The president of the La Jota and Avenida Cataluña Neighborhood Association, Juan Antonio Andrés Pinilla, explained that the demonstration responds to growing discontent over urban expansion and the lack of information about the projects under development. Residents denounce the constant changes in land use, which create uncertainty about the neighborhood’s future and about whether their children will be able to continue living there. "We do not want campaign promises; we want action," reads the protest poster, which calls for quality public services and urban development that takes into account the needs of those who already live in the area.
During the press conference, Ranera denounced that Zaragoza City Council had sold municipal public land around La Jota and Avenida Cataluña that, she said, was intended for affordable public housing and will now be used for luxury private homes. The Socialist spokesperson called on Mayor Natalia Chueca to defend access to housing and demand that the Aragonese Government apply the Housing Law and declare stressed areas in order to attract state funding. Residents, for their part, identify the lack of information about planning and access to housing among the concerns behind the demonstration.
CLEANING, FACILITIES AND TRANSPORT AMONG THE MAIN DEMANDS
One of the main complaints concerns the condition of the streets. Residents say they have spent three years dealing with barriers, pavements occupied by machinery and construction materials, dirt and difficulties getting around normally. According to the association, this is compounded by the proliferation of rats and pigeons, prompting calls for cleaning and maintenance measures, as well as the removal of barriers and the restoration of areas affected by construction work.
The list of demands includes improving fire engine access to certain areas, expanding swimming pools, maintaining trees and gardens, and installing climate control in schools and secondary schools. Residents are also calling for new public parking spaces, progress on the third phase of Avenida Cataluña and more frequent buses to Villanueva de Gállego, with services every 15 or 20 minutes. They are also demanding information about urban development projects and answers to the questions and proposals they submit to the council.
Under the slogan "For a decent neighborhood," the association is encouraging residents to join this Sunday’s march and turn their accumulated discontent into a collective demand. "We are from Zaragoza and, apart from investing in grandiose projects, Chueca must also invest in the neighborhoods, keep them clean and provide them with public services," Andrés Pinilla said.
