### Primary Article: Abandoned Houses as Criminal Havens in Ensenada
**By Lorena Lamas | August 27, 2024**
The suburban development in Ensenada, specifically in Villa del Roble, has seen numerous social interest homes abandoned by their owners since being constructed between 2009 and 2011. This situation has arisen due to various reasons, including financial constraints, violence, or the lack of basic services.
This residential boom, described by members of the National Chamber of Housing Development and Promotion (Canadevi) and largely fueled by the National Workers’ Housing Fund Institute (Infonavit) credits, has led to serious societal problems. The abandoned properties have become hotspots for criminal activities, predominantly drug dealing and consumption, commonly referred to as “picaderos”.
Residents of neighborhoods like Villas del Prado II recount the challenges of living next to abandoned properties turned into drug dens. These houses, originally sold for between 170,000 and 250,000 pesos, now contribute to health hazards due to unsanitary conditions, frequent violence, alcohol abuse, and constant disturbances.
Municipal police estimate that in every street of the northwestern residential areas, there are at least two inhabited by criminals. These properties are often used for drug selling. Residents report they feel unsafe and are subjected to noise pollution, foul odors, and aggressive confrontations from invaders.
Despite efforts, the response from law enforcement is inadequate. The Municipal Public Security Directorate (DSPM) struggles to address the high volume of emergency calls related to these areas. Fiscal year 2024 has seen approximately 24 reports of home takeovers, but the issue persists with limited control.
Infonavit officials, led by Carlos Martínez, acknowledge the problem but indicate they cannot currently verify the status of individual properties. The organization depends on neighborhood groups and local authorities to monitor and manage these situations.
Community members express a desire for government intervention to reclaim and secure their neighborhoods, suggesting that stronger measures are needed to combat the persistent issues of drug-related activities and unsanitary living conditions.
### Secondary Article: Ongoing Housing Developments and Challenges in Baja California
Baja California’s housing sector is set to see continued growth in 2024, with the issuance of 243 home acquisition credits from Infonavit. These credits range from properties valued at 150,000 to over a million pesos, dispersing across various income brackets.
The investment, estimated at 1,216 million pesos of the projected 6,637 million pesos for the state, marks a substantial contribution to regional development. However, stakeholders, including the National Chamber of Housing Development and Promotion (Canadevi), have highlighted significant obstacles such as labor shortages and increased construction material costs.
The development initiatives include plans to construct 1,700 new homes, with prices ranging from 650,000 to 4 million pesos. While this supports different income tiers, the construction of smaller “micro-houses” permitted by past municipal reforms has sparked debate over long-term urban planning and quality of living.
The legacy of such reforms dates back to former Mayor Pablo Alejo López Núñez’s administration, which allowed for a reduction in minimum housing sizes from 45 to 30 square meters. These changes, meant to address rapid urbanization, continue to shape Ensenada’s residential landscape, causing mixed reactions among the populace and urban planners.
Residents in developing areas voice a mix of optimism and concern. They look forward to improved infrastructure but remain wary of potential pitfalls related to over-crowdedness and inadequate urban support services.
### Conclusion
Both community reports and future developments highlight a complex scenario in Ensenada and broader Baja California. While efforts to expand housing continue, addressing the accompanying social and infrastructural challenges remains crucial to ensuring these new neighborhoods can thrive securely and sustainably.
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