Puero Rico Re_Start 2 - Municipality of Comerio

International Project & Research Workshop

Puerto Rico Re_Start 2 Š

Municipality of Comerio Comerio Re-imagined

Master Research Project

by Tamara Safadi

Edited by Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark

Chair

Assoc. Prof. Jeff Co-chair

Prof. Martha Kohen Workshop Director

Maria E. Barrios Workshop Coord.

Workshop Directors: Dr. Carlos Betancourt - Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Prof. Martha Kohen - University of Florida

Workshop Coordinators: Dr. Omayra Rivera - Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Maria E. Barrios - University of Florida

Master Research Project Committee: Assoc. Prof. Nancy Clark - Chair Assoc. Prof. Jeff - Co-chair Student: Tamara Safadi

Comerio Re-imagined

Master Research Project

Puerto Rico History

Christopher Columbus arrived at Puerto Rico in 1493. He originally called the island San Juan Bautista, but thanks to the gold in the river, it was soon known as Puerto Rico, or “rich port;” and the capital city took the name San Juan.

Soon, Puerto Rico was a Spanish colony on its way to becoming an important military outpost. Puerto Rico began to produce cattle, sugar cane, coffee and tobacco, which led to the importation of slaves from Africa. As a result, Puerto Rican bloodlines and culture evolved through a mixing of the Spanish, African, and indigenous Taíno and Carib Indian races that shared the island. Today, many Puerto Rican towns retain their Taíno names, such as Utuado, Mayagüez and Caguas.

Over the years numerous unsuccessful attempts were made by the French, Dutch, and English to conquer the island. To guard against these incursions, the Spanish constructed the many forts and ramparts still found on the island. Puerto Rico remained an overseas province of Spain until the Spanish-American war, when U.S. forces invaded the island with a landing at Guánica. Under the Treaty of Paris of 1898, Spain ceded Puerto Rico (along with Cuba, the Philippines and Guam) to the U.S. As a result, the turn of the century saw Puerto Rico under United States sovereignty. At that time, Puerto Rico’s economy relied on its sugar crop, but by the middle of the century, an ambitious industrialization effort, called 4

19th Century Puerto Rican Fashion

Operation Bootstrap, was underway. Cheap labor and attractive tax laws attracted American companies, and soon the Puerto Rican economy was firmly grounded in manufacturing and tourism. Today, Puerto Rico is a leading tourist destination and manufacturing center; the island produces high-tech equipment and many top-selling American pharmaceuticals.

Puerto Ricans received U.S. citizenship in 1917 and Puerto Rico officially became a U.S. Commonwealth in 1952.

The issue of political status is one under constant debate, with some in favor statehood, others independence, and still others the continuation of commonwealth status.

During World War II, the U.S. Navy purchased two thirds of the island to use as a naval base. The Navy used the area for military exercises and bombing practice for nearly 60 years until a civilian was killed during a bombing exercise in the 1990s. This sparked a wave of protests that finally ended when the base closed in 2003. Since then, the Navy’s lands have become wildlife reserves. Spanish and English are official languages and the currency is the U.S.Dollar

5

Towns Across La Plata River Basin There are multiple traditional towns on the island of Puerto Rico that have cultural and historical value located along the rivers as well as the coast. These towns vary economically and socially but many are important assets that need investment. My project studies prototypical adaptations to economic and social and physical vulnerabilities and risks by examining the traditional towns along the La Plata River basin.

Dorado Characteristics: coastal – mostly flat. Spanish style; i including the plaza, church and the city hall. It has been subjected to extensive quarrying, which has left unsightly scars in the landscape. In recent years, Dorado has been known for its development of upscale neighborhoods. Because of the coastal location, the economy transformed toward tourism industry. Dorado is the site of several industries dedicated to the manufacturing of clothing and medical equipment, among others. (Commerce Tourism and pharmaceuticals). Its central plaza lies outside of the flood zone.

Toa Alta Northern Coastal Plain - almost flat, very slightly sloped, oldest town on the Island. Over the years, agriculture became an important economic force in the area there was one plantation with steam-powered machinery and one 6

Municipalities intersecting with the Rio La Plata basin

sugar cane plantation with a cane press. In 1878, cocoa and coffee were also harvested in Toa Alta. Its central plaza lies outside of the flood zone.

Toa Baja Characteristics: coastal - mostly flat. Toa Baja is considered to be a part of the Metropolitan Area. It shares its metropolitan area status with San Juan, and Bayamón Toa Baja’s economy relies on agriculture, particularly sugar cane and cattle. The flat and fertile flood plain, allows it to produce different products like cocoa, achiote, anil and legumes, especially was a perfect land for growing sugar cane. After the 1950s, manufacturing started replacing agriculture as the main economic source. Currently, the industrial sector continues to be one of the most important factors of economic growth in the region. Some of the products manufactured in Toa Baja are metal, plastic, concrete, textile, electrical and electronic machinery, and rum. Rises in the flow of nearby rivers were problematic for the population. That is the reason they elevated houses to response the environment. Its central plaza lies outside of the flood zone.

Comerio Central - a mix between mountainous and flat. Comerio was the last municipality that was founded in 1826. It has a central plaza that is outside of the flood zone. Local incomes are relatively low when compared to other parts of the island. Much of the surrounding area is used for tobacco farming. The agriculture was a fundamental part of the economy, however locals have since transitioned into jobs in the service industry. Location in the mountains is a strength.

Aibonito Central – mountainous . 731 meters above the mean sea level and is considered to have one of the highest town squares in Puerto Rico. The temperatures experienced in Aibonito are excellent for growing flowers, coffee and tobacco. Cattle and chickens are also farmed in Aibonito. The Industrial sector of the town produces furniture, tapestry, ceramics, pottery and clothing. Buildings and houses are adapted to the mountain pattern.

La Plata River at Dorado

Naranjito Central – mountainous. Has the La Plata Lake. Traditionally the main agricultural crops of Naranjito are coffee and the tobacco. In recent years they have borne fruits such as bananas, oranges, papayas, and other tropical fruits; also in the town the poultry factory has been very popular, specifically the dairy cattle (fresh milk). Naranjito has many factories, most of these factories make garments (clothing).

7

Selection of Comerio

Why Comerio?

All the towns had one thing in common which was the attractions based on a touristic economy except for Comerio. Even though Comerio has natural attractions however, because if its mountainous location it is inaccessible and unadvertised.

1) Centrally located and is a mix between mountainous and flat terrain.

2) Most of the area is used for tobacco farming and the majority of residents work in this field, without diversity of occupations.

3) Small city, not the most exciting place to visit. Would benefit from an attraction.

4) Compared to all other towns on the river basin, because of its mountainous location, Comerio remained inaccessible and unadvertised to tourism. This is an area of intervention.

5) Comerio had the lowest number of abandoned structures, which indicated the town is a viable area for investMap of Comerio ment compared to other towns.

8

Employment Statistics Comerio

Employment by Industries in Comerio

Employment by Occupation in Comerio 9

Income and Population Statistics Comerio

Stagnant Population Growth

Household Income in Comerio

10

Expected Future Population Loss

Household Income Compared to Other Areas

Existing Conditions & Analysis of Challenges Comerio

1) The main plaza is the strongest attraction point in the city.

SCHOOL

PUBLIC HOUSING

2) The community is agriculturally based, predominantly coffee and tobacco.

3) Upper part of the La Plata River is the lowest slope in the river path.

PLAZA

4) The east bank of the river is steeper which pushes the water towards the urban land to the west.

5) Lack of building clusters on the east bank. Existing structures have irregular land use.

6) Lack of green spaces and community gathering spaces.

STADIUM

7) De-centralized informal vendors outside the main church and main plaza.

11

Pre Hurricane Maria Comerio

12

Contour

Flood Plane

This image shows the mountainous nature of Comerio and the path of the Rio La Plata between the mountains.

This image demonstrates the flood plane in Comerio. As seen, at its most severe, the river floods the city center.

Land Use

Watershed

The urban sprawl between the mountains is predominantly located in the city center, however the majority is unplanned, unregulated development.

Rain water draining from the mountains in non-flood conditions enriches the flow of the Rio La Plata as shown.

13

Section of Existing Conditions Comerio

14

Section of Existing Conditions Comerio

15

Post Hurricane Maria Comerio

09/20/2017 On the morning of Wednesday, September 20, 2017, Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, devastating the island and plunging all of its 3.4 million residents into a desperate humanitarian crisis. Maria first made landfall near the southeastern town of Yabucoa. The powerful Category 4 storm plowed across the island with sustained winds of 155 mph, uprooting trees, downing weather stations and cell towers, and ripping wooden and tin roofs off homes.

Electricity was cut off to 100% of the island, and access to clean water and food became limited for most. Heavy rains and flash floods brought on by the storm exacerbated widespread devastation, turning streets into rivers full of debris. In some areas, floodwaters were waist-high — more than 30 inches deep — and often sewage-ridden.

Comerio during Maria

Less than one percent of homeowners had flood insurance. Some Puerto Ricans were forced to cross swollen rivers after bridges collapsed to reach businesses where they could buy water and gas. Hurricane Maria is the worst storm to hit Puerto Rico in over 80 years, and arrived only two weeks after Hurricane Irma passed just north of the island and left 1 million people without power. The effect on Puerto Rican families — and the island’s infrastructure — will take many years to heal.

Comerio after Maria 16

AFP ©

Times Magazine

17

Need for Intervention Comerio

Maria was the biggest natural disaster in FEMA’s history. Comerio sustained 40 inches of rain. It suffered from as high as 220 mph winds (enough to break a concrete column). Locals are known not evacuate during hurricanes, creating higher potential for devastation. Following Maria, Comerio had no water for 4 months and no electricity for 8 months. It took more than 2 weeks for food supplies to arrive. The town had only one market to supply groceries, and this vital supply was critically damaged by Maria. In addition, the main water supply pipe was blocked by debris from the flooded river. Water needed to be pumped out from the river and treated. Notably, the river basin eroded, weakening structure on the River’s edge.

Map showing extent of flooding following Hurricane Maria and damaged buildings in orange.

18

Aftermath of Hurricane Maria on Comerio

19

Strong & Resilient Comerio

“The power was still out, and no one had seen an electrical line worker. That didn’t stop someone from hooking up a stereo system to an SUV so that one of the residents, who is also a Zumba instructor, could lead volunteers through dance routines. The sounds of Despacito throbbed off the valley walls. The neighbors know one another now, and the vibe of Barrio Paloma (in Comerio) has begun to change, said Ortiz. “Now the kids are outside playing basketball,” she said.

Comerio: Strong & Resilient David Ferris, E&E News reporter Energywire: Wednesday, April 4, 2018 Comerio resident helping rebuild a home

20

Intervention Comerio

In light of the characteristics of the city and the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, the proposal envisions an intervention that would accomplish the following goals: 1) Encourage balance in the ecosystem of the river basin by: a. Removing pollutants from the water b. Managing and protect the river banks c. Harvesting clean water 2) Emphasizing the visitor economy primarily by enhancing the permeability and circulation in the town through: a. Creating new pedestrian and bike trails linked to other towns b. Creating new recreational spaces focusing on Eco-tourism c. Eliminating, redesigning or fixing abandoned and deteriorated structures Map showing main focus of proposed interventions 21

Precedents: Jinhua City Case Study

22

23

Precedents: The Incubatrix Case Study

24

25

Precedents: Floating Fields Case Study

26

27

Proposal Program

The envisioned program that was created to address the following aspects: Recreational

a. Picnic area

b. Community gardens

c. Viewing deck

d. Connection of old to new plaza Circulation

a. Pedestrian trail

b. Bike trail Educational

Educational building with a library,

meeting spaces, service areas Interventional

a. Connection between main old plaza

and project

b. Channeling the river basin

c. Demolishing deserted structures on

the west bank of the river.

Ecological

Creation of wetlands that maintain

and improve water quality. Wetlands

have a rich natural diversity of plants

and fauna.

28

Proposal

Bike and Pedestrian Paths

Diagram showing bike and pedestrian trails connecting major nodes along river basin 29

Intervention Plan Proposal

30

River Basin’s Views Proposal

Aerial rendering showing various components of the program, including pedestrian trail, bike trail, educational building, marketplace and ecological garden.

31

Educational Building Detailed Plan Proposal

32

River Basin’s Views Proposal

Rendering of the educational building demonstrating the pathway connecting the old plaza to the new plaza with views of the river.

33

River Basin’s Views Proposal

Rendering showing flood able gardens that are accessible year round and in case of flood are stabilized with steel and concrete foundations.

34

Section showing the newly channelized river basin with adjacent components of the intervention.

River Basin’s Views Proposal

Rendering showing the envisioned marketplace where vendors can set up shop during the week, relieving the old plaza from the effects of the current haphazard marketplace.

Section showing the marketplace with the floodable ecogardens and the surrounding wetlands and the proposed fishing deck that is anchored to the river basin through concrete pillars to withstand any possible flooding.

35

Visit us at www.puertoricorestart.org Contact us at puertoricorestart@gmail.com

Š

Copyright. All rights reserved.

University of Florida + Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico