The Defensoría de las Personas con Impedimentos (DPI) identified 23 architectural barriers on Esmeralda Avenue in Guaynabo, including deteriorated sidewalks, ramps without adequate connections, and obstacles that hinder mobility for people with disabilities. The DPI’s inspection, conducted on October 2, 2026, found eight ramps, six stops, and nine sidewalks that do not meet accessibility standards.
The Municipio de Guaynabo has 30 days to deliver a Corrective Action Plan to address the issues. The DPI’s director, Fernando Díaz Rivera, stated that people with disabilities should be able to move around without encountering obstacles. The inspection was part of the 'Paseo Libre' initiative, which aims to ensure accessibility in public spaces.
The DPI recommended repairing deteriorated sidewalks, correcting uneven surfaces, and eliminating obstacles that reduce circulation space. The Municipio de Guaynabo must also ensure that sidewalks have a minimum free width of 36 inches and that ramps and sidewalks are properly connected.