Praha 5: Disputes over the sale of houses for the "Nové Košíře" center

Prague - The council of Prague 5 will sell four houses with land in Košíře to a private investor for 16.3 million crowns, where a new district center is to be created. The representatives decided today on the deal, although the properties are estimated to be worth about 29 million crowns. According to the opposition, the price is unfavorable for the council.
    "The prices being proposed are very ridiculous," said Ondřej Gál (ODS), who is among the critics of mayor Milan Jančík (also ODS). The council's leadership argues that the houses are intended for demolition and the investor will have to provide alternative housing for the residents. "That the developer will provide people with alternative apartments does not justify a discount," however, believes Lukáš Budín (Green Party).
    The council will sell the houses on Jinonická, Plzeňská, and Vrchlického streets for the New Košíře project. "We are selling the land at full price. The discount is only on the buildings that will be removed," Jančík emphasized.
    While the council will sell the houses to the investor right away, the land will be sold only after the new building is constructed. "The council will have an influence on the appearance and purpose of the new development," said Deputy Mayor Petr Horák (ODS). He admitted that if the properties were sold individually, the council could have received more money. "The project is in the interest of Prague 5," added Horák.
    The new building should also include a large police station. Currently, people from Košíře have to travel to Butovice for police assistance. The investor is also expected to build a gym near the elementary school.