Plaza Izazaga 89 Shuttered: A Wholesale Center’s Demise in Mexico City
In a significant crackdown on illegal businesses in Mexico City, the Institute for Administrative Verification (INVEA) has shut down Plaza Izazaga 89, a prominent wholesale center known for its vast selection of “trendy” Chinese goods. The closure, which involved a substantial contingent of public servants and security personnel, was undertaken due to the establishment’s failure to comply with documentation requirements.
Key Players and Violations
The operation involved a combined force of 36 INVEA officials and 95 officers from the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC). Representatives from several other city agencies were also present, including:
- Secretariat of Government (SECGOB)
- Secretariat of Urban Development and Housing (SEDUVI)
- Secretariat of Integrated Risk Management and Civil Protection (SGIRPC)
- Historic Center Authority (ACH)
The closure was prompted by a lack of necessary documentation to validate the business operations. The establishment, also known as Plaza Mart, faced numerous complaints regarding tax irregularities, including:
- Non-payment of taxes
- Refusal to accept card payments
- Lack of invoices for sold products
Safety Concerns Surrounding the Building
Adding to the list of concerns, Plaza Izazaga 89, a 50-year-old structure, has been flagged for structural damage stemming from the devastating earthquakes of 1985 and 2017. Following the latter quake, the building’s occupancy changed to include private and government offices, as well as commercial spaces.
In October 2020, capital authorities evicted tenants from the building’s residential apartments and terminated the lease contract with the Marly real estate agency. This paved the way for a flood of Chinese and Korean traders to occupy the space with thousands of tons of products.
José Manuel Oropeza, head of the Historic Center Authority (ACH), confirmed that Plaza Izazaga 89 was not designed for the type of warehousing operations it had been hosting. He also emphasized the lack of a proper internal civil protection plan.
“The buildings are not designed to be warehouses, and obviously, there must be an internal civil protection plan.” – José Manuel Oropeza, ACH
Impact and Future of Plaza Izazaga 89
The closure of Plaza Izazaga 89 represents a significant loss for wholesale traders and consumers alike. It is estimated that the establishment generated millions of pesos in daily sales. The closure highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring compliance and safety in commercial activities.
The building’s future remains uncertain. INVEA officials have indicated that the lack of necessary documentation will preclude the establishment from operating as a wholesale center. However, the structural concerns and the history of complaints suggest a complex situation that will require careful consideration and collaborative efforts from various agencies.
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This closure comes amidst heightened attention on business compliance and safety in Mexico City. It underscores the authorities’ determination to address issues that pose risks to public safety, economic fairness, and the city’s historical architecture.
Key Takeaways
- Plaza Izazaga 89, a wholesale center in Mexico City, has been shut down by authorities due to documentation violations.
- The closure involved a joint operation of INVEA, SSC, and other agencies.
- The building faces structural concerns related to past earthquakes and was found to be unsuitable for its current use.
- The closure underscores the importance of compliance with regulations for businesses to operate legally.
This case represents a notable instance of regulatory enforcement in Mexico City, highlighting the city’s commitment to transparency, safety, and fair business practices.
With information from Fatima Monterrosa, Abraham Reza, Adrian Tinoco and Carlos Moreno N+
EPP