Critics of the high-rise building construction in Pankrác are organizing a poll

Prague - Opponents of the construction of additional high-rise buildings on the Pankráce Plain in Prague 4 are organizing a survey where residents can express their opinions about the investors' plans and the future of the local plots. They are also organizing a petition against the development of the plain with new high-rise buildings, reported Martin Skalský from the organizing association Arnika to ČTK.
    "We do not agree that such a serious project should be decided solely behind the walls of the offices," Skalský stated. The survey form is available at the internet address http://aa.ecn.cz/img_upload/d81f2b50b6ddb7f097ba52526b6694c1/Anketa_Pankrac_07.doc .
    According to the investor's plans, two additional high-rise buildings are set to be added to the current three on Pankráce Plain. Unlike the original plans, they are not to exceed the height of City Empiria, formerly known as Motokov.
    Several civic associations state that the new construction will bring nothing to the local residents and will only increase traffic in the area. They also claim that high-rise buildings could lead to Prague being removed from the UNESCO list due to changes in the city's skyline. On the other hand, according to the investors' representatives, people will benefit from the project, as it is expected to create a cultural center and spaces for shops and services.
    Mayor Pavel Bém (ODS) stated at the end of January that the city's panorama on the plain was already destroyed by construction during socialism. Therefore, in his view, UNESCO cannot be "so-called disturbed by the destruction of the panorama." "The only thing we can now strive for is the urbanization of Pankráce Plain," the mayor noted. The final appearance of the plain will result from discussions among experts, he added.
    Prague heritage protectors had previously agreed to the project for the construction of new high-rise buildings. However, the Ministry of Culture annulled their decision last year. This does not mean that they opposed the construction of high-rise buildings. The city council must negotiate the proposals for construction again.