Dozens of local organizations launch platform against 'misery' of America's Cup
Platform denounces price increases and "avalanche" of speculation in local property market
More than 60 grassroots groups and entities have joined up to form a platform against the America's Cup sailing competition, due to be held in Barcelona next year. It's one of the oldest international sports competition and tends to draw an affluent crowd including sailing enthusiasts, spectators and high-profile sponsors.
The neighborhood associations say that the negative consequences of the "elitist, opaque and speculative" event are already being felt, especially in the districts of the Ciutat Vella old town and Sant Martí.
"The only thing it brings is misery to the city in all areas," said Esther Jorquera, spokesperson for the new platform No to the America's Cup, which presented itself for the first time in a press conference on Tuesday.
Some of the effects they've seen so far in their neighborhoods, they say, is the price increase of basic goods, the emergence of luxury shops, the uptik in rent prices and an "avalanche" of offers to buy apartments to rent out during the event.
"There are neighbors who have received 15 calls a day asking them to sell their apartment," Jorquera said.
The platform has also pointed to ads on real estate websites that highlight as a selling point the chance to rent out the flat for the duration of the America's Cup.
Barcelona City Council has declared their intention to host the competition more often, positioning itself as a leader in the nautical world. Yet, the No to the America's Cup platform refutes the city's stance that it could have positive social and economic impacts.
The regattas will take place between August and October of next year, but more than 2,500 attendees are expected to settle into Barcelona beforehand, including team members and their families. This could have a significant impact on the housing market, the platform says.
The grassroots group also criticized the event's possible threat to the "already damaged" marine ecosystem, the expected influx of tourists in an "overcrowded" city and the allocated €55 million of public funding.
Podcast
Listen to our podcast on the America's Cup below, including an interview with event CEO Grant Dalton of defending champions Emirates Team New Zealand.