People in Bílovec are protesting against the demolition of the former Czech Society

Ostrava - Residents of Bílovec in the Nový Jičín region are protesting against the demolition of the former Czech Beseda building, which they believe is threatened. They do not like that on the land, the sale of which the city is considering, a shopping center is supposed to be built. About 900 people have signed a petition against the sale of the building and the adjacent areas, said its organizer Petr Zátopek today to ČTK. Mayor Sylva Kováčiková told ČTK that no decision has yet been made about the construction. The building currently houses a school cafeteria and a childcare center.
    At the former Czech Beseda, Czech residents once gathered in the predominantly German village of Bílovec. "It is a disdain for the Czech past of Bílovec," Zátopek believes. He added that due to the parking lot that would be part of the shopping center, the adjacent park, which according to Zátopek has 17 mature trees, including ten linden trees likely planted when the Czech Beseda opened in 1931, would also be destroyed. In addition, there are several other smaller trees there.
    According to Zátopek, while the investor interested in the land would build a new cafeteria for children, the city would lose a historical legacy by demolishing the former Czech Beseda. Zátopek also believes that the city has other suitable sites where a shopping center could be built. "Right next to it stands the Sokolovna, which is from 1930, across the street is the municipal building, so that building belongs here. Instead of it, some box would grow," Zátopek believes.
    However, the mayor claims that no decision has been made about the investment yet. "This is already the third proposal from some commercial company that wants to build a shopping center in Bílovec. It is always the case that we consider all the supporting materials," Kováčiková stated, adding that the definitive word ultimately rests with the councilors. She reminded that in the past, councilors rejected, for example, the construction of a Lidl in the city's heritage zone. Kováčiková believes that the escalating situation is partially due to the upcoming elections. According to her, it is an electoral struggle, as members of the ČSSD are involved in the petition. "I know that there are many citizens who do not like it, but also many citizens who expect a quality shopping center," Kováčiková added.
    The sale of the building should be addressed by the Bílovec council after the elections, so it will be dealt with in the new composition.