Liberec will begin to address 7 strategic changes to the zoning plan

Liberec – Liberec will begin preparing seven strategic changes to its zoning plan. These pertain to the development of the zoo, the construction of new parking spaces, the establishment of an emergency service headquarters, and a cable car to Bedřichov. Today, the city councilors discussed this as part of the approval process for the next steps in creating the new zoning plan. The opposition objected to the fact that this would mean a reduction in greenery and considers most of the proposed suggestions unnecessary.

The opposition criticized the proposed construction of a parking garage on Fibichova Street, which is intended to address the shortage of parking spaces for zoo visitors, as well as students and employees of the nearby technical university.

"We are going to increase traffic in this area even more," criticized opposition councilor Ondřej Petrovský from the Change for Liberec. According to him, the city should rather establish a central parking lot on the outskirts and encourage zoo visitors to use public transport instead.

According to Josef Šedlbauer (Change), the zoo and the university should share the existing parking spaces more effectively. While students and employees need them mainly on weekdays, the highest interest in the zoo usually occurs during summer holidays and on weekends. Zoo director and coalition councilor David Nejedlo (SLK) countered that they are already doing this, and it is not sufficient. "Unresolved parking issues are bothering the entire area," stated Nejedlo.

The location considered for the parking garage on Fibichova Street is currently classified as green space. Another suggestion at the expense of this is the planned expansion of the zoo towards the natural amphitheater or the construction of a parking lot at the site of Voča park on Komenského Street. According to Mayor Jaroslav Zámečník (SLK), it is needed due to the reconstruction of the neighboring Liebieg Palace; without it, the city would not obtain a building permit. There is also greenery at the location considered for the emergency service headquarters in the area of Krejčího, Ševčíkova, and Pod Sadem míru streets.

The city administration wants to address the location of the tram terminus for the proposed line to Ruprechtice as part of the strategic changes. Up to now, a space has been allocated in the zoning plan at Tržní náměstí; however, it may instead be at the LVT complex. According to Zámečník, they would also like to change the potential use of the area near the regional office. "The region will be building a riverbank on its side, and we have proposed that we would like a city one opposite, where there is a parking lot and Park Na rybníčku," said the mayor. The town hall is also revisiting the idea of building a cable car from Lidové sady to Bedřichov. "We just want to check whether it is even feasible," he added.