In the Vysočina region, the appearance of several city centers will improve thanks to the union

Jihlava - A number of cities in the Vysočina region want to use European grants to beautify their centers. The largest project, which has already received a promise of support, belongs to Bystřice nad Pernštejnem, costing 75 million CZK. A similarly expensive revitalization of the historic square is being prepared by Havlíčkův Brod. As ČTK found out, city halls must proceed cautiously when planning changes, as residents sometimes object; they would like the square to remain as they have been accustomed for years. In Jemnice, they signed a petition this year for this reason.
    In the Regional Operational Program, which has been in operation since last year, seven municipalities from Vysočina have a promised grant for the transformation of public spaces. Among them, in addition to Bystřice, are Moravské Budějovice, Polná, Humpolec, Telč, Luka nad Jihlavou, and Dalečín. The Union will distribute over 90 million CZK among them. Other similar projects are being planned in the region.
    The reconstruction of Bystřice's Masaryk Square will begin in the spring of next year and last until the autumn of 2010. "I think that once every hundred years, the central square needs to be repaired," said Mayor Karel Pačiska. The surface is marked by various repairs over the years, and the streetlights are rusted. "It is a very sad state," the mayor believes.
    Technical networks under the square will be replaced, new granite paving will be laid, and a small water cascade will be created. Although there will be fewer parking spaces in the square, a new parking lot for 150 cars will start serving drivers. "It will be connected to the center, so we will divert a large part of the traffic away from the square," noted the mayor. During the reconstruction, entrepreneurs operating in the buildings on the square will suffer losses. "We will try to minimize those losses. Later on, we will all benefit from it, because tourism also sustains us," concluded Pačiska.
    In Jemnice in the Třebíč district, adjustments to the historic square are already taking place. Between the plague column and the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, 24 smaller trees will be planted in a row, and benches will be added. A new fountain will be built. "The square is nice, well-kept. But it is a stone surface that does not provide a place to rest," explained the changes by Mayor Miroslav Nevěčný.
    The revitalization will cost over two million CZK. The city, however, received 1.6 million as a grant for greenery. The project was approved by heritage protectors, but the new line of trees has caused dissatisfaction among citizens. This year, around 600 people signed a petition against the changes.
    While some residents of Jemnice dislike the new greenery, others in Havlíčkův Brod are struggling to accept that the grassy area with bushes will disappear from Havlíčkovo Square after the revitalization. According to experts, the small park in the corner of the square does not correspond to the historic appearance of the center. Only low maples around the Marian column and along the perimeter of the square are to remain. The project, costing 80 million CZK, also includes the reconstruction of networks and new paving. Implementation will begin next year when the city receives funding for it.