Mérida, Yucatán — It’s been a long goodbye for the Sidra Pino bottling plant on Calle 63 and 72.
The abandoned factory’s roof partially collapsed in heavy rain early last July. Ten months later, the imposing building remains, threatening to collapse even further.
Although municipal officials demolished several dilapidated mansions in the Centro last year, it is unclear how the Sidra Pino plant has escaped the wrecking ball.
With another rainy season approaching, the City Council has ordered a study to determine if the old factory represents a public risk.
On Monday, PRD alderman Tonatiuh Villanueva Caltempa asked authorities to intervene on behalf of students at the Felipe Carrillo Puerto prep school across the street.
School officials have repeatedly pointed out the danger that the public faces since the building was damaged last year.
The massive bottling plant was built in the early 20th century and abandoned in the 1980s.
To intervene, the city is required to attempt to contact the property owner and coordinate with INAH, the federal agency that has oversight regarding historic buildings. To this day, the Pino soft drink brand is considered an iconic piece of Mérida’s history.
The city also must coordinate with CFE to move large electrical cables that are in the way.
Source: Reporteros Hoy
