Representatives of Opava associations want a referendum on the construction of shops

Opava - The fate of the area with the Opava Slezanka, where the developer Crestyl is supposed to build a large shopping center based on a signed contract, could be decided by a referendum. Several Opava associations are striving for its announcement, but they currently lack about 2500 signatures. One of the initiators, Martin Klimeš, told ČTK today. If the city ultimately withdraws from the contract with the developer, it would most likely have to pay the company. Representatives of the city council have previously stated that they are willing to cover the actual costs incurred by the company. However, they refuse to pay for lost profits. A potential dispute could also end in arbitration.
The associations Za Opavu, Bludný kámen, and the Facebook group Moje Opava are seeking to announce a referendum in Opava. "We want the referendum to take place in the autumn on the day of the regional council elections," said Klimeš. The proposal supported by 5000 signatures must be submitted to the city by April 15th. "At this moment, we have half of the necessary votes," he said. According to him, interested parties can support the initiative in some shops or cafes in the city.
City representatives are already aware of the possibility of a referendum. "We are currently unable to estimate the potential costs associated with the referendum. We already know that it will not be possible to combine the voting directly with the regional elections. It can take place on the same day, but it will require separate polling stations and other commissions. This means an additional 240 people for the commissions. The law excludes electoral commissions for regional elections from dealing with local referendums," stated city spokesperson Lada Dobrovolná. She added that all costs will be paid by the city.
Voting in the referendum would be valid if participation reaches a minimum threshold of 35 percent and 25 percent of all eligible voters vote against the project. In Opava, there were over 48,000 eligible voters during the last municipal elections. In practice, this means that nearly 17,000 people must come to the polls, and more than 12,000 of them must support the referendum idea.
The intention to build another shopping center in the historic center of the city has long been criticized by numerous Opava organizations and personalities. Most opponents of the project would like to use the undeveloped area for recreational activities, sports, and relaxation. Therefore, they advocate rather for the establishment of a park.
The contract with Crestyl was signed by the then city representatives in 2005. According to it, the company is supposed to develop the site under the now-demolished high-rise building from the 70s and the neighboring parks that were established in 1945 after the destruction of buildings during the war. Part of the city's population disagrees with its development. They wish for a quiet zone to remain there. A petition to halt the project was signed by 1300 people in 2011.
The company is still interested in the project, even though one shopping complex has recently been established in the city center. A large shopping center, Breda & Weinstein, was opened in the premises of an abandoned brewery in the autumn of 2012. It offers space for more than 100 stores, a multiplex cinema with six halls, restaurants, and a café across an area of over 25,000 square meters.