Brno will not sell apartments in the center to entrepreneur Procházka

Brno - Today, Brno city councilors approved a resolution opposing the sale of nine apartment buildings in the historic center to businessman Libor Procházka in exchange for land in the area behind Lužánky for the construction of a football stadium. The resolution was prepared following significant protests from tenants in the affected buildings and the disapproval of the city district of Brno-střed, which oversees seven out of the nine buildings.

According to Deputy Mayor Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL), this is a declarative resolution aimed at removing the mentioned buildings from any future discussions with Procházka. Initially, the vote was only to be on seven buildings, but in the end, the councilors approved an amendment proposed by the communists, which included two additional buildings. "I consider this to be populism. Municipal elections are approaching, and some parties are trying to warm up their own soup," commented the addition of the two buildings to the resolution by Mayor Petr Vokřál (ANO).

In recent days, the city has already begun negotiations with Procházka about a swap for other non-residential properties. Without the land behind Lužánky, the city cannot build the stadium and according to Mayor Petr Vokřál (ANO), Procházka would challenge the zoning proceedings. The value of the exchange is approximately 250 million crowns. "I think the negotiations will now become complicated, and I must think about how to lead them further," Vokřál said.

The city is trying to rectify mutual contractual relations. There have been several court disputes between the city and Procházka, in which it was ruled that the city had to pay million-crown amounts. Further payments in the future are a risk, and Procházka currently holds another lawsuit in which he is demanding 38 million. The reason is unjust enrichment, specifically the public use of some of his areas as parking lots or roads.

However, critics from the opposition consider Procházka's methods to be extortionate. For example, the ODS claims that the city is not at risk of any payments now, because there is a barrier in front of the parking lot and no one can enter. They also believe that it is not possible to anticipate the court's decision, and it is by no means certain that the city will have to pay additional money.

Since Procházka wants municipal properties instead of money for his land, the ODS believes that other options for constructing sports infrastructure should be considered. "For example, at the Bohunice campus," mentioned councilor Robert Kerndl. This area in the southwest of the city has been discussed in previous years.