Protection of Kotěra's colony is dissuading, Louny is begging the minister

Louny - The heritage protection of the so-called Kotěra colony in Louny is discouraging owners from repairs, and the situation needs to be addressed, according to the city's leadership. For this reason, Minister of Culture Alena Hanáková visited today. Mayor Radovan Šabata (both TOP 09) told ČTK after her visit that acquiring subsidies for the repair of houses is on the table.
    The Kotěra colony is one of the most significant architectural monuments in the nearly twenty-thousand-strong town. It dates back to the early 20th century when the population in northern Bohemian cities with developed industries was rapidly increasing. The original plans counted on the construction of about 150 houses near the main train station, but only about a third were eventually built. The last was completed in 1912. The villas are typically characterized by unplastered walls made of fired bricks, and the whole neighborhood resembles more of western Europe than the then Austro-Hungarian Empire.
    However, it does not attract many prospective residents now, and it is relatively common to encounter an uninhabited house. Half of the house where the war hero Otakar Jaroš was born is also vacant. "It's simple, people don't want to get involved due to heritage protection. There are issues like roof replacements, but the conservationists only want cedar shingles or fired roofs. That costs extra money, and people don’t have much to spare," Šabata told ČTK. Locals have recently begun to voice their concerns fairly loudly.
    ČTK was unable to obtain a statement from the minister; however, according to Šabata, she promised a solution, but he did not mention any weakening of heritage protection. "European programs for the years 2014-2020 will be prepared, from which we would like to obtain funds specifically for the restoration of the Kotěra colony. It just had its hundredth anniversary, and I think it deserves such a gift," Šabata said. He does not want to estimate the amount, but claims that it wouldn't require much. "I would be very happy if we could even contribute 50,000 for the roof. It would also inspire locals to take pride," he added.