Citizens and activists gathered: Marijin Dvor disappearing under towers

(Patria) - Residents of the Marijin Dvor neighborhood and activists from Eco Action gathered today near Marijin Dvor to express their dissatisfaction with the possible construction of three skyscrapers between the Holiday Hotel and the Alta shopping center. One skyscraper is to be built next to the Holiday Hotel, while two will be built by entrepreneur Tihomir Brajković, who has already built a large number of buildings and settlements in Sarajevo.

"The Centar Municipality has issued consent for the construction of a new shopping center and a 22-story skyscraper next to the Holiday, and permits for two more skyscrapers in the same part of Marijin Dvor are expected.

According to the construction plan, instead of the existing trees, we will get concrete planters. Where grassy parks were or should be, concrete slabs will be placed, which radiate unbearable heat in the summer. Instead of playgrounds and benches, we will get narrow passages between buildings. Marijin Dvor is disappearing under towers! For whom and for what? We want settlements for a good and decent life for ordinary people," say the citizens gathered around the initiative "Work for the City".

They remind that on February 26, 2024, the KS Assembly repealed the conclusion from 2020 which prohibited high-rise construction in ventilation corridor zones.

"Less than two months later, the mayor of the Centar Municipality, Srđan Mandić, issued a new urban planning consent for the construction of a 22-story skyscraper in Marijin Dvor," add the dissatisfied citizens.

Citizens demand that Mayor Mandić request an opinion from the Commission for the Preservation of National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding the urban plan.

"Mayor Mandić did not seek an opinion from the Commission for the Preservation of National Monuments of Bosnia and Herzegovina before issuing the consent," claim the dissatisfied citizens.

Citizens have requested the Government of Sarajevo Canton to prevent any construction until a new urban plan for Sarajevo Canton is adopted.

As they point out, they find it unacceptable that the KS Government repealed the conclusion from 2020 which prohibited high-rise construction in ventilation corridor zones.