“We need this space to ourselves. To be able to walk, so that the children have a place to play, to create a neighborhood fabric”, claimed Àngel Cordero, from the Xarxa Veïnal del Raval, during the protest this Sunday. “In these neighborhoods there are hardly any places for the residents . There are no places for people and there is plenty of space for cars“, the entity’s spokesman cried out to the applause of the dozens of attendees. “It is clear that this space can and should be improved. But that happens by building more green spaces, not by putting more lanes for cars,” added Àlex Gutiérrez, spokesperson for one of the family associations present at the event.
“There are no places for people and there is plenty of space for cars”
under a burning sun and summer temperatures, on this last Sunday in May dozens of residents of Sant Antoni and Raval have gathered at the “festive vindication” in favor of the ‘pacification’ of this section of the Ronda de Sant Antoni. The event has started with a sweeping musical performance which has immediately managed to flood the square with music and joy. There have been dances. Applause. laughs. Even intergenerational friendships that have been forged under the sound of music. There has also been paella (with a vegan option) and beer to finish creating cohesion among the attendees. “This is just an example of everything we canWhat’s to do if we get this space to continue to be available to people”, cried out one of the organizers of the event.
“We want a city that breathes”
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Magnolia Álvarez, from the Llogaters Union, explains that she has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years. “I have seen the difference between one street full of cars Y a street like thispacified, where we neighbors can enjoy our own city, and I am very clear about what scenario I want to live in,” Álvarez argued. “We just want a city that breathes. Less intended for cars Y more thought for people“, added the spokeswoman for one of the most iconic entities in the neighborhood. The residents’ proposal to ‘pacify’ the Ronda de Sant Antoni, in fact, calls for eliminating cars to reduce air and noise pollution in the area.
“We want a city less designed for cars and more designed for people”
“Let’s not forget that this is a public space. And this means that the neighbors too we have the right to decide what is done with him”, has defended Joan Bordetta, of the Association of Veins of Sant Antoni. “Nobody says that activities cannot be carried out in this place, but let’s not forget that decisions have to be made remembering that the welfare of citizens comes first“, has settled the spokesman for the neighborhood entity.