In a note, the Secretariat of Green and Environment of São Paulo pledged to mediate the dialogue between Urbia and the Racing Coaches Association
The recent decision of the Urbia concessionaire, responsible for the administration of the EM, charging sports advisory that use the space for training, has generated a wave of controversy among regulars and running participants on site. The collection proposal raised questions about the legality of the measure and the values involved, generating a heated debate between the stakeholders. Douglas de Melo, president of the São Paulo race coaches association, expressed his doubts about whether the concession notice really allows such a charge. On the other hand, Urbia argues that the contract signed with the city authorizes the measure, stipulating a value of $ 10 per corridor.
Samuel Lloyd, Urbia’s commercial director, justifies the charge arguing that sports advisors charge athletes’ tuition and use the park as a workplace and to capture sponsorship. He points out that more than 60 companies operate in Ibirapuera, many of them sponsored by major sports brands, which, according to him, justifies the charge. However, this measure is not well seen by the corridors, who see race as a health and well-being activity, and consider the charge improper, since the park is a public space for the free use of the population.
The case caught the attention of the Public Prosecution Service of São Paulo, which began an investigation to investigate the legality of the collection. Daniel Lamounier, professor of constitutional and administrative law, explains that the issue depends on the contract signed between Urbia and City Hall. If the concessionaire is able to justify the collection, he may seek a court decision to validate it. In a statement, the São Paulo Green and Environment Secretariat pledged to intermediate the dialogue between Urbia and the Running Coaches Association, in an attempt to find a solution that meets everyone involved. In addition, the Green and Environment Secretariat intends to regulate the services rendered in the public space, as provided for in the concession agreement.
