Anyone who passes by the island head of the Hercílio Luz bridge every day, in Florianópolis, can see a structure in ruins, partly demolished and partly still standing. This is the Arataca shipyard, originally built in 1907 by Carl Hoepcke.
Abandoned shipyard under the Hercílio Luz bridge – Photo: Leo Munhoz/ND
About the Arataca shipyard
Until 1964, the building housed workers specialized in repairing and manufacturing ships and shipyards. Now abandoned, the property attracts drug addicts, accumulates trash and serves as a breeding ground for the dengue mosquito.
The property was also the scene of homicides a few years ago, and became the target of the Imóvel Seguro task force, coordinated by the MPSC (Public Ministry of Santa Catarina). In order to put an end to this story, the MP will recommend the demolition of what remains of the property, at a meeting that will take place this Friday (26), at 3pm.
“We have been monitoring the situation for around three years, as part of a task carried out by the MP with other bodies. We were unable to resolve it at the time because of a lawsuit for compensation filed by Hoepcke against the State”, explains prosecutor Daniel Paladino.
In short, the State would have expropriated the land, however, it did not compensate the company. “Now this situation has come to the surface again, due to health problems and the instability of the building itself”, highlights Paladino.
The promoter invited the participation of the municipality, Civil Defense, the State Secretariat for Administration and Iphan-SC (Institute of National Historical and Artistic Heritage in Santa Catarina).
According to Paladino, the property is not listed by Iphan and the objective is to bring order to the place. “We will suggest, on Friday, the demolition of the remaining part and cleaning of the site”, emphasizes the prosecutor.
Abandoned mansion under the Hercílio Luz bridge – Leo Munhoz/ND
Abandoned mansion under the Hercílio Luz bridge – Leo Munhoz/ND
Abandoned mansion under the Hercílio Luz bridge – Leo Munhoz/ND
Abandoned mansion under the Hercílio Luz bridge – Leo Munhoz/ND
Abandoned mansion under the Hercílio Luz bridge – Leo Munhoz/ND
Abandoned mansion under the Hercílio Luz bridge – Leo Munhoz/ND
Abandoned mansion under the Hercílio Luz bridge – Leo Munhoz/ND
Abandoned and “ownerless”
The old building, in addition to being abandoned, has no owner. The State says it belongs to the Hoepcke family, because the expropriation decree was not carried out, and Hoepcke says it belongs to the State.
“It’s in limbo, no one owns it. Someone will take responsibility, as it is a public order problem, which involves security and health issues. The municipality will probably have to take care of this”, says Paladino. At the beginning of this week, the city council cleaned the place.
The prosecutor wants the municipality to take action, considering that the State claims not to be the owner, however, the meeting aims to reach a consensus. In 2014, the city demolished part of the structure, but a relevant part still exists.
The place is unhealthy, has the smell of urine, has water accumulation, mosquitoes and lots of rubbish. “It is also a matter of protecting the bridge structure. Not to mention the urban and visual issues”, maintains the promoter.
Tags: MPSC debates demolition historic shipyard
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