Yucatan Developments... Your Thoughts?
There was a small news story recently that we reported, about UNAM students doing a study and proposal for a gated, planned community that would cater to extranjeros. Another recent newstory mentioned a shopping mall going up in Valladolid, filled with chain stores ranging from Italian Coffee to Burger King. Both these news stories invited a flurry of responses and comments, most of them along the line of "we don't like these kinds of developments".
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Over the past year, Merida alone has started (and almost finished) FOUR new shopping malls. There is one now open behind the fabulously modern Liverpool shopping center that sports an ice-skating rink in the center. The Alta Brisa Mall is open now too, located next to the Star Medica Hospital. MacroPlaza Merida is anchored by a Chedraui grocery store and a Super WalMart. The last one that will be finished is called CityCenter Merida and is also located in the north part of town and will also have a Super WalMart. Between them, the new centers will open 56 new movie theatres, bringing Merida's movie screens to 86 in total. The five shopping malls that existed before these had 718 separate stores, and these four new centers will add an 420 additional stores. (Thanks to childrenofhabitat.blogspot.com for these figures). Merida has never in its history, even during the henequen boom, seen such unprecedented growth.
Having lived here for the past six years, we've watched this happen. We've enjoyed the fruits of this growth at times, and agonized about it at others. In particular, a comment sent to us privately about the planned shopping mall in Valladolid prompted us to share our thoughts on this matter. We think there is something important here that all of us who are strangers in these parts need to think about and understand. Pues, (a much-used Spanish expression that means "so" and "then" and "well" and any number of connecting words that basically mean nothing much at all...) the following is the article, the email we received in response and our response to that email.
First, the article in question...
Valladolid to Get New Shopping Center
On the east side of the peninsula, Chedraui is investing $8,000,000 USD in a new shopping center in Valladolid, and it is to be built in the first quarter of 2008. This shopping center will also be home to Italian Coffee, Burger King, Big Home, Coppel, Hollywood Cinemas, Taco Inn, Famsa and Cajun Grill, among others. With the naming of Chichen Itza as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World, the eastern part of our state needs as many new businesses and services as they can get. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are coming and many new residents are deciding to call the area home. It is a long way from Valladolid to Merida (or to Cancun) so this shopping center is good news for everybody who lives there or stops by to visit.
Next, the letter we received...
Our reader wrote: "Regarding the article, is this view about development prevalent in the expat community and at the editorial board of this publication? What interests future retirees about your area is its unique culture and landscape. My wife and I visited Valladolid last winter and we loved what we saw. The Yucatan does not need to stay underdeveloped, but your fascination for (this) type of development described tells me that it is in danger of becoming indistinguishable from the snack strips of El Paso, Fort Lauderdale or Costa Rica, and that this will happen too quickly. Surely, you will agree that what you have now is special. I am not saying local government should restrict growth. But my wife and I were interested in the Yucatan and this article tells us Yucatan expats are anxious to recreate the world they left behind in the north. This begs the question, why did they leave it? It also has caused us to cast our attention more seriously to southern Europe for our retirement plans."
Lastly, our response...
Dear Sir: We don't originate the subjects of our News summaries on Yucatan Living. We translate articles from Spanish-language sources that are published for a Mexican readership. We do this as a service for our English-mostly readership. If the Yucatecos think it's a big story, then we try to include it.
We can't speak for the expat community, of course, but we can make some observations we feel sure about:
1. The "growth" described in the article below is driven by corporate expansion and the desire of the Mexican
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people. The expat community has nothing to do with it. Here in Merida, there are at most 6,000 expats in a city of a million Yucatecos. We'd guess there are no more than 70 expats in Valladolid. We have no direct impact on growth that we can tell. The impulse to build and grow comes from the Mexican middle-class.
2. The socio-economic diversity in Yucatan is extremely vast. There are those who exist on practically no money, living a traditional Maya lifestyle. There are multi-millionaires who own half a dozen opulent homes. And there are people of every conceivable walk of life in between those extremes. One or two malls is a drop in the cultural ocean.
3. In general, expats who move here come for the diversity of experience, not to recreate their former lives. But there's nothing like having access to a modern experience when you need one. This is especially true for health care, insurance, real estate and other important matters. If you want to buy a washing machine, you have to go to a modern store. The mercado only carries washboards. Once you've actually lived outside of your own country, you'll perhaps understand that desire a little bit more.
4. Mexicans who are being deported from the U.S., (many of whom have never actually set foot in Mexico), are relieved to find some of the familiar brands and shopping experiences they left behind. A small consolation for them, perhaps, but ironically, it's not unlike an immigrant to the U.S. finding a source of their favorite items from their home country. Also, did you know that far more Mexicans travel to the U.S. each year legally (on a 15 day tourist visa) than sneak across the border? Why? Mostly to shop in modern U.S. malls. But given the choice, they'd rather stay at home to do their shopping.
5. Meanwhile, is it really fair to impose one's wishes on people in other countries? If the Yucatecos want a shopping center, why not? Did you notice that all but one store in the article was a Mexican corporation? That means more jobs in Mexico, more middle-class Mexicans, and probably more shopping centers. This is happening all around the world. It's the big global "catch up" to the so-called "developed" world. Good luck escaping it in southern Europe. If you really don't want to see a shopping mall, we'd recommend the Island of Roatan, off the coast of Honduras, and even there, we're not sure you'd be completely "safe".
What do you think? We welcome your comments...
Comments
Tim Perry 17 years ago
Once again YL is informing some of Us still an outsider as Myself who has to wait afew more years on the progress going on all over the Yucatan. I truly hope in 7- years till I can move, My first stop like everybodies is the airport in Cancun, which is building and rebuilding everyday, is this change going to be another LA-EX, or Miami, O-HARE ??? Change is Good to some extent as long as it doesn't totally consume People, Who in the US People are so dependant on going to the Mall... I personally hate that 3- word statement. Because of what it has done in America from the East Coast to the West Coast, no matter where One travels off the interstate or paralell to the roads of USA STRIP-MALLS have taken over every little town all the way across the country.... Little shopping Malls that were once new have been abandoned only to close up and or run down, to build a new shiny, glitzy one right on the other side of the highway,because its newer, when will they enough? Two years ago We were in Playa on vacation when in the cab We were in I noticed the block work of a new huge building going up and just as I noticed a huge banner at the top saying comming soon WAL-MART... I joked with the cab driver. I said alright You can Buy New Underwear....We both laughed because He knew what I was getting at. The Great People of Mexico deserve choice,change if to improve Their life in any way,and I think They will be able to handle it much better than We Gringos who don't know when Enough is Enough,with beauty comes the spoil... When I visit Mexico I go to take in the Blue sky,clean air,the beautiful Hand crafted plazas,fountains the Genuine People, the Heritage and culture. I think it will be so sad to go to the NEON MALL that has artificial lighting,fake trees fake fountains high prices and mindless People who hang around just for something to do, I'm basing this on the GRINGO WAY OF LIFE HERE..... The Mall Developers' only act out of greed and money,not People's values first!!! I wish We in America could go back in time , I miss all the Mom and Pop stores,staying for an hour or so talking to the owner because I'm proberly the only one there at the time... Wal-Mart, Home depot, Lowes, Cosco what ever try talking to Manager of a big mall or the Developer who built it... Viva MEXICO I know and hope You can handle the changes that are comming..One Love to all TIM PERRY
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Theresa in Merida 17 years ago
You can come to Merida and hang out in the Centro Historico and never see a modern shopping center if that is what you want. You can do all your grocery shopping at Mercado Galvez if you so desire, but don't deny the Yucatecans the choice because you don't want to indulge in it.
One thing that I have noticed is that some of the little tienda owners shop at Costco and Walmart, because they are reselling those products! Either they are passing on the savings or making a larger profit, but someone is benefiting.
In my opinion, what keeps those tiendas open is convenience and the availability of small quantities. If I need a couple of tomatoes or a quarter cup of raisens, I walk across the street to La Guayabita, I don't get into my car and drive to Costco or MegaBalcones (my favorite supermarket) unless I am doing a major shopping or really need something I can't buy in my neighborhood
Sometimes when I am in the tienda I watch what other people are buying. I doubt that the customers that buy their ciggarettes one at a time, could even buy a carton of smokes at Costco, no matter how much cheaper it is, when they can't come up with pesos to buy a package, let alone an entire carton. These certainly aren't the people going ice skating at the new mall either, but that doesn't mean other people shouldn't be able to.
regards,
Theresa
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Elvira Jimenez 17 years ago
I feel this is just the tip of the iceberg. Is not that growth and progress is not good for the people, it's what happens to small businesses after giants like Chedraui and Walmart take over. Even if it generates employment for local folk, people still being exploited, and the Maya people will benefit very little.
Don't stop supporting the local merchants, continue to buy your bread at the local panaderia and your fresh vegetables at the local open air market.
YL is a window into the Yucatan and everyone wants a piece of it, the power of the Internet could not be felt so strongly as now! The XPAT community may not dictate what happens in the Yucatan but the power of the dollar is felt strongly and big brother is watching!
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Carol 17 years ago
We just returned from a trip to Merida, and yes, we noticed the "Americanization" of this gorgeous city; however, it is still very Mexican, and the people are what give it its charm and character, not the fact that Wal-Mart is there. I have also lived in Mexico over a period of 9 years, and it is about time that the Mexican public has access to reasonbly priced appliances, American products. Keep the progress going- Merida and Mexico is not in danger of losing its charm.
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CARLOS DANIEL GALLEGOS 17 years ago
I returned to Merida for a week visit (January 23 - 30, 2008), to see my wife. I call her: "Working Yucateca", in honor of the "Working Gringos". We visited the Alta Brisas Mall. Wow! What a mall! My question is this: Is the economy in Merida that strong, to have all these malls? Does this widen the gulf between the rich and poor in the Yucatan? Will this force such smaller malls such as Plaza Oriente and Plaza Fiesta to close because of not being able to compete? Amazing all the malls/plazas are centered to the economically strong northern sector. How about the southern sector of Merida? One thing I love about Merida that is different from the Touristy CanCun, is the Historical richness and the stand still of time. Will Merida become another CanCun in another 10 years? My wife, born and raised 100% Yucateca has much concern about the changing of Merida and the Yucatan. A worried concern. Is it a concern of matter? Don't know. I hope Merida can keep its rich Colonial history, while being guided into the modern world.
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John Venator 17 years ago
THANK YOU for publishing news items for other than just Merida (which we understand most of your readers live)!
We very much appreicte hearing news about our adopted town Valladolid!
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John Venator 17 years ago
My wife and I, speaking currently as two 7 1/2 year part-time Norte residents of Valladolid - and soon in a couple years to be fulltime residents - we are thrilled that Chedraui is coming to Valladolid as the anchor of a new small mall on the Northern ourskirts of Valladolid.
Their wide variety of merchandise and competitive prices will save us from many many extra trips to Merida or Cancun to buy basis things we can not currently buy at any store in Valladolid.
Also - as I mentioned the new mall is NOT on the Zocalo / nor anywhere near any part of the Zona Historica - so Valladolid will remain a wonderful time capsule of historic buildings.
We are also just as thrilled with the fact that was widely reported in newspapers in Valladolid at Christmas time this year, that the State government of the Yucatan is making a grant of several million US dollars to Vallodolid to invest in the city's tourism image by putting all the electrical wires and phone wires underground and requiring property owners to "present a historical facade" to the street. Calle 40 will be the second street this has been done to in Valladolid going all the way from the Zocalo to San Juan Church. The other street that has already been handled in this manner quite a few years ago goes on a diagonal to the Convent from approximately 2 blocks from the Zocalo (too bad they did not do it all the way to the Zocalo).
"Progress" is something that should be embraced - and both these news stories about Valladolid are positive happenings to better serve the needs of the 70 thousand plus residents and tourists alike.
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Porfirio 17 years ago
“Pobre México,†dijo Don Porfirio DÃaz en los últimos años de su larga dictadura a un reportero norteamericano. “Tan lejos de Dios, tan cerca de los Estados Unidos.â€
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Alfred Rordame 17 years ago
Succinctly put once again YL. Thanks for your measured and thoughtful response. As one of the gringos who really escaped the madness for the peace of the small villages (I live in Izamal, no shopping centers here, and not many gringos at that), I can strongly echo the sentiment "there’s nothing like having access to a modern experience when you need one." We run a small hotel with a restaurant and we could not exist or serve our clientele if we had to purchase everything out of the local mercado.
Further, it may be a painful fact for those fortunate enough to live in the developed world, but they have set the standard of aspiration for the developing world. People see what the wealthy Norteños have, and they want it. Can you blame them? Rather than complain about development here, why not do something about it there. Perhaps if people in developed countries stopped eating at MacDonalds and Burger King, they would not proliferate around the world. Maybe if those same people shopped in small local retailers rather than supporting WalMart, we'd see small retailers here being able to compete and better serve their clients. The list goes on and on.
It only goes to support that old yogic adage, "be the change you want to see." I find it a shockingly juvenile attitude to basically say, "well, we've got ours, but you cannot change because we want to be entertained by your quaint lifestyle." If anyone prefers not to see mall development, then do not support it. This is not development driven by one group or another, it is driven by large corporate interests and they live or die by attracting consumers. We cannot judge what others want, but we can exert pressure by our own buying habits.
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Roddrigo Sidney 17 years ago
Having also lived in Mexico as an "EX-PAT" for 7 years on ISLA HOLBOX I know the inner feeling that comes with "NEW DEVELOPMENT". We here on Holbox are faced with the same as Talk & Rumors abound about a NEW HOLBOX Coming with Modern Hotels, More tourism & the like. I was recently named Director of Tourism for Isla Holbox for the USA & CANADA as the city fathers saw the need to have MORE of this type of tourism coming to Holbox. Merida is a Fantatic place so culturally diverse and the incursion of Modern Shopping Malls etc is simply the desire of the Rising Mexican Middle-Class to have some of the better things of life, things we Expats have had for years & basically "Take For Granted"! Your observations on the hoards of Mexicans who shop everyday in the US is born out in Border towns around the Frontier. One I'm very familiar with having luived there 15 years is El Paso Texas. On the Border with Cd Juarez, the lines of Mexicans who cross daily "Just to Shop" has also spawned a new Business in ElPaso......The Manifesto shop. Here a Mexican citizen can take receipts for items purchased in ElPaso where they Paid the 8.25% Texas Sales Tax along with their Elector Card.......Pay a few Dollars to the processor......Get a form they take back to the store of purchase to receive a FULL 100% Rebate on all taxes paid. (Sure would be nice if MEXICO Reciprocated & gave all of us EXPATS a 10-15% REBATE on all the "IVA" we pay !!!!!
Anyway. life continues, Mexico is evolving & growing and we EXPATS Should just Go with the Flow & enjoy the benefits as WE SEE THEM, to being in this wonderful country. I admit its nice to be able to find a decent cup of coffee. I remember not that long ago in Cancun at 7-11 they served INSTANT COFFEE With a glass of Hot WATER! Even now I see the taste for Gringo Coffee Growing by leaps & bounds. The lines @ Starbucks in the Mex City Airport are immense!
Lastly, if anyone in Merida would like to "Get Away" from it all on a Beautiful Tropical Island ISLA HOLBOX is the place I'll be happy to assist with answers to your questions & help with attractions, accomodations etc. email me @ bmwrodd@earthlink.net
Meanwhile lets let progress "Take its Course" VIVA MEXICO!
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Alan 17 years ago
Tourists and expats in old cities everywhere tend to be attracted by "quaint," but unfortunately "quaint" is often a synonym for "poor" as poverty over time blocks new development.
In that context, it is important to remember that the historic district of every old city was at one time new development, and that new development a) is usually controversial and b) always occurs in a time of relative prosperity. Today's tradition was yesterday's innovation, and cities which never innovate eventually die.
In that context Merida's new developments are a manifestation of a degree of prosperity that evidently was absent when new development wasn't taking place. That they are developments dependent upon the mass spending of an expanding middle class is emblematic that things are geting better, if not for everyone at least for a significant percentage of everybody.
The key, of course, is to preserve what is good about the past while embracing the future, and to be sentient about the forms which "new" takes. Ideally, the prosperity resulting from new development spills over into preservation and nurturing of a significant percentage of the best of the old while making sure that the new isn't just a bunch of schlock. If a city can do those things, it may be standing at the threshold of a new golden era.
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