A new Home Depot, traffic chaos and the loss of another local dining icon are all in the news this week as we take a look at the San Miguel de Allende stories that matter to you.
Home Depot opening new stores in Guanajuato
The Georgia-based home improvement chain is investing US $21 million in the project in San Miguel and changed the design to comply with local requirements. The company also reportedly agreed to replace mesquite trees removed at the construction site behind MAC Hospital and include public space renovations.
In addition to San Miguel de Allende, Home Depot plans stores in León and Guanajuato as part of a total US $1.3 billion investment the company is making in Mexico through 2030. It employs more than 18,000 people working at 140 stores in at least 100 Mexican cities.
San Miguel already has numerous hardware and home supply stores, including several Grupo Ferretero Don Pedro outlets. The main store is at Carretera San Miguel a Celaya Km. 2.4, with others at Avenida Independencia 4 in San Rafael and Calzada de la Aurora 20 in Guadalupe.
Highway 51 traffic problems prompt petition, meeting
At least five deaths and other accidents along a stretch of Federal Highway 51 southwest of San Miguel have led to area residents submitting a formal request for improvements to the State of Guanajuato Public Works Department.
They say thousands of residents and others use that stretch of road and have to deal with a dangerous intersection and U-turn given the traffic patterns and increasing number of vehicles.
The residents and users of the El Malanquín, Antigua, La Cañada, Los Huizaches, El Mirador, Villa de los Frailes and La Serena subdivisions are asking for evaluation and installation of a traffic light, a pedestrian crossing and comprehensive road safety measures.
“Our request is purely preventative,” their website says. “We are not waiting for more accidents to happen before taking action; on the contrary, we request that timely measures be implemented to protect the lives of residents, visitors, and users of this important roadway.”
Residents had scheduled a meeting July 29 with state and city representatives to discuss the situation. A petition with more information is posted here.
Another long-time Centro restaurant closes its doors
The Café de la Parroquia at Jesús 11 in Centro ceased doing business on July 19 after 37 years of serving Mexican-style meals made to order.
The family-run cafe, founded in 1989, was known for good food at reasonable prices and was one of the few such places within a block or so of the main square. The owners will reportedly sell the building that houses the cafe.
“Since 1989, we have had the privilege of being part of the life of San Miguel de Allende and of welcoming people from all over the world,” they said. “What began as a restaurant has become, thanks to you, a place full of memories, smiles and moments that will last forever.”
Cathy Siegner is an independent journalist based in San Miguel de Allende and Montana. She has journalism degrees from the University of Oregon and Northwestern University.
