Plenty of San Miguel news has been circulating lately, including continuing talk of another golf course, additional trees for a beloved park, a possible new downtown parking garage and major industrial investments in the city and surrounding region. More details on these and related developments are below.

Potential golf course near El Charco sparks petition drive

Persistent rumors that a fourth golf course is being planned for an area north of the El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden on the northeastern edge of San Miguel recently prompted a petition drive opposing the proposal.

The petition had 19,050 verified signatures and 183 comments as of Aug. 31, the majority of which appear to oppose the project. Signers cite concerns about threats to the environment and water supply.

The golf course plan emerged nearly a year ago with the backing of Lorena Ochoa, a World Golf Hall of Famer who has been described as Mexico’s most accomplished golfer. However, no permits had been applied for or granted at that point, according to municipal officials.

El Charco has stated that the golf course’s placement would be in “the worst imaginable location” on a large rural tract of land directly bordering the botanical garden. Other issues include exotic grasses requiring intensive irrigation and the application of fertilizers and toxic pesticides, El Charco said.

“The municipal Urban Development Plan, which had previously designated the property as an area for ecological preservation, has been amended to allow a change in land use, paving the way for urbanization and the construction of the golf course,” El Charco’s August newsletter stated.

San Miguel currently has three golf courses: two 18-hole courses (Malanquin and Las Ventanas) and one nine-hole option (Zirandaro).

Municipal government planting more trees in Parque Juárez

A recently launched project is bringing 35 new ash trees to Parque Juárez as part of the city’s “active urban conservation and environmental maintenance initiative.” At roughly 15 feet tall, they are reportedly mature trees that will help renew the park’s canopy.

There are three ash species native to Mexico, all of which adapt well to mild, subtropical and tropical highland climates found across the country.

The project will replace trees that have reached the natural end of their lifecycle and assess existing trees for pruning, treatments and parasite removal – particularly mistletoe infestations.

Meanwhile, the city will also identify, manage and remove severely deteriorated or dry trees that may pose hazards to park visitors.

Nearby residents have expressed concern about dead trees and limbs falling into public pathways, seating areas and streets. They also say some of the ash trees show evidence of pests and woodpeckers.

Is a parking garage coming to Centro San Miguel?

A new parking garage may be planned for municipal property near the Templo de San Juan de Dios. The site was formerly a public hospital for low-income patients.

The idea, reportedly put forward by Mayor Mauricio Trejo Pureco, is meant to mitigate traffic on the narrow cobblestone streets in Centro’s historic district.

Municipal officials are looking to develop more parking capacity outside the historic center to reduce vehicle idling, enhance pedestrian safety and protect historic buildings from additional wear and tear linked to traffic.

There is also a shortage of parking spaces downtown, with some reports stating there are only about 5,000 for the more than 100,000 visitors coming to San Miguel during holidays and popular events.

Downtown parking fees have also been increasing lately, with public lots and garages near the city center charging anywhere from 50 to 80 pesos per hour.

Construction materials company commits 5 billion pesos to SMA

Soprema Mexico, a global manufacturer and supplier of construction materials, recently began construction of a manufacturing facility within the Polígono Empresarial San Miguel industrial park east of the city. Its products include waterproofing, insulation and energy efficiency materials.

The company said it is making a long-term capital investment of up to 5 million pesos (US $300 million). The project will initially create 250 direct jobs while offering opportunities to local suppliers and engineers. Subsequent expansion plans for a larger industrial campus in San Miguel are also being considered.

Soprema’s parent company was founded in France in 1908 and is still headquartered there. The Canadian arm is based in Quebec, with offices in Mexico City and Monterrey.

This local development dovetails with ongoing economic development projects and additional plans for the state of Guanajuato. There are currently 79 investment projects occurring within the state worth more than US $6.5 billion, boosting Guanajuato’s profile as an increasingly important industrial destination in Mexico.

Cathy Siegner is an independent journalist based in San Miguel and Montana. She has journalism degrees from the University of Oregon and Northwestern University.