In Villa Allende, Argentina, Mayor Pablo Cornet's proposal to install gates to close off specific neighborhoods during nighttime has led to significant tension between local authorities and residents. The initiative, which aims to combat rising crime rates, has been met with widespread public outcry, with residents arguing that they do not want to live in an enclosed environment. Despite the judicial challenges posed by community members against the project, the local government is pushing forward after a court ruled in their favor, allowing the installation of gates intended to enhance safety by restricting access at night.

The plan includes closing the gates at 10 PM and reopening them at 6 AM, with designated corridors for vehicle movement labeled as "main" streets, while lesser streets have been earmarked for gating. The community's response has included protests and discussions at local council meetings, highlighting the divide between those advocating for increased security measures and those valuing open access to their neighborhoods. As the project nears implementation, it has raised broader questions about the effectiveness of such measures in tackling crime, as well as issues of community freedom and lifestyle.

This situation underscores the complexities faced by municipalities in addressing safety concerns while considering the rights and desires of residents. The potential for escalating conflict remains high, as dissatisfied residents continue to voice their opposition, fearing that the closures may not only affect their daily lives but could also set a precedent for similar measures in other neighborhoods. The outcome of this project could influence future urban safety policies across Argentina, reflecting a growing trend towards privatization of public spaces in the face of insecurity.