot—and he came right over.

SEAPAL Responds in Person

Llamas arrived around 2:20 p.m. and received applause from neighbors. ANA board member Robert Howell welcomed him and asked for updates. He also requested that the City accept the neighborhood’s proposed civil engineer to help guide the repair efforts.

Llamas shared that the City is actively exploring faster repair options for Calle Santa Barbara. This could include contracting private companies under the City’s supervision.

Next Steps for Repair Work

Although the new city administration had no budget to fix Calle Santa Barbara at first, progress is happening. The City now has estimates from key utility providers—SEAPAL, IZZY, TELMEX, CFE, and Obras Públicas. Next, they’ll collect bids from construction companies to complete the job.

Originally, the developer began the repairs but stopped when he filed a lawsuit against SEMARNAT. The City has since filed its own legal action against the developer. Whoever wins will be responsible for covering the cost of repairs. Once approved, the project is expected to take at least five months.

Water Service and Future Use

Llamas promised that water service would be restored within five weeks—around February 5. This is a temporary fix until the full street work begins. At that time, water may need to be cut off briefly to complete final installations.

For now, the goal is to reopen Calle Santa Barbara for pedestrian use. Whether it will eventually reopen for cars remains uncertain.

Looking Ahead

  • The street will be repaired, starting with pedestrian access.
  • Water pipes will be reconnected by early February.
  • Environmental reviews will now be handled by SEMARNAT to reduce corruption and ensure safer planning.

The community is moving forward—together.