Chamber approves amendment that prevents the sale of the battalion.
A bill by councilman Elias Vaz, which included the Anhanguera Battalion area in the "Special Urban Planning Interest Program areas of the capital," was approved by the City Council; the state government is interested in selling land in the Marista sector to private enterprise. Speculation suggests there is interest in using the site for the construction of a shopping center; the councilman argues that the building, the first PM barracks in the capital, has historical and environmental importance, in addition to being located in a strategic region for public safety and opposite Areião Park.
Goiás 247_ An amendment authored by councilman Elias Vaz (PSol) to protect the Anhanguera Battalion area passed through the Constitution and Justice Committee (CCJ) of the City Council this Monday. The amendment to the Master Plan (PD) revision project includes the Anhanguera Battalion area in “areas of Special Programs of Urban Interest in the capital”. All members voted in favor of the project, with only one abstention.
According to Elias Vaz, the text amends article 132 of the Master Plan, adding the Anhanguera Battalion as a Special Area of Urban Interest, similar to others already in this category, such as the Goiânia International Racetrack, the Agricultural Park, and the Lagoinha Hippodrome. As a result, any change to the current land use will require the presentation of a specific law approved by the City Council.
Article 132 of the PD (Master Plan) designates certain areas of Goiânia where, due to their characteristics, any use other than the current one could permanently alter not only the local landscape but also negatively impact the quality of life of residents throughout the region, not to mention serious environmental problems. Therefore, these areas are included in a special article that imposes stricter regulations; any alteration must be voted on by the City Council.
Anhanguera Battalion The historic Anhanguera Battalion building, the first battalion to be established in Goiânia, is threatened with demolition. The state recently announced its intention to sell the area to the private sector. There is speculation that the site is intended for the construction of a shopping mall.
The amendment proposed by councilman Elias Vaz protects the area, stipulating that its use can only be altered by a specific law approved by the City Council.
Strategic location - Located in the Marista sector, an upscale neighborhood in the capital, the Battalion has a strategic location with quick access to several neighborhoods in the region, constituting an important security area. For Elias Vaz, given the problem of urban violence, "it is unacceptable to alter this important location, a strategic security point in the capital." The Air Group (GRAER) and other Special Units are based there, for example. "I was at the Battalion, and several officers expressed concern about this possible change, since it will alter the security system in that region," explained Elias Vaz.
Historical and Cultural Heritage It's worth remembering that the Anhanguera Battalion, located on Alameda Americano do Brasil, was the first in Goiânia. It's part of the history of the Military Police and the capital of Goiás, and should even be listed as a historical and cultural heritage site of the city. "Selling this area is to disrespect the history of Goiânia once again, as happened with the Olympic Stadium," emphasized the councilman.
Sustainability- The Battalion is located opposite Areião Park, one of Goiânia's most important environmental protection areas, with a rich biodiversity of Cerrado fauna and flora. It has been reported that there is interest in building a large shopping mall on the site after the sale of the area. It is clear that any impactful development within the perimeter puts this environmental heritage at risk. In addition to posing no risk, the Battalion acts as a deterrent to acts of vandalism.