Island wants to revitalize the courtyards in the housing estate

Ostrov (Karlovy Vary) - Ostrov intends to revitalize the previously neglected inner parts of residential blocks in the largest housing estates in the city center and invest approximately 27 million crowns in their repairs. The planned project is set to improve the parking situation and separate quiet zones from traffic areas. Most of the funding is expected to come from the EU Regional Operational Programme. If successful, the grant could cover up to 92.5 percent of the costs. This was reported by the city hall spokesperson Lucie Mildorfová.
    The planned revitalization of the housing estate's inner blocks concerns the area bordered by Jungmannova, Družební, Lidická, Hlavní, and Jáchymovská streets. Construction work is expected to begin next spring, with the anticipated completion date set for May 2011, stated Jana Blehová from the city's development and urban planning department. The construction modifications will create new sidewalks and parking spaces, as well as sports fields and playgrounds for preschool children. "The greenery will also be restored in these areas," noted Blehová.
    Ostrov has prepared a project for the revitalization of the inner blocks modeled after other major cities in the Karlovy Vary Region. For instance, Cheb and Sokolov have experience with such initiatives aimed at revitalizing housing estate locations. Cheb received nearly 49 million crowns from the EU this year for the revitalization of the inner blocks between Nová, Krátká, and Palackého streets.
    Sokolov has sought funding for the regeneration of housing estate areas for several years and was first successful in 2007. At that time, it received 4.6 million crowns from the Ministry for Regional Development, which were used to modify the inner block situated amidst six panel buildings on Wolkerova street.