<div>Part of the residents of Prague 8 does not want a new town hall for 1.1 billion crowns</div>

Prague - The opposition and some residents of Prague 8 dislike the planned construction of a new town hall headquarters with a shopping center at Palmovka. The project, costing approximately 1.13 billion crowns, is set to rise at the intersection of Zenklova and Sokolovská streets. According to opponents of the construction, however, the project is overpriced, its tender is non-transparent, and residents would prefer to see a park or affordable housing on the site, according to recent surveys. The local government claims that the construction of the new town hall headquarters is essential and urgent.
Opponents substantiate their claims with two surveys involving 542 and 312 participants, respectively. In the second survey, for example, an overwhelming majority of respondents stated that citizens did not have sufficient opportunity to express their views on the town hall project's intentions in advance. Additionally, a third of the survey participants learned about the planned construction of the town hall and shopping center only through the questionnaire.
"Over 60 percent of respondents are against the construction of the town hall and believe that the money from the privatization of municipal flats should be used differently," said Martin Potůček from the Civic Association OSM to ČTK. According to him, those surveyed would prefer to invest the funds in enhancing the camera system, reducing crime, constructing a retirement home or social housing, and expanding green spaces.
Resident of Prague 8 Tomáš Pavlů also conducted his own survey. "It is striking that only 13 percent of respondents expressed support for the option promoted by the current town hall leadership," he noted. However, only a few onlookers attended the happening, which included speeches, cutting the ribbon to an imaginary center at Palmovka, and a mannequin of Prague 8 mayor Jiří Janků (ODS).
According to Prague 8 spokesperson Helena Šmídová, the criticisms of the project are unfounded. "Currently, the town hall operates in seven different buildings that are gradually becoming obsolete. The investment should begin to yield returns within 30 years. Then the profits from the center will go towards the development of the municipal district," Šmídová stated.
The project was previously examined by the antitrust office, but according to Šmídová, all comments have now been resolved.
The eighth municipal district intends to finance the investment in the new town hall from the profits of the privatization of municipal flats. The new town hall headquarters with an office, a hall for cultural events, a shopping center, and a parking lot is to be developed according to the design of architect Josef Pleskot. The plan also includes the renovation of the nearby area, including the adjacent tram stop. According to Šmídová, although the town hall does not yet have a building permit, the original deadline for completion of the construction still stands at the end of 2014.