The construction of the skyscraper near Lužánky Park stirs emotions even when reduced; people are afraid for the trees

Brno - The planned construction of an apartment building on Lidická Street opposite the popular Brno park Lužánky has raised concerns among residents living in the vicinity. The association Sousedé Lužánek sent an open letter today to Brno city councilors and representatives, urging the city to file an objection in the construction proceedings against the approval of this new building. The city is a participant in the construction proceedings by law. As Gabriela Stögerová, the chairwoman of the Sousedé Lužánek association, told ČTK, people living in the shared courtyard are worried about the potential felling of two mature plane trees in the inner courtyard of the building. The city has not yet received the open letter, according to the press department of the magistrate. The managing director of the investor stated to ČTK that the company is proceeding according to all valid directives and laws and that the two trees will be replaced by a large garden.

Protests from local residents have accompanied the future construction since 2018. At that time, the investor planned to build a 95-meter-high apartment building with 23 floors at address Lidická 77. It was supposed to contain 177 apartments. More than 4,500 people signed a petition against this construction.

Currently, the investor, comprised of the companies Lesan and Real Spektrum, plans to build a 40-meter-high building with 12 floors and 83 apartments in this location. In addition, the building is to be equipped with extensive underground garages with 183 parking spaces.

"Unfortunately, the proposal is still very bulky and inconsiderate to the surroundings. In addition, it is set to take down significant trees in the inner courtyard," stated the vice-chairman of the association and the pastor of the local congregation of the Czech Brethren Evangelical Church, Martin Horák.

The city district of Brno-střed has also opposed the new project; its council demanded earlier this spring, among other things, a reduction in the size of the underground garages and the preservation of both plane trees. However, the city district is not a participant in the construction proceedings. Trees over 30 meters tall with a trunk circumference of more than four meters, according to the association, provide relief from high summer temperatures for the entire inner courtyard and the people living there.

"However, the environmental department of the city district issued a permit for their felling, but it is conditional on a valid building permit," added Stögerová. She noted that even if the trees were not cut down due to the construction, the establishment of underground garages would damage their root system.

One of the managing directors of Lesan, Miroslav Kachlík, told ČTK that the number of parking spaces depends on the number of built apartments and that the mature trees will be replaced by an extensive garden. "We are following a study commissioned by the city of Brno. We are sorry that these trees must be removed, but we will build a park in their place. Additionally, we will remove 88 cars from the street to the underground garages," stated Kachlík. He added that the investor is acting in accordance with all applicable directives and laws.

The city district of Brno-střed today published an announcement on its official board regarding the commencement of joint building and planning proceedings and proceedings for the removal of the building. Participants in the proceedings can file objections until August 23 of this year.

According to a statement from Radka Loukotová of the magistrate's press department, the open letter has not yet arrived at the city hall. "If the city enters as a participant in this type of proceedings, the City Council of Brno approves its statement. Until this happens, the content of the councilors' decision cannot be anticipated," stated Loukotová.