Authorities Order Marriott to Mothball New Project in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican authorities ordered Marriott Courtyard, the American hotel company, to stop the construction of a new resort in Carolina Beach, next to San Juan, citing possible illegal groundbreaking works on the premises.

The Guidelines and Permits Administration (GPA) warned the U.S. megabuck company could face fines if it fails to abide by the order.

Carolina Mayor Jose Aponte de la Torre informed in a press release he is “pleased with the decision made by the GPA,” whose officials inspected the vacant lots leased to the municipality of Carolina where Marriott was building a makeshift parking facility for 150 cars.

Following the on-the-spot eye inspection, GPA officials stated the construction works are likely breaching the terms and conditions of the provisional permit, a situation that prompted the City Hall to issue the restraining order.

The Carolina Mayor said he´s still waiting to hear from Javier Velez Arocho and Fernando Bonilla, chiefs of the Natural Resources and Port Authority departments, respectively, who are being called to account for the permits granted to Marriott Courtyard to build a condo-hotel in the municipality.

Environmental group that opposed the construction of the parking lot had camped out next to the Marriott facility.

The group, led by community leader Alberto de Jesus, had lashed out at local authorities for granting the permits and violating environmental protection laws that regulate the building of facilities next to beach areas.