The federal National Park Service (NPS) confirmed by letter that the Municipality of San Juan did not notify it of, or ask it to review, a possible change in use of the El Escambrón beach space where a parking lot expansion is planned. The letter, signed by NPS acting associate director Donald Leadbetter, states that no property acquired or developed with assistance under the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 can be converted to anything other than outdoor public recreation without the director's approval.
Leadbetter wrote that without specific details on the proposed development and the lease agreement, the NPS cannot determine whether it would constitute a conversion of use or to what extent the law's provisions might apply. The letter responds to a message from municipal legislator Ingrid Colberg, of the Popular Democratic Party, to Interior Secretary Doug Bergem, asking for a review of whether granting surface rights to the private company Smart Parking System violated that law.
El Escambrón is part of a park complex formally owned by the NPS, including Parque Tercer Milenio, Parque Luis Muñoz Rivera and Estadio Sixto Escobar. Municipal Ordinance No. 4 cedes the space facing the beach for 60 years. On Sunday, dozens of people formed a human chain at El Escambrón, organized by Escambrón Unido, opposing Mayor Miguel Romero's plan for a 950-car parking lot.