Miory Regional Executive Committee
Two residents of Vitebsk were among the first to attend a reception with the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin.
They raised the issue of demolishing private homes on Leonova Street due to plans for new construction.
The woman, who represented the interests not only of her own family but also of other residents, spoke about the significance of her home, which had been built by her great-grandfather.
She noted that it was not merely housing, but a part of family history, and expressed her distress over the potential demolition: “For me, this is a tragedy. How can our homes be demolished?”
The Chairman of the City Executive Committee, Alexey Heroev, clarified that urban development is conducted in accordance with the Master Plan, which designates the area as suitable for future multi-family residential construction. He emphasized that this decision is not arbitrary, but is driven by the need to accommodate migration trends, as residents from outlying districts seek to relocate to more densely populated areas.
Alexey Heroev noted that alongside new residential complexes, social infrastructure must also be developed. In particular, four preschool institutions are already operating in the area slated for construction; however, their occupancy levels remain low. Accordingly, the decision regarding development is based on an assessment of current needs.
He also stated that a public discussion of the development concept was held between February 24 and March 9, during which residents’ opinions and suggestions were collected. All submissions have been reviewed, and work on the project—which includes the construction of five multi-family residential buildings—continues based on them.
The Chairman of the City Executive Committee assured that the new buildings will comply with all construction and social requirements. Residents whose homes are scheduled for demolition will be offered either financial compensation or the opportunity to obtain an apartment.
– But with the compensation offered, I will not be able to purchase a comparable plot of land or build a similar house, – one of the Vitebsk residents countered.
The Chairman of the Committee on Architecture and Construction, Yuri Vyzhikovsky, noted that the process of developing preliminary design documentation is not yet complete. A final decision on construction will be made only upon its completion, which will make it possible to take into account all opinions and proposals from citizens.
He also added that ten proposals were submitted during the public discussion in support of house demolitions. All appeals are reviewed by the urban planning council, and if they relate to regulatory violations, such comments are taken into account. However, if objections are based merely on unwillingness, they cannot be considered.
“The city development plan includes the demolition of the private sector, including on Karl Marx and Gagarin streets. We are moving in this direction as the city continues to develop. We are constructing new residential quarters – Orekhovo and Bitelevo – featuring appropriate road widths and modern infrastructure,” Alexey Heroev explained.
Alexander Subbotin pledged to thoroughly examine the situation and directed that all details concerning compensation payments and the provision of new housing be clarified to residents.
During the regional head’s reception, residents of the northern region discussed a number of pressing issues, including unauthorized drainage ditches, wastewater discharge problems, and landscaping matters in Polotsk. Topics such as street paving and improving the condition of the shelterbelt in Orsha were also raised.
“It is likely inappropriate for issues to escalate to such a level, for example, sewage problems. However, if a person has been addressing this situation for eleven years and contacting various authorities, it means the problem is indeed complex,” Alexander Subbotin noted following the public reception.
He added that it is necessary to resolve the situation and determine what nuances may be hindering the problem’s resolution.
“Citizens bring various inquiries: from construction and land allocation to neighbor disputes and issues with garden cooperatives. Matters related to flooding ditches are also raised. In this context, the range of problems is quite broad, and we strive to assist everyone,” the head of the region emphasized.