The abandoned customs houses want to be converted into apartments in the Jeseník area

Olomouc - In the Czech-Polish border region in the north of the Olomouc Region, there will soon be vacant buildings that customs officers are leaving. By the end of the year, border checks will end. The state is not interested in the buildings and wants to transfer them to municipalities. Although the municipalities in Jesenicko lack funds for their reconstruction and maintenance, they are still interested in the properties. They would like to use them for building apartments or for social purposes. This is reported by today's Central Moravian Mladá fronta Dnes (MfD).
    Three large buildings at border crossings and several other buildings in border towns will remain empty in Jesenicko. According to Augustyn Bitara, the director of the Jesenicko office of the State Representation Office for Property Matters, offers are already coming in. "There is interest from the municipalities, and we also expect demand from entrepreneurs, especially traders," Bitara stated.
    His colleague Libor Gonsior pointed out that the state will offer each building to the municipalities. "In case of interest, the municipalities will receive the buildings free of charge. However, they cannot sell them or offer them for commercial use for ten years. They can be used, for example, for the construction of apartments, social or similar non-commercial purposes," Gonsior specified.
    Only if the municipalities are not interested will the state offer the buildings to entrepreneurs. "That will be for a fee," Gonsior added.
    Municipalities in the border region confirmed that they are interested in some properties. According to the mayors, however, some buildings are in very poor condition. "It will require a lot of money for their reconstruction. We will only take them if there is a chance to obtain grants for their renovation. Otherwise, it would be a gift that would significantly affect our budget, and we do not want that," said the mayor of Mikulovice, Ivan Dost.
    The town of Javorník is also interested in the buildings in the border area. In Zlaté Hory, the councilors will further discuss the possible offer from the state.