Municipality Stripped of Parking Lot
With a tape measure in hand, a judge by his side and television camerss rolling, Guillermo Sanabria y Ricardo Rigg, took possession of their lot, which for years has been part of the parking lot of the Municipalidad de San José.

Municipal officials did nothing to stop the action, as Sanabria and Rigg placed a chain across the open portion of the lot and traffic cones to prevent anyone parking on their property.

Judge Adriana Jiménez of the Juzgado Civil de Mayor Cuantía de San José was there to comply with a court order allowing the businessmen access to their 150 square metres of land.

However, the story won't end there.

Municipal officials are staying firm that the land belongs to the Municipality, purchasing it from the wife of the original owner of the lands some 32 years ago and paid for with public funds.

For now, they will accept the barricade, but will soon be filing a motion to reclaim the lands and have vowed to charge Sanabria and Rigg with fraud once they have all the facts.

Rafael Arias, assistant to San José mayor, Johnny Araya, ordered that the names of all public employees who came out to see the "show", as they filled the parking lot and steps to the municipal offices, and will have their pay docked for the time lost from work.

Rigg and Sanabria say they have legal standing on their ownership. Rigg acquired the land following as successful appeal on an expropriation attempt and sold it to Sanabria two weeks ago.

Sanabria intends to build an office building on the lot, however, he will need a building permit that can only be issued by the municipality.

Interesting if he will be able to get one if in fact the property will remain his after the long legal battle that is foreseen.