Residents of Puerto Vallarta’s Gastronómicos subdivision have raised concerns over recent construction activity that has begun removing part of a hillside near Terranoble, an area designated as a natural buffer zone and wildlife corridor.
Heavy machinery appeared last week and has been continuously excavating soil, causing damage to water infrastructure and exposing high-voltage power lines that service the community. While the water leak has been repaired, residents remain worried about potential environmental and structural impacts.
“This is an area with protected species like deer and coconut palms,” said one concerned neighbor. “They’re excavating without informing us of their plans. After the pipe damage, we’re now worried about potential landslides threatening our homes.”
The construction site sits near the Lirios circuit, a popular route for tourist activities including ATV tours, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles. The area is also recognized as part of Puerto Vallarta’s recently approved Urban Forest Network, which designates it as protected ecological heritage.
Residents express particular concern about the proximity of heavy equipment to residential buildings and the lack of information about construction permits or plans. “Nobody has informed us about anything, but they’re destroying the hillside,” another resident reported. “We don’t want another tower that could further impact the environment and put our homes at risk.”
The community is calling for immediate intervention from Public Works, Ecology, and Civil Protection authorities to verify proper permits and assess potential risks to both residents and the environment. As of publication, officials have not responded to these concerns, while construction activity continues.