{"id":82409,"date":"2026-01-13T14:28:21","date_gmt":"2026-01-13T17:28:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/?p=82409"},"modified":"2026-01-29T15:42:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-29T18:42:00","slug":"10-years-since-the-rio-olympics-vila-autodromo-continues-to-resist-gentrification-pressures-amidst-new-olympic-barra-neighborhood","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/?p=82409","title":{"rendered":"10 Years Since the Rio Olympics: Vila Aut\u00f3dromo Continues to Resist Gentrification Pressures Amidst New ‘Olympic Barra’ Neighborhood"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Entrance<\/a>
Entrance to Vila Aut\u00f3dromo, next to the Olympic Park. Photo: Vila Aut\u00f3dromo\u2019s Facebook page<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Clique aqui para Portugu\u00eas<\/i><\/span><\/em><\/span><\/i><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

This is the first in our 2026 series reflecting on the city’s favelas 10 years after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

On August 14, 2025, Rio de Janeiro’s City Council<\/a> approved the creation of a new ‘Southwest Zone’<\/a>, which encompasses<\/a> 21 neighborhoods of Planning Area 4 (AP4<\/a>) in what has traditionally been the city’s West Zone<\/a>. The area includes elite neighborhoods built over the past half-century, such as Barra da Tijuca<\/a>, Recreio dos Bandeirantes<\/a>, Grumari, Vargem Grande<\/a> and Vargem Pequena<\/a>. These areas are known for segregationist real estate projects, in particular luxury condominiums, which grew especially quickly over the past two decades, propelled in the lead-up to the 2007 Pan-American Games<\/a> and the 2016 Olympic Games<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Two months later, on October 18, 2025, City Council approved the Imagine Project<\/a>, Complementary Law n\u00ba 284\/2025<\/a>, which authorizes the City to grant the former Olympic Park\u2014now Olympic Legacy Park<\/a>\u2014to Rock World, the company behind Rock in Rio. According to the council, this plan includes \u201cthe creation of an amusement park, along with a leisure, sports, cultural and business complex, which is expected to become the largest in Latin America, spread over 1,180,000 m\u00b2. The site will also serve as a permanent headquarters of Rock in Rio, one of the largest music festivals in the world.\u201d The company will have up to 60 months to complete the infrastructure works and will then be able to operate the space for 30 years \u201cthrough a Urban Consortium Operation, with the transfer of construction potential to other areas of Barra da Tijuca and Jacarepagu\u00e1. Rock World expects to generate over R$274 billion (US$~50 billion) and 143,000 jobs over the concession period\u2026 Before this, the company will have up to 12 months from the law\u2019s publication to present a detailed masterplan of the entire implementation area, which must be approved by City Hall.\u201d<\/p>\n

Both laws reignite debates about urban planning<\/a>, real estate speculation<\/a>, the right to the city<\/a> and the right to the favela<\/a> in the region.<\/p>\n

In addition, the city recently established its 166th neighborhood<\/a>, named “Barra Ol\u00edmpica,” or “Olympic Barra,” taking what had been a transition area including several favelas (such as Asa Branca<\/a>, City of God<\/a>, Rio das Pedras<\/a>, Muzema<\/a>, Tijuquinha<\/a>\u00a0and Canal do Anil<\/a><\/span>) in Jacarepagu\u00e1<\/a>, Camorim<\/a> and Barra da Tijuca, and rebranding the area, bringing the status associated with both “Barra da Tijuca” and the Olympics.<\/p>\n

Still resisting on the edge of Barra Ol\u00edmpica, however, next to the Olympic Park these 10 years after the Rio Olympic Games, is the small community of Vila Aut\u00f3dromo<\/a>. Vila Aut\u00f3dromo became a global symbol<\/a> in the fight against violent forced evictions thanks to its decades-long<\/a> and steadfast resistance<\/a>, which, despite pushback from powerful stakeholders, was partially successful. When the dust (literally) settled, twenty families were able to remain in the area<\/a>, all working class. That said, the recent developments in the region have rekindled concerns among residents about threats to their right to remain<\/a>, whether through violent forced evictions<\/a> or real estate speculation<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"House<\/a>
House demolished during the eviction process in Vila Aut\u00f3dromo. Photo: Vila Aut\u00f3dromo\u2019s Facebook page<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sandra Maria Teixeira, 57, has lived in Vila Aut\u00f3dromo for 32 years. For her, Barra Ol\u00edmpica was created for very obvious reasons.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey create this neighborhood, a new one, that already brings with it a reference to [affluent] \u2018Barra\u2019 [da Tijuca]. It\u2019s blatantly a project aimed at increasing the value of the area, which has already received investments and renovations that clearly serve the interests of real estate speculation\u2026 The project’s [economic and political interests] are very clear. You can see the fragmentation of the neighborhoods receiving investments [with this new zone]. It\u2019s the continuation of their [speculative] project.\u201d \u2014 Sandra Maria Teixeira<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

One fear residents are already experiencing is the rise in costs related to housing and the right to remain<\/a> in the region. Teixeira emphasizes: \u201cYou have a valued area with greater public investment, which will justify increases in the municipal property tax and several other costs.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Demolition<\/a>
Demolition of the home of Altair Guimar\u00e3es, president of the neighborhood association, during the pre-Olympic period. Photo: Vila Aut\u00f3dromo\u2019s Facebook page<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For Luiz Claudio Silva, a 62-year-old physical education instructor, this rise in the cost of living is already underway: it is only a matter of time given the changes being implemented.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnce it really sinks in, once people become aware that the zone has changed, that the neighborhood is now part of the Southwest Zone\u2026 For now, I do not think so, but in the future\u2014perhaps very soon\u2014it is a path toward higher taxes.\u201d \u2014 Luiz Claudio Silva<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

With the new symbolic naming, residents fear that funding will be directed solely to the region\u2019s wealthiest neighborhoods.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur struggle has always been against erasure. No benefits have reached us here. When those houses [built in Vila Aut\u00f3dromo as compensation before the 2016 Olympics] were handed over on July 29, 2016, it was agreed with the city that it had to rebuild everything it destroyed during the evictions\u2026 the sports court [for example], everything under the court injunction.\u201d \u2014 Luiz Claudio Silva<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cWe were subjected to 58 court injunctions here. In this case, it was the residents\u2019 association, the community garden, the playground\u2026 the sports court,\u201d adds Silva, noting that the city appealed the rulings, but the courts ordered the reconstruction<\/a> of public facilities for community use that had been demolished. However, even with court decisions, the City took years to begin<\/a> the works, which were always unofficially monitored by residents.<\/p>\n

\"Luiz<\/a>
Luiz Claudio Silva observes the progress of works in Vila Aut\u00f3dromo. Photo: Alexandre Cerqueira<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Teixeira points out that one of the impacts felt in the region\u2014also frequently chosen to host large events and festivals in the city\u2014is on the availability of public transportation. \u201cWe are always having to deal with the impact of this. During Rock in Rio, we are left without public transportation. We have to walk as far as [the condominium] Rio 2, which is pretty far. They take away the few bus lines [that serve the area], preventing them from passing through. They assume that [since] this is a valued area, everyone has a car. All it takes is issuing an authorization and everything is taken care of,\u201d she criticizes.<\/p>\n

For Vila Aut\u00f3dromo, there are also psychological impacts: the new neighborhood bears the name of the event<\/a> responsible for the successive forced evictions<\/a> of 700 families<\/a>\u2014neighbors of those who stayed. Their friends were relocated to other parts<\/a> of the city or were simply left homeless<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cRegarding our address\u2026 it used to be \u2018Jacarepagu\u00e1\u2019. And now, you have to say \u2018Barra Ol\u00edmpica.\u2019\u201d \u2014 Luiz Claudio Silva<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Throughout its history, Vila Aut\u00f3dromo has been subjected to several notorious eviction tactics<\/a> employed by City Hall: Trojan Horse<\/a>, canceled services<\/a>, environmental arguments<\/a>, misinformation<\/a>, divide and conquer<\/a>, concealed threats<\/a> and lost belongings<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are still classified as a special area of social interest<\/a>. We know that, when it comes to forced evictions, they use a range of strategies. I’m not sure what the future holds for us.\u201d \u2014 Sandra Maria Teixeira<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When asked about local participation in decision-making processes, psychologist and Vila Aut\u00f3dromo resident Michael Soares do Nascimento, 38, said that residents were not consulted about the city\u2019s new zoning.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere in Vila Aut\u00f3dromo, we only found out after everything was done. I only learned about it because I read a news article online: \u2018Wait, did something change?\u2019 We have no participation<\/a> in politics, nor access to any information.\u201d \u2014 Michael Soares do Nascimento<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Forced<\/a>
Forced eviction in Vila Aut\u00f3dromo during the pre-Olympic period. Photo: Katia Carvalho<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As part of Vila Aut\u00f3dromo\u2019s history, residents fought<\/a> against forced evictions carried out by Mayor Eduardo Paes<\/a> during his first terms in office (2008-2016). His administration was responsible for removals of dozens of the city\u2019s favelas due to mega-events<\/a>, always through non-participatory processes that placed the interests of real estate above the population. This fear\u2014that all of this could happen again\u2014remains present among residents of favelas in the new Southwest Zone, as evidenced by recent attempted evictions of the Santa Luzia<\/a> and Vila da Lagoa<\/a> communities, both carried out by City Hall under Eduardo Paes, now in his fourth term<\/a> (2024-2028).<\/p>\n

For Vila Aut\u00f3dromo, the future remains uncertain, the psychologist says. What he is certain of, however, is that the government has no public policies aimed at guaranteeing the right to remain\u2014which includes adequate public investment in sustainable upgrading\u2014for the favelas of the new Southwest Zone, such as Vila Aut\u00f3dromo, City of God, Rio das Pedras, Muzema, Tijuquinha, among others.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no idea. We\u2019re in the dark. We don’t know what’s going to happen. We’re hoping and praying that things remain peaceful\u2026 But\u2026 there are no proposals [for policies to guarantee affordable housing in a possible scenario of real estate speculation].\u201d \u2014 Michael Soares do Nascimento<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

For Sandra Teixeira, the Evictions Museum<\/a> launched months prior to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and maintained by the favela’s residents, contributes significantly to a collective memory that sustains resident struggles against removal policies of any kind. However, she says she has little optimism for the favelas in the region, given the historical actions of the State and the real estate market.<\/p>\n

\u201cHere in Vila Aut\u00f3dromo, what we’ve been doing since 2016\u2014when around 700 families were forced to leave\u2014has been working through the Evictions Museum<\/a>, strengthening the area and local identity. We’re trying to protect our neighborhood [from speculation]. As for public authorities, it was the government itself that impacted and tore our community apart. What can we expect from them? There are certainly no good expectations\u2014it\u2019s not a good relationship.\u201d \u2014 Sandra Maria Teixeira<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

About the author:\u00a0<\/i>Igor Soares<\/i><\/a>\u00a0was born and raised in Morro do Borel and has a journalism degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). He currently contributes to #Colabora and works as a freelancer. He has experience covering topics related to cities, human rights, and public security, having previously worked at Estad\u00e3o, Portal iG, and produced reports for Folha de S\u00e3o Paulo.<\/i><\/p>\n

\n

Support\u00a0RioOnWatch\u2019s tireless, critical and cutting-edge hyperlocal journalism, online community organizing meetings, and direct support to favelas\u00a0by clicking here<\/a>.<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Clique aqui para Portugu\u00eas This is the first in our 2026 series reflecting on the city’s favelas 10 years after the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.\u00a0 On August 14, 2025, Rio de Janeiro’s City […]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":245,"featured_media":82410,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-full.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1293,2315,1736,1288,1328],"tags":[1787,346,3550,27,225,3852,269,162,231,272,65,704,1259,412,5,161,10,3457,1008,1445,1402,3161,3849,3659,3208,196,4,3851,21,365],"writer":[3680],"translator":[3784],"illustrator":[],"photographer":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-82409","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-evictionswatch","8":"category-legacywatch","9":"category-1736","10":"category-highlight","11":"category-by-community-contributors","12":"tag-aeis-zeis","13":"tag-alto-camorim","14":"tag-ap4","15":"tag-asa-branca","16":"tag-barra-da-tijuca","17":"tag-barra-olimpica","18":"tag-canal-do-anil","19":"tag-city-council","20":"tag-city-of-god","21":"tag-mayor-eduardo-paes","22":"tag-gentrification","23":"tag-iptu-property-tax","24":"tag-mega-events","25":"tag-muzema","26":"tag-olympics","27":"tag-pan-american-games","28":"tag-real-estate-speculation","29":"tag-right-to-roots","30":"tag-right-to-the-city","31":"tag-rio-das-pedras","32":"tag-legacy","33":"tag-santa-luzia","34":"tag-southwest-zone","35":"tag-tijuquinha","36":"tag-circuito-urbano","37":"tag-planning","38":"tag-vila-autodromo","39":"tag-vila-da-lagoa","40":"tag-west-zone","41":"tag-zero-participation","42":"writer-igor-soares","43":"translator-a-m-oliver"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/245"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=82409"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82409\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":82602,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/82409\/revisions\/82602"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/82410"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=82409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=82409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=82409"},{"taxonomy":"writer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fwriter&post=82409"},{"taxonomy":"translator","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftranslator&post=82409"},{"taxonomy":"illustrator","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fillustrator&post=82409"},{"taxonomy":"photographer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rioonwatch.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fphotographer&post=82409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}