Esencia

Any of the alternatives presented by the developer for extracting water for the project would threaten water security and natural resources in southwestern Puerto Rico, agencies and experts agree.

VERDICT: FALSE

According to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the housing units proposed for the project outnumber the tourist lodging units by a ratio of two to one. The agency recommended that the developer reduce the number of residences to qualify for more tax credits.

The hotel operators and investors behind the Esencia project in Cabo Rojo have faced lawsuits and complaints over environmental controversies and corporate disputes in multiple countries.

The three investors behind the Esencia project in Cabo Rojo attended both days of public hearings on the Environmental Impact Statement filed with the Office of Management and Permits.

Eileen Vélez Vega has joined Kimley-Horn, an engineering firm with contracts with two public corporations whose boards of directors she chaired. The firm also worked on the proposed Esencia project for Cabo Rojo.