Pueblo Simón, part 1
We continue our regular scheduled programme with the next entry in the South Bay metropolitan area. Simon Says? Pueblo Simón!
General information
City name: Pueblo Simón
Date of foundation: XIXth century
Population: ≈250,000 people
Size: 16 sq km.
Land area: about half
Average income: §45k/person/year.
History
Early years
Unlike other towns in the Greater Anclaje region, Pueblo Simón actually developed as an independent entity from the main Isla Bonita port. It was founded on the slopes of Providencia Hill, on Providencia Island, overlooking Simón Strait –the main waterway leading from South Bay southwards, a strategic region that enabled fishermen to take shelter inside South Bay and fish on South Strait. The flatlands that now compose the bulk of the city were, for the most part, ignored: while they held some small fields, they were judged as too far from the main population centers, and in general, were too marshy –especially near the coast, where a series of shallow canals and barrier islands impeded easy anchorage– to have much value.
The area around Victoria Station was the first built-up area within city limits. Nowadays, it's a pedestrianised commercial zone surrounded by single-family housing.
The arrival of the railroad brought attention to the area but, for the most part, didn't spur much development. Farmland in the flatlands could now bring fresh produce to the city up north, but the wetter climate and lack of beaches in the Old Town area precluded the development of summer housing, like it happened at Finisterra.
Suburbanisation
Instead, real estate developers were much more interested in the barrier islands area. Some of these islands, to the north, were just a short ferry trip away from Anclaje, yet featured pristine beaches and a weather well-moderated by constant sea breezes. The land would need much work, and the lack of a suitable bedrock has limited the height of buildings in many areas, but the greatest challenge actually came from Pueblo Simón itself, which fiercely opposed this type of development. Only the arrival of the coast tram turned the scales in favour of developers, who were finally given the green light to build on the north shore.
The Peninsula area, well-served by a ferry and the formerly Coast Tram, now line T5
Development continued slowly along the coastline, with Pueblo Simón residents constantly resisting, until the momentous election of 1931. In a watershed moment, mayor Simón was elected on a platform of massive public works, including the relocation of many civic buildings, that would offer relief to many unemployed workers on the wake of the Great Depression.
The Pueblo Simón Civic Centre, despite its architecture, actually dates from the 30s. The canal below was also part of the development works, though it originally featured concrete walls – the boardwalk is a later development.
The Civic Centre construction allowed the city to shed its rural character. Residential and commercial development continued at a faster pace along the coast, while the interior turned to industries.
Playground for the rich
The situation on the southern coast was slightly different. Here, developers weren't as keen to build single-family housing (as this part was further away from the city core). On the other hand, city government, cash-strapped by its ambitious renewal plan, saw these islands as a good place for commercial developments that would increase the tax base. Plans were soon agreed upon for a brand new casino built on the aptly named Casino Island.
Casino Island, barely an island these days
The casino brought about waterfront development: stores, restaurants and even a movie studio sprouted along the heavily indented, canalised shoreline. And as the new shoreline attracted more and more tourists from all over the world, it was finally decided to develop a small Cruise Ship Terminal along these shores, as part of a business complex including a Convention Centre and an express shuttle to Bahía Medusa airport (currently being upgraded):
The Cruise Ship terminal was built here, instead of over South Bay, to avoid the busy waterways around Anclaje
Land reclamation
Eventually, though, Pueblo Simón ran out of land to develop, and while its marshy, shallow coasts to the north and south could be easily turned into canals and well-defined islands, the area around Simón Strait wasn't amenable to this kind of development. Fast-flowing currents would sweep away sand before it settled, yet the land here was still too shallow for ships to traverse it. Finally, it was decided to simply reclaim the whole area, using concrete seawalls to hold off the sea and gravel to form a solid layer where buildings could be built, as well as a tram tunnel carrying T1.
Tram tunnel T1 is heavily used both by cross-strait local commuters and people continuing to Anclaje and beyond
The newly available land allowed for two large projects to take place: the Maxis Memorial Stadium, currently hosting the Isleños baseball team, and the city zoo.
The old coastline followed Tram Line T5 up until the railway ramp leading to Simón Bridge
New developments
Eventually, however, the city stagnated as manufacturing, once an important part of the economy, lagged behind even other cities in Isla Bonita, with better rail and sea connections. At the same time, demand for housing increased at a constant rate. The decision was finally made to redevelop the inland manufacturing sectors. Originally, it was planned that this section of the city, close to Pueblo Simón University and the highway, would harbour social housing, a goal that was partially fulfilled. This new development, aptly named "Nuevo Barrio" (Spanish for "New Neighbourhood") almost doubled Pueblo Simón's population, though some have criticised its excessive density and insufficient public services (most notably healthcare).
The eclectic nature of Nuevo Barrio buildings has been both praised and criticised
Geography and climate
Pueblo Simón is on the southern end of South Bay, with bodies of water both to its North and South. It's a very contrasting town: while the western side, still on Isla Bonita, is flat and marshy, its eastern side, on the western part of Providencia Island, is centered around a tall hill overlooking South Bay.
In common with the rest of Isla Bonita, it features a series of micro-climates, ranging from Semi-arid to Oceanic, depending on orientation, height and topographic profile. Broadly speaking, the western flatlands are relatively dry but feature plenty of maritime influence –especially so around the extensive canals dug to the north and south. On contrast, the northern side of Providencia Hill, downwind of the main South Bay urban area across South Bay and on a slope favoring orographic precipitation, is one of the rainiest places in the entire Isla Bonita area.
The northern slope, maybe the rainiest place in the entire South Bay basin
The southern slope is drier, what with being on a rain shadow, but it still falls short of an arid climate.
Temperatures are mild and comfortable year-round, with a gentle sea breeze blowing over most of the city. Frost has only been recorded around the Zafferana church, at over 300 meters over sea level, and only during exceptional cold waves. This same area can see temperatures over 30 degrees, but only occasionally.
The Boniteans' penchant for hilltop churches can also be seen here
On our next regular installment, we'll discuss some noteworthy attractions in the Pueblo Simón area, how to arrive there, and some new and exciting transportation projects currently being discussed in the Interior parliament!
-
4
-
1
2 Comments
Recommended Comments
Sign In or register to comment...
To comment in reply, you must be a community member
Sign In
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In NowCreate an Account
Sign up to join our friendly community. It's easy!
Register a New Account