Dispute over  “sin bin” gentrification

THE  TERRAPLEN (embankment) area leading into Casco Viejo, was recently cleared of kiosks, which were a happy hunting ground for handymen looking for spare parts for machinery or outdated equipment

For over a hundred years it has also been a hunting ground for men seeking the services of prostitutes  but with the redevelopment  and gentrification of the area, the inhabitants   of the brothels that operate there,  could disappear or have to sell.

"We know that over time the buildings are going to be transformed, with enough lighting and new restaurants, among other activities, that will force them to make changes in their facades,"  Mayor José I., Blandon told El Siglo, speaking generally of the buildings in the sector and  responding to Rubén Darío Olivares, administrator of the  La Bocatoreña,  cantina which occupies a location that has operated since 1906.

Blandon says  that he does not intend to force the owners of the brothels to remodel their buildings, because they are private areas. However, he added that the owners of these establishments will be the ones who will decide if they make changes to the structures of their façades, because with the bidding project in February, no compensation is contemplated.

Olivares  said  that the  buildings are kept in poor condition and does not believe that any businessman dares to make an economic investment, so that tourists come to a place to visit only a pedestrian area

'Many people live here who do not have enough economic resources and who have needs. Mayor Blandón, will  sell these buildings through the use of intermediaries, ".

He recalled that in 1948 the Old part of  San Felipe was the playground of high end citizens and  great personalities.

Over the years the 'rabiblancos', moved to Bella Vista, El Cangrejo and other areas of the capital city and that likely  will happen in the area of ​​the Embankment as it is upgraded.

A century of history
The Bocatoreña'. cantina  was inaugurated in 1906, under the name of 'El Mercadito', then  it became 'La Chepanita' and in 1982,  'La Bocatoreña', reports El Siglo.

"Today it is a  popular place for men of all ages who are looking for a place of entertainment, fun and even to have sex with some of the sex workers, who are now all foreigners" says El Siglo