Let us recall that the public discussions were held in Kirov last December, where more than three hundred people of Kirov opposed the development of the park near the Palace of Pioneers. Moreover, residents of the regional center organized a collection of signatures to President Vladimir Putin and protests demanding the termination of construction activities on the territory of the park. However, on January 17, administration officials of Kirov sanctioned the construction of commercial buildings in the Palace of Pioneers. In deciding the city administration referred to the conclusions of experts and public hearings. Currently, the developer has the right to start the construction work.
Online-journal «7x7» ascertained the attitude of the participants of actions against the construction of the commercial facilities in the park to the decision of the city administration and asked about further plans for the protest.
Anna Shatunova, organizer of collecting signatures demanding termination of the construction in the park near the Palace of Pioneers:
“Of course, what is happening in the city administration now is outrageous. It can be seen that the officials, in spite of everything, go to their goal: development of the park near the Palace of Pioneers. On the official website of the city administration it is stated that public hearings were held, during which the people approved the construction of commercial buildings. However, in our disposal there are protocols of these hearings, according to which it was filed more than thirty, I emphasize — collective claims against development of the park. Therefore, we will consult lawyers and will likely bring a case before the court. In addition, we will wait for response of the Presidential Administration on the signatures. Also, a meeting of city residents will be holding on December 26, where we’ll discuss our next steps. And two days after that there will be a "round table", organized by the Public Chamber of the Kirov region. If nothing works, then we will go to the protest movements. It should be noted that while collecting signatures many residents are unhappy not only over buildings development in the park of the Palace of Pioneers, but also over numerous infill constructions. In particular, people expressed their dissatisfaction with the emerged McDonald's restaurant in Kirov Park and construction of the Hilton Hotel.”
Yaroslav Nemchaninov, participant of protest movements:
“Actions of the city administration, which allowed the construction of the Palace of Pioneers after all, seem quite logical, if we recall that this week Nikita Belyh received a "jarlig" to the duties of the governor. And in fact it is he who is the main initiator of the construction.
For the city government, unfortunately, a voice from above turned out to be much more important than the people's voice. Discussion held at the end of the year at the Palace of Pioneers brought home to the fact that a vast majority of people of Kirov, especially those who live in the neighborhood, are against the construction. The park territory is sacred to us, and there is no place for commercial properties.
If the power can’t hear us, we will pull more pressure on it. Along with the collection of signatures we need constant protest movements. A transition to a more radical action is also possible. We need to respond on audacity of authorities by our determination."
Matvei Mamaev, activist of "Autonomous Action":
“Authorities haven’t heard people because political and commercial elite coalesced a long time ago and act solely in their own interests. I don’t cherish hopes for the planned public hearings. When properly held, they can cause only public response, which, as we have already seen, neither administration nor “Copernicus” is interested of.”
Vitaly Brumm, head of the regional branch of the "People's Alliance" party:
“When did the city administration listen to anything at all? It is a completely destructive body which is totally under control of one gang. Powers don’t hear citizens at all. It is our national trend as protecting the interests of citizens don’t belong to interests and duty of those in power. In my opinion, it is necessary to continue fighting, continue to collect signatures, to hold a rally, to continue informational coverage.”
Pavel Chemodanov, activist of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation:
“This event demonstrated to people of Kirov a surprising unanimity of the city and regional administrations yet again. It’s not surprising that the government didn’t follow the position of the people: for example, during a public discussion at the Palace of Pioneers, over four hundred people categorically opposed the construction of the park and recently sent more than four thousand signatures to the Russian president. Both municipal (regional) and federal authorities are united in the same position: we don’t care about your position, your signatures, and your public hearings. In this situation it is necessary to continue the protest, to tell people of Kirov how brazenly the city and regional officials ignore the opinion of the people.”
Sergey Zhilin, «7x7»
Original: http://7x7-journal.ru/item/36526
