The passing of José Emilio García Gómez, who served as mayor of Santa Cruz de Tenerife from 1991 to 1995, was announced last night following the conclusion of the patron saint festivities of Santa Cruz.
García Gómez, remembered for his instrumental role in the demolition of the youth city in the El Toscal neighbourhood, is hailed as one of the most influential and forward-thinking political leaders in the city’s history. His strategic planning paved the way for the development of Cabo-Llanos, with his noteworthy contribution being the Santa Cruz General Plan of 1992.
Initially affiliated with the Canarian Coalition during his mayoral term, García Gómez later switched his allegiance to the PP after 1995. A trained doctor, he embarked on his political career as a spokesperson for the Tenerife insularist party Agrupación Libre from 1979 to 1981. Noteworthy was his advisory role in the Department of Urban Planning during the Las Teresitas sale proceedings.
Under his leadership, significant milestones were achieved, including the successful implementation of the new General Urban Planning Plan and the Cabo-Llanos Plan. His tenure also witnessed the delivery of new residential units in the communities of Santa Clara and San Pío. Furthermore, he was instrumental in the establishment and inauguration of the César Manrique Maritime Park and the commencement of the Parque de las Mesas project, among other notable accomplishments.
