Cinta Costera, Panama's Green Strip Along the Pacific

In late 2007 Panama began the long awaited construction of a coastal strip along Avenida Balboa, the main avenue on the Bay of Panama. This is the Cinta Costera project in Panama. Heavy equipment moved in, fences went up and men went to work dumping rock and gravel along the shoreline. Next they began to add dirt and level the ground, compacting as they went. Work started near the statue of Balboa and is proceeding towards San Felipe.

For those used to the previous tranquil view the construction of Panama's Cinta Costera project is a surprise but a happy one. The final product promises to be enjoyable with plazas, green space, and improved traffic control on busy Avenida Balboa.

Ministry of Public Works Project

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP - Ministerio de Obras Publicás) web site for the Panama Cinta Costera project describes the project, Cinta Costera y Nueva Vialidad (Costa Strip and New Roadway System).

Initial plans for Panama's Cinta Costera project are to widen and improve the Avenida Balboa roadway with more lanes, use of parallel streets, and use of entry and exit ramps at busy areas. Twenty-five hectares (just over 60 acres) of fill is to be added for green space, walkways, bicycle paths and plazas along the entire length of the project with a breakwater to protect against erosion.

Public input has and continues to be solicited with the attendant controversy that goes with many people and many opinions. (See Cinta Costera Update.)

Expect to see property values continue to rise along Avenida Balboa as Panama's Cinta Costera project and other projects proceed. When the government announced plans to clean up the bay and then plans for the costal strip and road improvements along Avenida Balboa property values soared. New construction is proceeding along the avenue, especially as Avenida Balboa approaches San Felipe. Some rundown areas are going to be replaced by high-rises, restaurants, or hotels. The old US Embassy is up for sale. Prices are up throughout adjacent Bella Vista to the extent that some historic old homes are in danger of demolition which has locals up in arms. (See Historic Bella Vista.)

Interested in property along the new costal strip? As the Cinta Costera proceeds in Panama City contact ABPanama for advice on condos, rentals, or investments. We have over twenty-three years experience managing real estate investment portfolios. Panama City continues to be a great investment opportunity whether on the coast, in the old canal zone or any of Panama's great neighborhoods.

For more regarding the ongoing Panama Cinta Costera and road improvement project visit MOP's website listed below or ABPanama's Cinta Costera update page. Expect more activity, a little controversy, and an attractive final result as Panama's costal strip project and bay cleanup proceed. Drop by and watch from along the Avenida Balboa seawall near San Filipe as the "relleno" or dirt fill proceeds towards Casco Viejo. Beware, however, of stopping too often at the restaurants along the way so that you do not become "rellenito" as in "plump." Enjoy your walk.

Public Works Ministry