Citizen Neighborhood Initiative

Who We Are

We are a group of neighbors from the Sant Antoni district in Barcelona, united by the desire to care for, improve, and protect our surroundings. We actively address problems affecting our daily coexistence: insecurity, urban deterioration, public drug and alcohol use, nighttime disturbances, and lack of social support for people in situations of VULNERABILITY/ SOCIAL EXCLUSION.

Our initiative arose due to the lack of response from the City Council to the neighborhood's deterioration, which was affecting our quality of life. We decided to take the first step: collecting signatures to request more attention and solutions from the City Council and the Mossos d’Esquadra.

On June 19, 2025, we submitted these signatures, and soon more neighbors from different streets joined with their own concerns. Although the City Council has initiated a rapid action plan, progress is too slow, and we need them to act with greater urgency.

The citizen neighborhood initiative is nonpartisan and based on responsible action.
We seek humane, fair, and effective solutions FOR ALL STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVED.

We are not a formal association or a political party: we are people who share streets, squares, and community life, convinced that only together can we achieve positive change.

What We Have Done So Far

June 19, 2025: We submitted the first petition to the City Hall, starting the formal process of our demands.
July 3, 2025: We publicly presented our demands at the Eixample district council meeting.
July 5, 2025: First gathering at the Superilla of Parlament and Comte Borrell, collecting over 200 signatures.
July 7, 2025: We submitted the second petition to the City Hall.
July 26, 2025: Second gathering, achieving a total of over 450 signatures.
July 29, 2025: We submitted the third petition to the City Hall.
August 30, 2025: Neighborhood gathering related to the Superilla reform, collecting proposals from the neighborhood on what elements we want to include in our shared space (planters, plants, trees, individual chairs, long benches with divisions for three people).
September 1, 2025: Meeting with the COR platforms of Ronda Sant Antoni and Superilla Sant Antoni (our platform), along with neighborhood entities: SOM Sant Antoni, the NGO De Veí a Veí, SAC (Sant Antoni Comerç), and the Mercat de Sant Antoni.
The AAVV, although invited, did not attend or send a representative.

The meeting was comfortable and respectful, allowing us to express ourselves freely.

The entities showed great receptiveness and took note of all the issues raised, as they will meet with the City Hall on September 19 to present these points.

These meetings will be organized monthly to ensure regular follow-up and keep the community informed.
September 5, 2025: This morning we met at the City Hall with the technical advisor and manager of the Eixample District. They received us kindly, cordially, and humanely, which we greatly appreciate. We explained how the Iniciativa Veïnal Ciutadana emerged and asked for several measures to improve the neighborhood:
- Cleaning maintenance: We requested it to be done Monday to Monday, twice a day.
- Intervention of civic agents: To explain to people who litter or misuse urban furniture, what the proper use is and why they are there.
- Patrolling the area: We asked for police patrols from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am to intervene in cases of noise, drug consumption, street drinking, or any public disturbance.
- The problem is not the furniture: We insisted that the real problem is the misuse of the furniture.
- Nocturnal noise and drug consumption: We discussed the disturbances at Plaça Universitat, alcohol and drug consumption in public, and the presence of syringes in the area.
- Superilla reform: We discussed the Superilla reform and submitted a folder with signatures to inform them of our concerns and ensure that neighborhood proposals are taken into account. We requested necessary measures to ensure proper use of urban furniture without disturbing neighbors' rest.
Additionally, from now on, we will have direct contact with the City Hall to address any issues that arise. There will be a monthly follow-up to ensure that the actions and commitments made are being effectively carried out.
September 6, 2025: Third gathering, in which we gathered more than 600 signatures. On this occasion, we took the opportunity to explain and inform the neighbors about what the Iniciativa Veïnal Ciutadana is, its objectives, and the actions we are taking to improve our neighborhood.
September 18, 2025: We met with the City Hall of Barcelona within the framework of an Extraordinary Prevention and Security Council regarding the Sant Antoni neighborhood. This meeting is part of the Action Plan initiated in August, which aims to improve coexistence through actions in security, cleaning, and social attention.
Important: The plan is active and is being implemented gradually. We hope to see progressive changes in the neighborhood as the measures are applied.
- Security reinforcement: There has been an increase in police presence with foot patrols from the Guardia Urbana, coordinated with the Mossos d'Esquadra. Issues such as street vending and drug consumption in public have been addressed. Additionally, inspections have been carried out on second-hand shops to detect irregular activities.
- Cleaning improvement: The cleaning team has been reinforced with a new crew that performs checks around the containers between four and six times a day, both in the morning and afternoon. This measure aims to prevent overflow and garbage accumulation.
- Social attention: The Social Attention Service for Homeless People in Public Spaces (SASSEP) continues working on connecting people who sleep in public spaces. Public Health Agency professionals conduct daily routes to reach out to drug users and direct them to harm reduction spaces at Addiction Assistance and Monitoring Centers (CAS).
- Urban furniture reorganization: Between 20% and 30% of the urban furniture in the Sant Antoni Superilla, such as benches and planters, has been removed and relocated. This measure seeks to eliminate dark corners and problematic areas that encourage neighborhood degradation. Works on the underground network on Comte Borrell street have facilitated this intervention.
Neighborhood and entity participation: The meeting was attended by the Iniciativa Veïnal Ciutadana, COR platforms from Ronda Sant Antoni and Superilla Sant Antoni (our platform), as well as neighborhood entities such as SOM Sant Antoni, Sant Antoni Comerç SAC, the Sant Antoni Neighbors Association, the Sant Antoni Market, and the NGO De Veí a Veí. These platforms and entities presented their concerns and proposals, reinforcing collaboration between citizens and the City Hall to improve coexistence and the quality of life in Sant Antoni.

These actions are part of a joint effort between the City Hall, the Guardia Urbana, the Mossos d'Esquadra, and various neighborhood entities, aiming to address the concerns of residents and businesses.
September 20, 2025: Fourth neighborhood gathering, in which we reached over 800 signatures.
This time, we reviewed the journey we have made since June, recalling the actions taken, the meetings with entities, and the progress achieved so far. We also shared with the neighbors what the next steps for the Iniciativa Veïnal Ciutadana are, and invited more people from the neighborhood to join, so we can continue building a strong and representative collective voice to achieve real changes in Sant Antoni.
September 22, 2025: Today, the Iniciativa Veïnal Ciutadana, the COR platforms of Ronda Sant Antoni and Superilla Sant Antoni (our platform), along with entities from SOM and the NGO De Veí a Veí, met. It is worth mentioning that SAC, the Neighbors Association, and the Sant Antoni Market were also invited but could not attend.
We reviewed several well-known points, such as the collection of shopping carts that are often left tied up with no one present, which has led to 31 police interventions. This issue was already discussed at the previous security meeting.

As a new development, the entities have requested the incorporation of dogs for drug control, and this request has been accepted. A greater presence of civic agents in the afternoon has also been requested.

It is important to note that no information has been shared from Social Services, and they continue to act independently.

The four points proposed by the Iniciativa Veïnal Ciutadana were:
- Police presence with dogs: To detect drugs in the following areas: Comte Borrell (from Manso to Aldana), Calle Aldana, Calle Marquès de Campo Sagrado, and Calle Parlament (from Calàbria to Ronda de Sant Pau).
- Cleaning maintenance: To be done Monday to Monday, twice a day.
- Intervention of civic agents: To explain to people who litter or misuse urban furniture what the proper use is and why they are there.
- Patrolling the area: Request for police patrols between 11:00 pm and 7:00 am, to intervene in cases of noise, drug consumption, street drinking, or any public disturbance.
Today, we were informed of progress on two of these points: the incorporation of dogs for drug control and the request for greater civic agent presence in the afternoons.
September 27, 2025: Fifth neighborhood gathering, in which we reached a total of 948 signatures. This time, we reaffirmed the progress made since June and shared with the neighbors the work we have done so far, including our actions, meetings, and proposals submitted to the City Hall. We also discussed the next steps and how the Iniciativa Veïnal Ciutadana continues to fight for neighborhood improvement, inviting more people to join and strengthen this collective voice to achieve real and sustainable changes in Sant Antoni.
October 4, 2025: Sixth neighborhood meeting, with a total of 1,019 signatures collected to date.
During this gathering, we continued to strengthen the collective work that has been underway since June. We shared the most recent updates with neighbors, reinforced community bonds, and reaffirmed Iniciativa Vecinal Ciudadana’s commitment to the real and sustainable improvement of the Sant Antoni neighborhood.

In addition to sincerely thanking everyone for their support and active participation, we also provided updates on the actions taken, the proposals submitted to the City Council, and the next steps moving forward.

Once again, we invited new residents to join this shared cause, because every signature, every idea, and every effort matters in this path of neighborhood transformation.
October 21, 2025: The next 4 points for the action plan were presented
1. Reinforced cleaning
  Description: Request an intensive cleaning service, daily, from Monday to Sunday, twice a day, covering the entire neighborhood. Special attention will be paid to trash bins, corners, and resting areas.
  Justification: Maintaining cleanliness helps improve the perception of safety and well-being in the neighborhood. Accumulated trash generates hygiene problems, attracts pests, and may encourage uncivil behavior.
  Execution:
  - Coordinate with the cleaning company to expand daily shifts.
  - Establish specific routes including critical points such as trash bins, corners, and resting areas.
  - Monitor effectiveness through weekly inspections and incident reports.
2. Nocturnal patrol
  Description: Reinforce foot police patrols between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, focusing on preventing noise, drug use, street drinking, and disturbances in public spaces.
  Justification: Deterrent police presence reduces conflicts and improves nighttime safety. Early detection of uncivil behavior allows intervention before incidents escalate.
  Execution:
  - Increase the number of foot patrols in streets and squares with higher nighttime issues.
  - Coordinate schedules and zones with the police coordination center.
  - Record interventions and generate weekly reports to adjust the strategy as needed.
3. Control of the “misery market”
  Description: Request a structured and sustained plan to address illegal street sales, especially in areas where this activity frequently occurs.
  Justification: Illegal sales affect coexistence, occupy public space, and may generate safety issues. Effective control protects both residents and legal merchants.
  Execution:
  - Continue nighttime presence of the Urban Guard to prevent setup and sales during the night.
  - Install official signs indicating the prohibition of sales without a license and the corresponding fines.
  - Explore the feasibility of a regulated and controlled area where sales can be conducted legally and orderly, avoiding uncontrolled occupation of public space.
4. Public space safety and management
  Description: Increase safety and management of public spaces to prevent misuse, especially in areas with recurrent conflicts (e.g., Aldana and surroundings).
  Justification: Public space control prevents neighborhood conflicts, illegal occupations, and safety risks. Proper management of street furniture and open spaces reduces risky situations.
  Execution:
  - Increase patrols in the most conflictive streets and squares.
  - Avoid reinstalling benches that are used as nighttime resting spots.
  - Consider closing the exterior of the market to prevent nighttime occupation.
  - Install prohibition and sanction signs, similar to those in public transport.
  - Ensure an effective police response to any detected conflict.
  - November 1, 2025: Seventh neighborhood meeting held at the Comte Borrell and Parlament Superblock.
    The meeting aimed to strengthen neighborhood participation and maintain citizens’ commitment to a safer, cleaner, and dignified Sant Antoni. It also sought to continue the actions undertaken since June and to follow up on the points raised before the City Council and the Mossos d’Esquadra.
    
    Thanks to the collaboration of entities such as SOM Sant Antoni, ONG De Veí a Veí, Mercat Encants de Sant Antoni, Plataforma San Cor de la Ronda, and our own neighborhood platform Superilla Sant Antoni, along with the action of the Barcelona Urban Guard, the Mossos d’Esquadra, Social Services, Health Department, Urban Furniture, the Economic Promotion Office, and the district manager, the City Council approved a specific action plan for the neighborhood. This plan includes many of the neighborhood proposals presented in recent months and represents an important step toward a more coordinated and effective institutional response.
    
    During the day, progress on this plan was reviewed, focusing on improving cleanliness, strengthening night patrols, controlling the so-called “poverty market”, and managing public space in different streets of the neighborhood. The established coordination with the City Council was also positively assessed, allowing for monthly monitoring of commitments and maintaining a direct communication channel with the relevant departments.
    
    Throughout the meeting, recent actions and results were shared, as well as new improvement proposals from the neighborhood itself. Participation was active and constructive, reflecting the growing involvement of residents in finding joint solutions.
    
    It was confirmed that the municipal Shock Plan remains active, with police reinforcement, intensive cleaning, and social care ongoing. Residents committed to continuously monitoring the effectiveness of applied measures and to collaborating in the collection of incidents, which will be communicated to the previously mentioned entities and directly to the City Council, aiming to identify which areas are improving and which still require reinforcement.
    
    In the coming weeks, direct contact with the involved institutions will be maintained, and signature collection and promotion of citizen participation will continue. Furthermore, civic awareness and cleanliness campaigns will be promoted to strengthen the sense of community and shared care of public space.
    
    The November 1 meeting once again demonstrated the strength of the Sant Antoni neighborhood. The Citizen Neighborhood Initiative consolidates as a space for collective meeting and action, based on responsibility, empathy, and commitment to improve coexistence and quality of life in the neighborhood.
  - November 20, 2025: Presentation of 4 new points
    During the meeting on Thursday, November 20, the Citizen Neighborhood Initiative presented four new priority points to improve safety, coexistence, and hygiene in the Sant Antoni neighborhood. These points add to the ongoing action plan and aim to reinforce the needs identified by the neighborhood.
    
    1) Robbery and insecurity
    
    Description: Request increased deterrent police presence to reduce robberies, thefts, and situations that generate daily insecurity in the neighborhood.
    
    Justification: In recent weeks, testimonies from residents who have experienced or witnessed robberies, both in public areas and shops, have increased. Continuous police presence helps reduce these behaviors.
    
    Proposed implementation:
    - Increase foot patrol presence on streets with higher incidence.
    - Reduce response times for robbery or intimidation alerts.
    - Coordinate efforts between the Urban Guard and Mossos d’Esquadra for more effective surveillance.
    2) Municipal Neighborhood Urban Guard
    
    Description: Propose the creation or assignment of a permanent Urban Guard unit specifically for Sant Antoni, with stable officers who know the neighborhood.
    
    Justification: The presence of reference officers facilitates communication, conflict prevention, and rapid intervention, improving coexistence and the sense of security.
    
    Proposed implementation:
    - Create a stable unit assigned exclusively to the neighborhood.
    - Establish fixed patrol routes and schedules.
    - Promote direct engagement between officers and residents, including shops and associations.
    3) Commercial premises inspections
    
    Description: Request an increase in municipal inspections of bars, shops, and premises to verify compliance with opening hours, licenses, and noise levels.
    
    Justification: Many nighttime conflicts and coexistence problems are linked to commercial activities that exceed hours, generate noise, or violate regulations. Regular inspections help prevent these situations.
    
    Proposed implementation:
    - Increase inspection frequency, especially during nighttime hours.
    - Monitor terraces, noise levels, and alcohol sales.
    - Inform the neighborhood of actions taken to ensure transparency.
    4) Cleaning sewers and containers
    
    Description: Request periodic cleaning and disinfection of sewers, drains, and containers, especially in areas where bad odors and pest infestations are detected.
    
    Justification: Accumulation of dirt and waste generates strong odors, attracts pests, and affects public health, in addition to worsening the overall perception of neighborhood cleanliness.
    
    Proposed implementation:
    - Establish a monthly intensive cleaning schedule.
    - Increase disinfection during hot periods.
    - Inspect damaged containers for repair or replacement.
  - November 22, 2025: Eighth Citizen Neighborhood Initiative Meeting
    The eighth meeting was a resounding success, showing the strength and unity of the Sant Antoni neighborhood. During the day, progress was shared, new ideas were discussed, and everyone’s commitment to improving safety, coexistence, and hygiene in the neighborhood was reinforced.
    
    Thanks to the active participation of residents, we gathered 1,124 signatures and continue gaining more support daily to transform our neighborhood into a safer and more welcoming place.
    
    Additionally, the meeting was used to support the residents of Sepúlveda, Villarroel, and Ronda Sant Antoni, requesting that buses currently taking the detour
    Ronda Universitat → Sepúlveda → Villarroel → Ronda Sant Antoni
    return to their natural route:
    Ronda Universitat → Ronda Sant Antoni → Manso.
    
    During this period, the area has suffered continuous construction, extreme noise, late-night parties, fights and security incidents, persistent dirt, and problems with newly laid pavement. We demand a functional Ronda Sant Antoni that is safe and respects the neighborhood’s daily life and rest.
    
    Bus traffic is intense: in Sepúlveda, more than 1,200 buses pass daily, including urban, interurban, and airport shuttle buses. This generates constant noise and risks for pedestrians and residents, requiring attention and definitive solutions from the City Council.

Other actions carried out:

Formal complaints about incidents in the neighborhood.
Official requests to the City Council and Mossos d’Esquadra.
Collection of signatures as a peaceful, responsible expression of community concern.
Neighborhood communications to give voice to community problems and proposals.

Invitation to Join the Initiative

We invite you to join this citizen initiative led by neighbors concerned about daily issues: public drug and alcohol use, violence, threats and intimidation, street parties, disturbances and noise at night, poor cleanliness, urban deterioration, insufficient police presence, ineffective social policies, and lack of support for people in vulnerable situations.

We are neighbors of Sant Antoni who denounce the neighborhood's deterioration and want to reclaim it. We want a safer, cleaner, more dignified, and more supportive neighborhood for all.

We demand that the City Council and relevant institutions act with SPEED, DEMAND, AND COMMITMENT effectively and in a coordinated manner, PROVIDING solutions to the problems we are experiencing.

What We Ask For

Street cleaning and care of public spaces.
Sanctions for uncivil citizens who do not respect common spaces.
Security: more police presence to guarantee it.
Social solutions for homeless people: housing, health, and support. Some have mental illnesses and should receive personalized care and attention.
Attention to both neighbors and the most vulnerable people.

Why We Sign

We sign to formally request the City Council:

To stop ignoring the situation.
To act with commitment, firmness, and humanity.
To take care of our neighborhood and everyone living in it.

This is a peaceful, voluntary neighborhood initiative. Together we can reclaim a safe, clean, and dignified Sant Antoni for everyone. We count on you to build a better neighborhood together.

Submitted Documentation

Three petitions submitted to the City Council and Mossos d’Esquadra requesting coordinated institutional intervention with a focus on security, public health, and social support.
Collected signature sheets from neighbors, submitted voluntarily and peacefully as an expression of concern for the community’s well-being.

We hope this documentation will be considered with the seriousness it deserves and remain available to collaborate in any dialogue space or institutional instance to find real solutions.

Current Actions

We have created the neighborhood platform Superilla de Sant Antoni, an open participatory space where neighbors can:

Express opinions and proposals.
Participate in decisions affecting the community.
Collaborate in the Superilla renovation process.

Next Neighborhood Gathering

Saturday, December 13st.
From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Superilla de Comte Borrell and Parlament

Why We Collect Signatures
We are neighbors of Sant Antoni who want a safer, cleaner, and dignified neighborhood. We collect signatures to express concern and request quick, committed action from the City Council and Mossos.

We are not a party or association: just people sharing streets and squares, seeking real change.

Every signature counts: it helps amplify our voice and brings us closer to a better Sant Antoni for everyone.

How to Contact Us

📩 iniciativavecinalciudadana@gmail.com

Join Our Social Media

Stay up-to-date with our activities and neighborhood news. Follow us on social media and be part of the Citizen Neighborhood Initiative:

🐦 @ivcsantantoni on Twitter
📸 @iniciativaveinalciutadana on Instagram