In a surprising turn of events, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner has come under scrutiny for his role in a motion to block vehicular access to the Hangar, a prominent seafront area. Despite initially claiming he couldn’t recall who initiated the petition during an August council meeting, official minutes reveal that Mayor Wagner himself proposed the motion, which was seconded by Deputy Mayor Eluide Miller. This decision marks a stark reversal from a 2022 council meeting where a similar petition was rejected. Back then, councilors argued that the area should remain a public reserve, emphasizing the need for increased policing rather than restricted access. Mayor Wagner now defends the motion as a measure to enhance the quality of life for residents, citing concerns about noise and disturbances. However, critics question the transparency of the decision-making process and its implications for public access. The council’s shift in stance has sparked debate over the balance between private interests and public rights, leaving many to wonder what has changed since 2022.