Žižkov representatives did not reject the criticized construction near Parukářka

Prague - After more than three hours of discussion, the Žižkov councilors did not support the request of hundreds of petitioners and part of the opposition to ask the city hall to request a reduction in the development project that is set to be built near the green hill of Parukářka. The tumultuous meeting was attended by dozens of people with banners. The discussions were accompanied by loud shouts from dissatisfied residents. The building, which will have seven above-ground floors, is criticized as it will exceed the horizon of Parukářka and increase traffic load.

The residential complex is set to rise on Jeseniova Street at the site of the former studios and facilities of Czech Radio. The investor originally planned a twelve-story building. According to Mayor Vladislava Hujová (TOP 09), however, after a series of negotiations, the project was ultimately reduced and the investor promised the construction of a public staircase. The council granted him permission in January based on the decision of the urban development committee.

Part of the opposition still disagrees with the construction. According to Ondřej Ruta (Žižkov for Everyone), the commercial building will irreparably disrupt the horizon of the green hill. "A building that will exceed the level of the playground at Parukářka and the roofs of neighboring houses by three floors cannot be understood as a success in negotiations with the investor," the councilor believes. "The city hall's information that the investor might return to the original twelve-story variant is considered by us as the spreading of alarming news," he added.

"The city hall defends private ownership. I defend the interests of all citizens," the mayor stated in the debate. "The building at Parukářka is a normal residential house; we are not talking about any dominance," said Deputy Mayor Alexander Bellu (ODS). He welcomed the investor's stance in negotiations with the city hall. "I absolutely reject the notion that we should perceive the developer as something negative a priori," he added. The investor defended himself on site by stating that he is trying to find a compromise. "We are improving public space and acting in accordance with the zoning plan. You are unjust to us. Our concessions are significant," Jakub Špetlák stated at the meeting.

In Prague 3, a referendum targeting the development of Parukářka took place two years ago. However, the participation was too low. Local voting is therefore not binding for the city hall. In the past, next to the park, a complex of high-rise buildings was constructed under strange circumstances. Some Žižkov politicians from the former coalition of ODS and TOP 09 sought a change in the zoning plan that would allow the developer to continue building a luxury residential area. Local residents protested against this. They also wrote a petition. The city hall ultimately halted the plan.