Elias Vaz tries to prevent the sale of battalion land.

Goiás247_ Councilman Elias Vaz announced in plenary session this Tuesday, the 26th, that he will present an amendment to the Master Plan Bill currently under consideration in the Goiânia City Council to include the Anhanguera Battalion area among the areas of special urban development programs in the capital. The historic building, the first battalion to be established in Goiânia, is threatened with demolition.

The state government 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 Elias protects the area and stipulates that its use can only be altered by a specific law approved by the City Council.

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," he explained.

Patrimony

Elias further argues that the Anhanguera Battalion, located on Alameda Americano do Brasil, was the first in Goiânia. It is 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.

Elias further argues that 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. Besides not posing a risk, the battalion acts as a deterrent to acts of vandalism,” he claims.

Amendment

The councilman's amendment alters 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 Lagoinha Agricultural Park, and the Lagoinha Hippodrome. As a result, any change to the current land use will require the presentation of a specific law to be approved by the City Council.

Article 132 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 the serious environmental problems.