Among the first to meet with the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, were two residents of Vitebsk. They raised the issue of demolishing private houses on Leonov Street due to plans for new construction.
The woman, representing the interests of not only her family but also other residents, spoke about the significance of her house, which was built by her great-grandfather.
She noted that it is not just a dwelling but a part of family history, and expressed her distress over the potential demolition: "This is a tragedy for me. How can our houses be demolished?"
The Chairman of the City Executive Committee, Alexey Geroev, explained that the city's development is carried out in accordance with the Master Plan, which designates the area as promising for multi-apartment construction. He emphasised that this decision is not arbitrary but is driven by the need to adapt to migration processes, where residents of remote areas seek to move to more densely populated ones.
Alexey Geroev noted that along with new residential complexes, social infrastructure must also be developed. In particular, four preschool institutions are already operating in the area planned for construction, but their occupancy remains low. Therefore, the decision on development is made based on an analysis of current needs.
He also reported that a public discussion of the development concept took place from February 24 to March 9, during which the opinions and proposals of residents were collected. All appeals were considered, and based on them, work continues on the project, which includes the construction of five multi-apartment buildings.
The Chairman of the City Executive Committee assured that the new buildings will meet all construction and social requirements. Residents whose houses are subject to demolition will be offered either monetary compensation or the opportunity to receive an apartment.
– But for the compensation they offer, I will not be able to buy a similar plot of land or build a similar house, – objected one of the Vitebsk residents.
The Chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Construction, Yuri Vyzhykovsky, noted that the process of developing pre-project documentation is not yet complete. A final decision on construction will be made only after its completion, which will allow all citizens' opinions and proposals to be taken into account.
He also added that during the public discussion, 10 proposals were received in support of demolishing the houses. All appeals are considered at the urban planning council, and if they concern violations of norms, such remarks are taken into account. However, if objections are based solely on unwillingness, they cannot be considered.
– The city development plan includes the demolition of the private sector, including on Karl Marx and Gagarin streets. We are moving in this direction, as the city continues to develop. We are building new districts – Orekhovo, Bitylevo, with appropriate roadway widths and modern infrastructure, – explained Alexey Geroev.
Alexander Subbotin promised to carefully study the situation and instructed to explain to the residents all the details concerning compensation payments and the provision of new housing.
At the reception with the head of the region, residents of the northern region discussed a number of pressing issues, including the unauthorised diversion of ditches, problems with sewage disposal, and landscaping issues in Polotsk. Topics such as asphalting streets and improving the condition of the shelterbelt in Orsha were also raised.
– It is probably wrong that issues reach such a level, such as, for example, problems with sewage. However, if a person has been struggling with this situation for eleven years and has appealed to various authorities, it means the problem is indeed complex, – noted Alexander Subbotin following the reception of citizens.
He added that it is necessary to understand the situation and find out what nuances might hinder the resolution of the problem.
– People come with various questions: from construction and land allocation to conflicts with neighbours and problems with gardening cooperatives. Issues related to ditch flooding are also raised. In this context, the range of problems is very wide, and we strive to help everyone, – emphasised the head of the region.