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### Ensenada Residents Defend Their Green Spaces Despite Legal Challenges
In the neighborhood of Ampliación Moderna in Ensenada, a group of dedicated residents has been fighting to protect their community’s green spaces for over a year. Recently, these residents received legal complaints from a real estate company, which accuses them of unlawful dispossession. This real estate entity, known for selling land, is disputing ownership of a park that is cherished by the local community.
The land in question previously belonged to the late General José de Jesús Clark Flores. Following a lengthy seven-year legal battle in the Third Civil Court (Case No. 0180/2017), the judgment came as a surprise to the current residents, who had no prior knowledge of the dispute.
On the morning of October 15, the accused residents, backed by fellow community members, gathered at the State Prosecutor’s Office to express their support and solidarity. Among those present was Dina Montoya, a key figure representing the Neighborhood Committee for Ampliación Moderna. The group wore themed t-shirts and carried banners and photos of the park, symbolizing their commitment to the cause.
Montoya articulated that their primary aim was to provide official statements and request access to the investigation files to better understand the legal proceedings and identify all parties involved. “Three of us are directly affected, but we’re all in this together, seeking transparency on the process and those involved,” Montoya stated.
The legal uncertainties have heightened tensions within the community, especially since the disputed land serves as an essential gathering area for residents. Currently, a definitive suspension in the court allows the real estate company to remain in control of the property.
Ramón Campos, a lawyer with expertise in the new penal justice system, has taken on the residents’ defense. He claims the accusations are a tactic to pressure and intimidate the community into relinquishing their fight for the park. Campos noted that, according to the National Code of Criminal Procedure, conditions for preventive detention do not exist in this case, as the defendants do not pose a flight risk or lack community ties.
“Our aim is to scrutinize the investigation files to better prepare a defense,” Campos mentioned, reinforcing that the real intention behind the accusations might be to force a settlement that favors the company, potentially resulting in the loss of the park for the community.
### Related Article: Rising Tensions Over Land Disputes in Ensenada
Land disputes like the one in Ensenada reflect broader issues in the region, where urban development often clashes with community interests and environmental concerns. Residents across various communities in Baja California are increasingly voicing opposition to projects that threaten their local green spaces and community areas.
Citizens have been organizing protests, creating online campaigns, and engaging legal assistance to protect environmental and communal resources. These actions are seen not only in Ensenada but also echo throughout the region, underlining a collective struggle.
Recent studies highlight the importance of preserving urban green spaces, citing benefits that include improved air quality, enhanced mental health, and community cohesion. As cities expand, the pushback from residents against developments encroaching on these areas underscores a growing recognition of their value beyond mere real estate.
In this context, cases like the Ampliación Moderna park dispute highlight tensions between development interests and the need for sustainable urban planning that prioritizes people over profit. As legal battles continue, the example set by Ensenada residents could inspire other communities to defend their environmental and social interests.
Stay informed by following similar stories of grassroots activism and legal encounters shaping the future of community spaces in Baja California.
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