Bonavista accumulates up to 14 abandoned cars and 9 burnt vehicles in streets, car parks and other public areas of the neighborhood, a situation that has led residents to demand more speed in the removal and more control over the identification of the cars. The count has been carried out by the neighborhood collective La Voz de Bonavista, in which more than 120 residents already participate.
The residents denounce that part of these vehicles remain immobile for long periods. They assure that some have been parked for months and even years without the removal being completed, despite the fact that in several cases the corresponding notice has already been placed on them.
"The problem is that they remain parked for months or years and even if they put the removal notice sticker on them, they continue to remain there" - member of La Voz de Bonavista
Burned vehicles in the last two months
Of the cars located by the neighbors, 9 have ended up charred in fires registered for different reasons during the last two months. The collective maintains that the deterioration not only affects the image of the neighborhood, but also generates a growing sense of insecurity among those who live in the area.
"As a neighborhood, we believe it damages our image. Not only because of the abandoned cars, but because afterwards they vandalize them and even set them on fire" - spokesperson for La Voz de Bonavista
The neighbors point out that some of the vehicles could have been left on the street due to the high cost of a repair, while others could be stolen. In any case, they ask that administrative checks be strengthened and that the process not be delayed.
"We believe they may be cars whose repairs are very expensive and they leave them abandoned. Or many times stolen" - member of La Voz de Bonavista
Complaints about the slowness in the withdrawal
In recent days, the authorities have been removing some of the abandoned cars. Even so, the collective considers that there is still work to be done and demands that the removal of the rest not be suspended in time.
One of the neighbors summarizes the discomfort regarding the situation of the vehicles without insurance and regarding the duration of the procedures with their owners.
"A vehicle without insurance should not be on the street. These have expired insurance and they put the stickers on them, but the procedures with the owners to remove them from the area drag on until time passes and they are never taken away" - resident of Bonavista
The residents' claim involves gaining agility in the response and improving control with the identification of vehicles parked for long periods on public roads.
Robberies and vandalism in the neighborhood
The neighborhood concern is not limited to the abandonment of cars. In Bonavista, vehicle thefts and catalytic converter thefts are also reported. Kevin Duran has reported that on the night of last April 22, they stole his car.
"It's outrageous. That same night two cars were stolen with five patrols in the neighborhood. I don't understand how it's possible" - Kevin Duran
From the collective, they describe a climate of unease among many drivers of the neighborhood, who fear leaving their vehicle parked in the street due to the risk of suffering damage or theft.
"Parking the car in Bonavista is a lottery. We are afraid that they will open it, steal it, or vandalize it" - spokesperson for La Voz de Bonavista
A recent fire aggravated the neighborhood alarm
Among the episodes that have generated the most concern is the burning of a neighbor's car a few days ago. The neighborhood account points to a man setting fire to the vehicle, which also put residents of the affected street's block at risk due to the intensity of the flames.
"It is very hard. We fear for our safety because this person remains free on the street and we see him every day. We must continue working for a new car" - neighbor from Bonavista
The neighbors insist that the problem harms coexistence and the perception of security of the neighborhood, but maintain their mobilization to demand solutions. La Voz de Bonavista, with more than 120 participants, assures that it will continue pressing to improve the situation in a neighborhood that, despite everything, says it remains committed to its objective of becoming a better place.