After nearly 14 years leading the Chicharrero City Council and amidst claims that he is an exhausted mayor, the nationalist José Manuel Bermúdez asserts he is more motivated than ever to continue steering the capital’s government. “I have a renewed enthusiasm,” the councillor states.
-This year brings significant projects aimed at transforming the city; will 2025 be pivotal in this term?
“In 2025, the work of my team that has been ongoing for years will be evident. Numerous projects are underway, some nearing completion, and others still in planning. Consequently, it will be a crucial year that will undoubtedly define the outcome of this term. If I were to relate it to my tenure, I would suggest it will be the most productive year of all my time as mayor. There are numerous actions occurring in the streets, which understandably may cause some discomfort, but the current investment capacity of the City Council, along with other indicators, suggest that 2025 will yield substantial results. We are on the verge of an urban transformation with initiatives that will alter the current landscape of Santa Cruz, such as the urban plan and certain decisions that have modified areas like the environment surrounding the Plaza de España and the streets of Castillo and San José. These decisions will shape the capital of the future.”
-Will there be a budget available to execute so many initiatives?
“Indeed, there will be. Aside from the City Council’s strong financial standing, the budget is also appropriate. Additionally, we have been efficient managers, leading the rankings among Canary Administrations in securing European funds. In essence, the city’s financial situation is promising, bolstered by favourable employment statistics that will translate into city investments during this term. Moreover, current political dynamics foster a good relationship, resulting in increased collaboration and cooperation from both the Government of the Canary Islands and the Cabildo, facilitating the progression of numerous projects.”
-Will he remain at the helm of the City Council?
“I have the desire, and during this term, I possess a renewed enthusiasm because I am finally witnessing advancements, including some initiatives yet to be announced, that are remarkable and will further the progress of the city. Each time we conclude or commence a project, I feel revitalised, and at this moment, I am optimistic. It is uncertain if this will be my last term; however, I have always been available to the party (CC), and in a year and a half, we shall see. For now, my focus is on improving the city.”
-Is the relationship with the previous administration detrimental for Santa Cruz?
“I must acknowledge the financing of the Masonic temple, thanks to the PSOE and the work of Román Rodríguez when he was the vice president of the Government, resulting in the Ministry of Culture covering the bulk of the rehabilitation costs. However, objectively, we received very little support from the Cabildo during the previous term, as well as from the Regional Government, which effectively treated us as a lesser priority in the 2022 budgets.”
-Regarding the Masonic temple, when will it be accessible?
“The construction is expected to conclude in June, as modifications have been necessary, and certain decisions remain pending due to discrepancies with the historical heritage management of the Cabildo. Upon reopening, there will initially be open days for the public, but I envision there should be an admission fee thereafter. The palmetum has successfully managed visitor admissions, despite charging an entry fee, and thousands have enjoyed it. Although a decision has yet to be made regarding the Masonic temple, I see it as a possibility. In any case, access will be regulated and managed in groups.”
-Another initiative is the redesign of the new Santa Cruz. What is the objective?
“This design will aid us in conceptualising or rethinking the city’s future, in alignment with the General Planning Plan and the Santa Cruz Verde 2030 initiative. This project is being conducted by the Metropolis Foundation, which collaborates with some of the world’s leading urban planners and will contribute vital insights and expertise to Gestur and those involved in the general plan that would not have been achievable without this study.”
-What constitutes the ideal city for the mayor?
“I envision a more sustainable city, enriched by abundant green infrastructure, featuring a greater number of trees, plants, and public spaces. Where mobility hinges on efficient systems, public transport is prioritised, and cars are only used when absolutely necessary, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. A city designed with a focus on efficient energy systems. Santa Cruz has taken 536 years to evolve, marked by a mix of correct, average, and poor decisions. Now, we are tasked with designing the future Santa Cruz.”
-What progress is being made with the Santa Cruz Verde 2030 project concerning the refinery lands?
“Work has commenced on these lands, with dismantling and decontamination efforts already underway; however, the planning aspect is moving at a slower pace. The challenge lies in the transfer of Cepsa to Granadilla, which has impeded dismantling activities in Santa Cruz. In the meantime, we can advance in the planning process; the Canary Islands government has taken on that responsibility, and it will now be Gestur’s role to negotiate with Cepsa regarding the conditions. That is where we currently stand, although it is not straightforward.”
-Can we envision the new Santa Cruz Verde 2030 in five years?
“I am optimistic that at the very least, we will see a cleared or semi-utilised plot and that the planning will be approved, after which we will determine what to construct. We will also need to secure both private and public investment for the construction. A city was developed in Cabo Llanos, which was also on Cepsa land, but it took us 15 years. Similarly, we expect the process for the refinery land to unfold in the same manner.”
-In the city expansion discussions, there has been talk of constructing a stadium. Will that happen?
“The vision includes developing offices, green spaces, housing, and even a sports facility. However, establishing a new stadium would necessitate the removal of green spaces or public areas, and the land is quite limited. The name Santa Cruz Verde signifies our aim to cultivate an area distinguished by extensive green spaces, both in streets and parks. A sustainable city is our goal.”
-Sustainability also centres on the low emissions area, which is delayed until 2026.
“We are in the initial stages of developing the low emissions zone and are allocating funds to make it operational. The necessary resources for its installation are undergoing bidding, with 2026 set for its launch. I anticipate that this will not be an immediate transition. There will be a transitional period for individuals to acclimatise. Nevertheless, as the law mandates, we have a duty to comply. The only caveat is if a court intervenes, as has occurred in other cities.”
-The bike lane initiative is another environmental project, yet it has faced criticism.
“We have established a cycling network, featuring a separate bike lane extending through Méndez Núñez, Pilar, Villalba Hervás, and Bravo Murillo to the interchange to ensure safety for cyclists and scooters. Additionally, the rest of the network comprises streets where safety measures are prioritised through enhanced signage and reduced speed limits. If we do not implement these changes, no one will alter their mobility habits, as current conditions do not permit it, nor has there previously been an opportunity. When critics highlight that spaces are diminishing, I must contend that it is inefficient for 70% of a city’s public roads to be occupied by vehicles when they serve only 40% of the population.
The trend across cities globally suggests that road systems should be integrated, as it is not particularly effective to restrict vehicle movement solely to Santa Cruz. Moreover, there are alternative paths that encompass a cycling network. This represents a shift in lifestyle habits, and we find ourselves somewhat behind, given that these practices are well-established in Spain and throughout Europe. Critiques often arise from a lack of understanding and information, and I acknowledge that we must make greater efforts in this regard.”
-Is reducing car mobility and constructing more parking spaces contradictory?
“To implement separate bike lanes, given our topography, it is unavoidable to sacrifice some parking spaces. If we had six-lane roads, we wouldn’t face such challenges. Therefore, in certain areas, we must remove parking spots, while in others, we can incorporate green and blue payment zones without reducing current availability. Our study on parking in Santa Cruz reveals there are 65,000 spaces, and in many locations, parking is unsustainable. Individuals often circulate, emitting CO2 until they locate a spot, which also affects those who leave their vehicles for extended periods, thus occupying public land with private vehicles. Globally, blue zones have been designated in areas with high parking demands. This can coexist with the construction of public parking lots. By utilising all available options alongside the creation of new spaces, we will not remedy the issue entirely, necessitating further measures like the blue and green zones. The aim isn’t simply to collect revenue but to limit parking duration in specific areas, increasing parking opportunities.”
-Will the new mobility policy be implemented within the specified timelines?
“By 2026, the mobility control centre will be operational, with an investment exceeding 3 million euros dedicated to managing various transport systems in the city, including public transport, cars, scooters, and parking areas. This modern centre will enable us to make our mobility policy measurable and more efficiently controlled digitally. Thus, the parking strategy will integrate with the cycling network and enhancements to public transport. This suite of actions will ensure the successful implementation of our mobility mandate.”
-Given the rise in homelessness, many of whom face mental health issues, is assistance available?
“A significant challenge exists regarding homelessness in public spaces, with approximately 40 individuals suffering from associated mental health issues or addiction. We have allocated extensive resources to support the homeless, including two mobile units onsite, a municipal reception centre, an aid plan, and a Housing First programme. However, we still struggle to address these cases comprehensively. The mental health or addiction challenges faced by individuals living on the streets should be managed by the Canarian health or substance dependency services, just as we do with our mobile units. The system must adapt to the situation rather than vice versa, and currently, there is a lack of specific or specialised support for these individuals. If the system fails to respond, we will never resolve situations that lead to social tensions, including issues of littering and public urination. Circumstances that the Council cannot address directly, given its limited powers, along with the sluggish pace of judicial incapacity procedures, complicate matters further. The solution lies with the Canary Health System, and we will schedule a second meeting with its head. If no remedy emerges, we will have to explore alternative solutions.”
-What measures could diminish the number of homeless individuals in the city?
“A substantial proportion of those experiencing homelessness are not originally from Santa Cruz but have migrated from other Canarian municipalities, regions in Spain, and even internationally, drawn here due to the availability of resources. While we are not looking to diminish the aid we provide, the solution lies in establishing similar resources in other municipalities, which is not currently occurring at the necessary level we have requested.”
