Silence zone for Casco Viejo

A “SILENCE ZONE”, limits on parking and the use of plazas by restaurants and businesses ,and a Sunday pedestrians-only trial   are some of the new measures to make life easier for residents of Casco Viejo.  

Panama’s mayor  Jose Isabel Blandon  has  approved an agreement establishing a  “zone of silence” in  the area between Fifth Street and the  vaults in the Casco Viejo  district of San Felipe.

Residents there are constantly complaining of noise from  bars and nightclubs as well as the  use  of sidewalks and plazas by restaurants and other shops.

The announcement  in the Official Gazette, said that the use of Tomas Herrera Square, Cathedral Park and the Simon Bolivar square require “permission for temporary use” of the Municipality of Panama.

The use of that space would cost retailers in the area  500 a month, which will go to  the municipal treasury reports La Prensa.

“Outside the public spaces listed above, no other square or park in the Old Town can be used for the extension of commercial establishments,” said the statement.

The municipal agreement, , also regulates the use of parking space  in historic Casco Viejo.

the mayor may grant permission to park streets or sidewalks located in Casco. At a cost of  $150 per month per vehicle.

Lack of parking lots is one of the problems faced daily by residents and merchants.

The picture is complicated by the number of public entities that work in the area including, the Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Institute of Culture.

Violations of the new rules will entail sanctions ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Repeat offences are punishable by twice the original fine.