Vila Autódromo

“A fishing net, cast into the still waters of Jacarepaguá Lagoon.” That’s how Vila Autódromo began. It was the 1960s, and a small community of fishermen built their homes along the lagoon’s edge. Little did they know their peaceful existence would soon be intertwined with the roar of engines. Vila Autódromo sits beside the Jacarepaguá race track, the Autódromo. Construction workers, drawn to the area by the building of the race track, started building their own homes nearby. The fishing village grew. It evolved into a diverse neighborhood, a blend of fishermen and construction workers, a testament to the ever-changing face of Rio. The residents of Vila Autódromo weren’t just building houses. They were building a community. They worked together. They sought to secure basic services like electricity, water, garbage collection, and even telephone lines. This collective spirit would become their strength in the face of adversity. The 1990s brought a new set of challenges to Vila Autódromo. The city, under Mayor Cesar Maia, tried to evict the residents. They claimed the community caused urban, aesthetic, and environmental damage. But Vila Autódromo fought back. In a significant victory, the state government granted them land-use concessions. These concessions offered a 99-year lease, renewable for another 99 years. It was a powerful affirmation of their right to be there. The 2000s ushered in the era of mega-sporting events in Rio. This brought both opportunities and threats to Vila Autódromo. The Pan American Games in 2007 and the Olympic Games in 2016 led to increased development in the area, escalating real estate speculation. The pressure to evict the residents of Vila Autódromo intensified once again. This time, it was under the mayorship of Eduardo Paes. The city claimed they needed the land for the Olympic Park. Over 500 families were displaced. Yet, the remaining residents stood their ground. They formed the Vila Autódromo Popular Plan, a collaborative effort to envision a future for their community. This plan even won international recognition. In the end, after years of struggle and resistance, a small portion of Vila Autódromo survived. Twenty new houses were built. Though a mere fraction of the original community, it stands as a symbol of resilience and the enduring power of community. The story of Vila Autódromo is a powerful reminder of the human cost of development, and the importance of fighting for one’s home and community.