Mexicali’s Civic Center, where government agencies share spots with vacant structures, the homeless and some criminals, could see in the future a rehabilitation.

Mayor Norma Bustamante said the effort is in the hands of Councilman Oscar Vega.

The authorities had already held meetings with other officials, as well as businessmen and property owners seeking an improvement in the area that translates into a decline of criminal activity.

The main issue is people sleeping in the area, the mayor said.

Bustamante said police force will not be used in the cleaning effort.

“This is not a matter of days or weeks,” the mayor said. “We need to do a serious effort to dignify the area that used to have its moments of glory and splendor.” However, the city has no funds for the rehabilitation effort, according to the mayor.