The construction of the richest Czech evokes mixed reactions from locals

Podkozí (Berounsko) - The ongoing construction of the extensive residence of the wealthiest Czech, Petr Kellner, in Podkozí, Berounsko, evokes differing reactions from local residents. While some appreciate that dilapidated, unmaintained properties have disappeared from the site, others fear that this picturesque part of Berounsko will lose its tranquility. Many residents are also disturbed by the bustling construction activity.
    "We're actually quite annoyed. We used to come here to swim as children," said a local resident to ČTK, who earns some extra money working as security at the construction site. Some of the cottage owners contacted by ČTK were also troubled by the closure of the access road. According to a staff member of the construction office in Rudná, however, only one complaint related to the construction has been recorded, and that was last August. She stated that everything was explained and set right without any issues. "In the year and a bit that I've been here, I've only dealt with one complaint. When construction is going on, it's clear that heavy machinery will be driving around, and it will happen that people cannot pass through for half an hour," she argued.
    Josef Kankrlík, the deputy mayor of Ptic, where Kellner's construction is located, confirmed that the third-class road to the construction site is currently impassable because an optical cable is being laid there. "Now the roadway will undergo reconstruction; last week, its edges were already being torn up and the ditches deepened," he added. According to him, the repair is being financed by Kellner or at least he is contributing to it, as the road has been damaged mainly by concrete mixers and other heavy machinery arriving at the site.
    While some cottage owners in Podkozí may be bothered by the construction of Kellner's residence, Kankrlík noted that the locals in Ptic do not see it that way. "I cannot say that I have heard any fundamentally negative or even positive feedback. Here in Ptic, certainly not. People know that something is being built there, but whether they are complaining or, on the contrary, excited about it, not at all. It's going on rather quietly," he remarked.
    He reportedly did not observe any dissatisfaction regarding the road closure due to the cable installation. "It's not for long, and we ourselves have a sewer line being worked on here, so people are more concerned about the road closure due to the sewer than about Mr. Kellner building something down there," he added.
    Kankrlík also pointed out that the new neighbors are showing themselves to be generous patrons. "Mrs. Kellner contributes some amount to the municipal office in Ptice every year for a project we propose, like for the sewer or lighting," he noted. Therefore, he believes that many people welcome Kellner's activities.
    The construction attracts the attention of passersby and cyclists who visit the area. However, most details remain hidden behind a tall slate wall, along which security cameras are spaced at regular intervals. What cannot be hidden, though, is the enormous crane and the numerous workers around it, along with pallets of construction materials and other elements that are inseparable from any construction site.
    According to local information, the richest Czech had the original barn and the former pub demolished and purchased three additional houses, which he also had torn down. A dilapidated pioneer camp of the former Waterworks used to stand on part of his land. A riding center, among other things, is being constructed at this site.
    According to documentation for the zoning decision, which ČTK has access to, it is a single-storey building, partially sunk into the terrain, which is to include three structures - a covered riding hall, a stable for ten horses, and a building with technical facilities, which will also include the caretaker's apartment. Adjacent to the building, according to the documentation, there should also be an outdoor riding arena covering an area of 2,600 square meters and horse paddocks covering 1,500 square meters.
    Kankrlík noted that the terraced building gradually recedes into the valley and does not differ much in height from the structures that stood here in the past. "Theoretically, it’s not much taller than the original barn was," he added. He also rejected reports from some media that Kellner is building in a protected area. "In the zoning plan, it is marked as a buildable area," he emphasized.