Mayor Metodi Baikushev: For a quarter of a century, the field opposite the AUB campus has been empty, we don’t want another CHINA QUARTER to spring up there – 4VLAST

Fourth century, the territory opposite the campus of the American University next to “Stamboliyski” Blvd. and between “J. Boucher” and the old cemeteries in the central city area is empty, although it is planned for development. The reason why an urban planning decision is not implemented most often is that there are clearly limitations and serious difficulties”, said the mayor of Blagoevgrad Metodi Baikushev to the municipal councilors from the Economic Commission on the occasion of his request for an update of the detailed development plan of quarter 216 a with the creation of a new one, which foresees the possibility of guaranteeing urban planning measures – streets, alleys and parking lots.

The mayor emphasized: “The goal is to make a modern urban plan that will ensure that there will be no “piecemeal” construction and chaotic appearance of the neighborhood, such as we have seen in our city. We don’t want another “Chinatown”, but this space to be regulated in a modern way, so that together with the AUBG campus, the feeling of air and greenery is preserved. This is my responsibility as mayor and the municipal administration, and we have to do it is possible that the construction in this still empty space in the central area of ​​Blagoevgrad will be different from the last built-up green areas opposite the Third School and opposite the bus station and the train station. I emphasize that it is not planned to confiscate 25% of private properties, as feared by some of the owners. On the contrary, a large part of the properties where we will hold the events are municipal, and I believe that it is of primary public interest to regulate this territory in an appropriate way. Therefore, in the proposal, I put forward arguments that the properties owned by the municipality should be used for urban development activities, so that we can ensure a normal street, with normal sidewalks and alleys, with enough greenery. I understand people’s concerns, but I want to reassure them that they have no basis for them. Quite the opposite – this measure prevents the enormous problem of pushing communications and everyone’s commitment to push through the urban planning procedure piecemeal. The other great advantage of changing the plan under Art. 16, that private properties are also regulated at the expense of the municipality, along with all communications. We held preliminary meetings with two of the owners of private properties in the area, Ms. Tonka Traikova and Spas Mitev, who have stated their intentions for upcoming construction. During the meetings, we explained in detail and completely transparently the intentions of the municipality. I think this is the right approach. We will take into account Ms. Traikova’s objection, which she made before the Economic Commission, and we will comply with those of the remarks that are well-founded. I remind you that this is a proposal to allow the development of a PUP. Once it is approved by the OB, designers will prepare a project with options that will be discussed again with the owners. The aim is to avoid an appeal, so as not to prolong and complicate the procedure. It is our responsibility to regulate in a qualitative way this important still vacant spot in Blagoevgrad, taking into account, of course, the private interest. I think this is the right and transparent way to discuss the intentions,” said Mayor Baikushev.

Mayor Baikushev’s proposal was discussed by the Committee on Economy and the Committee on Budget and Finance and was submitted with positive opinions with the support of the majority and only 1 “abstention” for discussion and decision at the upcoming session of the Municipal Council – Blagoevgrad. v. Struma

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