Santiago court rejects bid to block monorail through Reparto Universitario

Santiago, DR.- A local court has dismissed an amparo lawsuit intended to stop a planned monorail route from crossing Reparto Universitario, a neighborhood in the city of Santiago.

Community members and the Tropical Ecological Foundation (Fundetrop) filed the petition, arguing the monorail’s construction would threaten a nearby green space that contains a watercourse and habitats for several reportedly endangered species. They asked the court to halt work while authorities reviewed environmental and conservation concerns.

The Civil and Commercial Chamber of the First Instance Court of the Judicial District of Santiago rejected the application, saying petitioners failed to show the monorail project had been altered in a way that would increase its environmental impact. After public hearings and a review of documents, the court also found the project does not violate the environmental permit previously issued.

The decision clears the way for the monorail segment to proceed in the Reparto Universitario corridor, though it may rekindle debate over urban development, green-space protection and environmental oversight in Santiago. The court’s ruling did not address the broader policy questions surrounding the project.

Plaintiffs retain the right to pursue further legal remedies, including appeals, under Dominican law. Fundetrop and community leaders have not announced whether they will seek to continue legal action. Government officials involved in the monorail program did not immediately respond to requests for comment.