As contradições do desenvolvimento urbano em São Luís: a experiência da Vila Velha de Vinhais com a construção da Avenida Via Expressa

Abstract

This paper analyzes, from the construction of the Via Avenue Express, the social contradictions from the aggressive process of urban expansion in São Luís, putting at particular risk traditional communities like Vila Velha de Vinhais. This community, who met endangered due to the construction of a part of the avenue on their land, has a long historicity, developed over four hundred years, still relying on a rich tangible and intangible heritage, including environmental reserves and a vast historical, archaeological and cultural heritage. The Expressway, designed by representatives of the State in conjunction with private capital - under the guise of the year 2012 to celebrate the four hundred years of St. Louis - follows continuing the characteristic development model of neoliberal capitalism and post-neoliberal: exclusive, elitist and guided by political and economic interests of the ruling classes. However, the construction of the boulevard brought strong reaction from the Vila Velha de Vinhais community, also causing outrage in many residents of São Luís and out of this city, reflecting internationally and bringing up issues important to the urban life of São Luís as: need for preservation of traditional cultures, the right to maintain our historical memories and on the impacts that development projects such as the Expressway have on the city.