Jean Peña Payano, Secretary of Public Affairs at La Fortaleza, stated that the approval of the Esencia project’s location consultation in Cabo Rojo does not mean construction will begin immediately. Peña Payano emphasized that additional processes related to environmental aspects, potable water, and other endorsements are still pending. The project requires permits from the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA) and the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA).
The Esencia project, which spans 2,059 cuerdas of land, includes 500 luxury hotel rooms and suites, 1,200 private residences, commercial spaces, and restaurants. Citizens and environmental leaders have questioned the speed of the permitting process, given the project’s magnitude and potential impact on protected areas. The area is classified as Suelo Rústico Especialmente Protegido, which aims to preserve lands with high ecological, agricultural, hydrological, or scenic value.
Organizations such as the Defiende a Cabo Rojo coalition have denounced the presence of over 30 endangered species and more than 100 archaeological sites in the area.