"¡No a Esencia!" Echoed in solidarity and pride as NY-based Puerto Ricans join the call for civil resistance.

What is the “The Esencia Project?” It is a proposed residential-tourist enclave for Boquerón Bay, Cabo Rojo—financed by JP Morgan of New York and developed by Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital. The project seeks to take over approximately 2,000 acres of land, encompassing three miles of beaches in Punta Melones, Cabo Rojo—to build more than 900 elite residences, 5 hotels, 2 golf courses, a private airport, and more.

Hoping to impact JP Morgan Chase’s funding capabilities, the diaspora appealed to all New Yorkers who hold accounts with the bank to send them a message and take their business elsewhere.

Organizers and environmentalists say the region's geology cannot support such large-scale construction, not only would it increase the risk of disasters such as landslides and erosion but it would severely disrupt Cabo Rojo’s wetlands and fragile ecosystem.

There is also deep concern about resident displacement and a lack of transparency regarding the project’s actual beneficiaries. They denounced the Puerto Rican government’s decision to greenlight its development and grant nearly $498 million in tax credits without crucial oversight in place.

The movement is calling for the immediate suspension of development until independent economic and environmental impact studies are completed. There is also strong opposition to the proposed golf course

due to its high water consumption and ecological impact when many locals live with sporadic access to clean water in their daily lives. They want reform of the multimillion tax incentive policies to ensure performance commitments and transparency as well as the implementation of a Housing Affordability Fund to mitigate gentrification of the area.

The Puerto Rican diaspora plays an important role in pushing for changes on the island. Too often, the plight of our citizens living in Puerto Rico is not adequately covered by state-side mainstream media.

NYC Councilwoman Alexa Aviles posted: Puerto Rico—our precious ecosystem, houses, and heritage—is not a playground for the wealthy. Cabo Rojo is a place that many call home. It is the natural habitat for dozens of endangered species of plants and animals. But developers want to wreck it all; destroy the local environment and displace families to build resorts, luxury vacation homes, golf courses, and a casino.

While the Reuben Brothers characterize the $2 Billion Coastal Project as progress, local residents and diaspora allies view it as a blatant exploitation of the island's resources. Many believe this project results in the displacement of residents and represents a betrayal by Puerto Rico’s local leadership.

Expect "¡No a Esencia!" to become a familiar slogan of resistance as organizations from Nueva York to Cabo Rojo prepare to stage a modern day David and Goliath scenario. NPRA-NY will keep you posted on local events and organizations working to defend the island's residents and resources.