Municipal spokesperson, Carlos Onetti, detailed the meeting held yesterday afternoon with FOURNOX Capital SL, the company that purchased the debt of Ría del Rompido, owner of the 91 affected homes. The meeting included the mayor, Silvia Heredia, urban planning delegate Ángel Peña, housing delegate, Jordi Domínguez, the general secretary, and two representatives from FOURNOX Capital SL. The latter explained they would be the new points of contact with the city council and residents.
FOURNOX Capital SL expressed its intention to reach individualized agreements with the families and presented three alternatives: purchasing their homes (price not yet specified), continuing with a rental agreement at an agreed-upon price, or receiving a sum of money to vacate the properties. The company committed to negotiating terms individually with each tenant.
The Governing Team recalled a preliminary agreement and a letter of intent with the previous owner, which included a municipal subsidy of up to one million euros to proportionally assist families wishing to purchase their homes. Onetti highlighted that the company, despite knowing this, has decided to speak with residents one by one. The company scheduled another meeting in two weeks to answer the questions posed.
The spokesperson emphasized that Écija City Council stands with the residents and their decisions. "We understand that the city council has an outstanding debt to these families who were previously displaced from other areas and who may face eviction from their rental apartments in 2030 after 25 years," stated Onetti.
The City Council will work to ensure the residents' well-being and prevent any detrimental situations. "We will stand against any decision that does not defend the residents. We will be by their side and carry the banner with them," Onetti assured.
The company also announced its intention to renovate and enhance the buildings once agreements are reached with the residents. Onetti conveyed that "the feeling we are left with is that we still have many doubts." He added that the meeting altered their understanding of the municipal contribution for purchase and the anticipated accessible pricing for these homes.
Finally, the City Council reaffirms its commitment to providing subsidies to families who wish to purchase their homes, awaiting the residents' decisions and how they can be supported.
