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Residents’ Federation Takes Legal Action Against City Hall, Developer, and Bank, Requests Immediate Halt, Investigates Tree Cutting, Questioned Licenses, and Environmental, Urbanistic, and Heritage Risks in Historical Area of Flamengo
The Federation of Residents’ Associations of the Municipality of Rio has taken legal action to stop works at the former Bennett School in Flamengo, questioning licenses, tree cutting, and environmental, urbanistic, and heritage impacts of a residential project planned for the site.
Legal Action and Initial Requests
The legal action requests an immediate halt to the works, suspension of the environmental and urban licenses granted by the city, and prohibition of new tree cutting on the land and surrounding area.
The lawsuit is against the Municipality of Rio, TGB Real Estate Developments, and the bank BTG Pactual, responsible for the residential project in the area.
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With 55 floors, 177 meters in height, a 15-meter walkway between the twin towers, ventilated facade, and 6,300 m² of leisure space, Ápice Towers already has one tower completed and another nearly at the top.
According to the federation, the project expects to provide around 400 housing units distributed in residential towers, significantly altering the urban and environmental dynamics of the neighborhood.
Investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and Mobilization
A civil inquiry by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of the State of Rio de Janeiro is investigating possible environmental and heritage irregularities related to the intervention at the former school.
Residents organized a protest for Saturday (10), at 9 AM, in front of the site, demanding an end to new cuttings and preservation of the remaining trees.
A petition created after the start of the intervention has already gathered more than 1,600 signatures, showing community mobilization against the progress of the works.
Technical Studies and Environmental Restoration
In addition to the halt, residents are requesting unsubmitted technical studies, including environmental impact reports, neighborhood assessments, traffic, geotechnical, and urban infrastructure analyses.
They are also asking for a public hearing to discuss the project’s impacts and broaden the debate with the local community.
Among the requested measures are environmental restoration, tree replanting, and restoration of elements of the existing listed architectural ensemble on the property.
History of the Land and Symbolic Value
The land on Rua Marquês de Abrantes was auctioned in July 2024 for around R$ 60 million.
For decades, it housed a traditional school in the city, surrounded by an extensive green area with mature and centennial trees.
According to the lawsuit, the space held environmental, historical, cultural, and emotional value for the community in Flamengo and its surroundings.
Tree Cutting and Legal Questions
Work began in 2025 and, according to residents, continued even after a halt order was issued by IPHAN in August of that year.
At the end of December, just before New Year’s, there was a rapid cutting of dozens of trees, many classified as immune to cutting.
The action claims that 71 trees from 42 species were removed, including ipês, flamboyant trees, and palms, without valid authorization.
Only three pau-brasil specimens were spared, although they were slated for transplant, despite protection from specific federal legislation.
Licensing and Developer’s Position
The federation argues that the project was licensed without a public hearing and without LIV, LIT, and geotechnical reports, compromising an adequate analysis of the impacts.
In a statement, Newview Incorporadora, belonging to TGB, stated that the project has all the necessary licenses issued and valid.
According to the company, the actions occurred legally, with the approval of agencies such as IRPH, IPHAN, SMAC, and CET-Rio.
The developer reported an estimated investment of R$ 5 million to restore listed properties, preserving the historical heritage for future generations.
Another point raised by residents is the risk to listed constructions on the property, such as the São Clemente Pavilion, the old stable, the guardhouse, and the historical fence.
With information from O Globo.
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