The Aguadilla Court of First Instance has revoked the permits for the construction of the Rincón Bike and Pedestrian Path, ordering an immediate halt to all work related to the project. The decision, issued by Judge Johnny Reyes, ruled in favor of Ramón Díaz Zambrana of Amigos de Tres Palmas and Leanne Arcuri, a Rincón resident, who argued that the project was authorized and processed in contravention of applicable regulations.
The court found that the Highway and Transportation Authority (ACT) made substantial changes to the project without processing the required amendments, used incorrect or incomplete information on environmental and location aspects, and obtained permits and certifications that did not comply with legal requirements or environmental restrictions. The judge determined that the plaintiffs showed the path was being built without authorization from the Planning Board, without a valid demarcation of the maritime-terrestrial zone (ZMT), and without necessary concessions, authorizations, or permits from the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA).
The court also ordered the ACT to pay $15,000 in legal fees, citing the agency's 'temerity' in defending the validity of determinations and permits obtained through incorrect information.