Residents affected by the Orihuela Sports City project are beginning to organize themselves in response to the uncertainty surrounding the development.
Concerned about their future, homeowners in the Los Huertos neighbourhood are in the process of forming a unified group to better advocate for their interests. To support their efforts, they have appointed a lawyer who has already requested official documentation from the City Council, as many feel that the information provided so far has been insufficient.
Frustration among residents has grown, particularly after learning that the project was presented at the Fortius awards without any prior notification. They are demanding greater transparency from the City Council, specifically regarding how long they will be allowed to remain in their homes.
A meeting was held in January between the affected residents and the Councilor for Urban Planning, Matías Ruiz, in the town hall. During the discussion, Ruiz outlined the plans for Ciudad Deportiva and reassured attendees that the needs of the neighbourhood would be a priority. However, one resident, who wished to remain anonymous, described leaving the meeting with more doubts than reassurances.
There is widespread scepticism among homeowners, with many questioning the assurances given.
The Council has stated that properties will be assessed, and compensation will be offered, allowing residents to purchase new homes that will be constructed on a nearby parking lot.
However, some fear that these new residences may not match the quality of their current homes, while others worry they may need to take on an additional financial burden to secure housing.
The uncertainty has meant a major concern for many residents, particularly the elderly, who are distressed at the prospect of having to leave homes where they have spent their entire lives raising their families.
Some question why Los Huertos was chosen as the location for the Sports City over alternative sites, such as Ociopía or the Hurchillo road. While authorities argue that this area is less prone to flooding, long-time residents recall past incidents where water levels reached a metre in height during major storms.
Despite the concerns, the Council has confirmed that the affected homes are included within the project’s scope. Officials have assured residents that they will be given options, including relocation to designated plots within the plan, financial compensation, or the ability to remain in their homes for a transitional period.
However, for many in Los Huertos, these assurances do little to ease their uncertainty about the future.
