Residents in Barcelona's Torre Baró district can now apply for one of 21 municipal parking spaces, addressing a long-standing local issue. The Institut Municipal de l'Habitatge i Rehabilitació de Barcelona (IMHAB) opened applications on Monday for the spaces located beneath a public housing block on Avinguda d'Escolapi Càncer, 10.
New Parking Spaces Available
The application period runs until 22 May. Priority goes to residents of the building at Avinguda d'Escolapi Càncer, 10, based on registration order. If spaces remain, the process will open to other residents across Torre Baró. Each space costs 84.70 euros per month, including all expenses and taxes. This initiative aims to alleviate severe parking shortages in the lower Torre Baró area, a concern for many local residents.
Ángela Barriuso, a spokesperson for residents of Block F, welcomed the opening. She noted that it should lead to better maintenance and cleaning for the parking area. Barriuso explained, "The street gate is a grille, and all the dirt gets in. They placed rat traps, but the dirt covers them. We have also had some water leaks."
Addressing Long-Term Parking Issues
The Ajuntament explained the three-year delay in commercialising these parking spaces. Public housing projects prioritise completing the flats before other facilities. Additionally, parking facilities must meet specific regulations. Legal procedures and allocation criteria finished in April, allowing the application process to start this week.
Residents report that parking problems have worsened significantly with the construction of new blocks in the area. One new block lacks parking entirely, while another, Block F, has an empty car park. This situation forces many residents to rely on makeshift dirt lots as temporary parking alternatives.
Future Developments and Application Process
Some of these provisional car parks face closure. One such dirt lot, located very close to the newly available spaces, will soon be developed. The Ajuntament purchased this land from Sareb. It plans to construct 61 social housing flats there in the near future. This development will further reduce informal parking options, making the new municipal spaces even more critical for the community.
Residents can submit applications online via the Ajuntament's electronic office. Alternatively, they can apply in person at IMHAB offices on Carrer del Doctor Aiguader, 36. An appointment is necessary for in-person visits. Any Barcelona City Council registry point also accepts applications.
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Originally published by betevé. Read original article.
