The pros and the cons of the island

Government spokesman for the island, architect Eduardo Selman has been extolling the positive contribution the controversial artificial island would bring to Santo Domingo. Among the benefits:
Potential revenues of US$75 million, or 5% on the sale of the available lots where buildings would be located.
US$75 million in taxes on the sales of the properties.
US$50 million contribution to improve the waters in the Malecon area.
Creation of 20,000 jobs.
US$450 million investment.
The island would complement and blend in with the renovation of Sans Souci area and the Port of Santo Domingo.
Catalan post modern architect Ricardo Bofill is behind the project.
Meanwhile, a newspaper report in Diario Libre focuses on the Malecon today, mentioning that a large number of buildings, businesses (including the once very successful Cine Triple) and formerly luxury homes located on the Malecon have been abandoned or are up for sale. Likewise, the Malecon Center, the largest hotel and high rise residential complex on the Malecon, has not lived up to its promise yet of becoming a leading shopping, tourism and residential complex.
Interestingly, today artificial island promoter, former Dominican ambassador to the United States and former director of the former State Sugar Council, Eulogio Santaella was also once a spokesman for the skyrise abandoned hotel located almost on the corner of Maximo Gomez and Malecon. The hotel is an eyesore on the Malecon. The Malecon for years has lacked adequate city lighting.
Urban architects visiting for the Santo Domingo 2015 congress, Alfonso Vegara, Enrique Penalosa and Jordi Borja were critical of the island, and instead urged the fixing up of the Malecon.

DROne