### Tijuana Mayor Halts Plans for Fire Station in Madero Neighborhood
Following protests from residents of the Madero neighborhood against the removal of a tree in Plaza del Policía Area 3, Tijuana’s Mayor Montserrat Caballero announced that plans to construct Fire Station Number One on the site have been canceled.
“Citizens of La Cacho and Arboledas, I ask for your support with this decision. I’m sure there will be political backlash, but I prioritize what’s best for the community,” stated Caballero Ramírez today at Plaza del Policía Area 3, shortly after the removal of the tree.
Fire Station Number One had ceased operations on July 27 after 12 years of serving from its previous location on 5th Street in the city center. The property owner requested the premises back, and a group of city councilors refused to discuss Mayor Caballero Ramírez’s proposal to purchase it, according to a municipal press release.
As for Plaza del Policía Area 3, Mayor Caballero explained that the decision to forgo building the fire station there was made to avoid conflicts with the incoming administration led by Ismael Burgueño Ruiz. She noted that it would be up to him whether to seek another site or make other arrangements for the Fire Department’s personnel.
The decision to scrap the fire station plans was made in collaboration with the president of the local residents and merchants of La Cacho, Sergio Alejandro Iglesias Espinoza. Caballero also clarified that no trees were cut down; instead, they were replanted with the assistance of the Green Nation Association.
Earlier in the day, the city administration removed one tree from Plaza del Policía using heavy machinery, which sparked discontent among residents. They described it as an intrusion into what they called the only park in the Madero neighborhood, part of the La Cacho area, where another tree had already been removed by the city.
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#### Related News
### New Site Considered for Tijuana Fire Station Amid Environmental Concerns
Tijuana’s plans to relocate Fire Station Number One have met with several hurdles, the latest being protests from residents over environmental concerns. City officials had initially eyed Plaza del Policía Area 3, but local outcry over potential tree removal halted those plans. The administration is now considering alternative sites to ensure community and environmental interests are balanced.
Mayor Montserrat Caballero faced significant resistance from the community after the removal of trees drew criticism. Local environmental groups, such as Green Nation Association, have since partnered with the city to replant and preserve the area’s greenery.
As the city looks for a new location, the incoming mayor, Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, will play a crucial role in making final decisions. A clear consensus is emerging among residents and officials on the importance of finding a viable site that won’t compromise Tijuana’s green spaces.
This episode underscores the increasing environmental awareness and activism within Tijuana, reflective of broader global trends towards sustainable urban development. The search for an appropriate site for the fire station continues, taking into account both functional needs and environmental preservation.
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