Milovice is considering a referendum due to the solar power plant

Milovice (Nymburk) March 30 (ČTK) - Milovice are considering calling a referendum in which citizens could express their opinion on whether they want a large photovoltaic power plant in the nearby former military area. The project has been the subject of heated discussions for several weeks, and the power plant is to be the largest of its kind in Central Europe. If the referendum were to take place, it would be held on the same date as the parliamentary elections, said Mayor Milan Kraus to ČTK.
    "It is not yet clear that there will be a referendum. The council will decide on it, which has been recommended by the city council. The Boží Dar airport, where the power plant is supposed to be located, is a strategic part of the city, and people should have the opportunity to clearly express their opinions on the matter,” said the mayor.
    Only one company has entered the competition for the use of the former military area, which plans to build a solar power plant covering an area of about 150 hectares. The project also includes the construction of a science and technology park, an equestrian park, and facilities for sheep farming. The total cost will be around 14 billion crowns. The landowner is the Central Bohemia Region, which already has a lease agreement ready for signature.
    The entire plan has its supporters and opponents. The latter do not believe, for example, that the project will provide the promised more than 350 jobs. They also point to the low benefits for the city and the alleged negative impacts of the power plant's operation on health. Supporters, on the other hand, argue that the power plant will ensure that a large and noisy airport will not be built near Milovice. They also appreciate that the investor will carry out the demolition and remediation of the old buildings at their own expense, which will cost about half a billion crowns.
    The previous leadership of the region, led by Petr Bendel (ODS), had already sought a use for the area, which is currently in unsatisfactory condition. They commissioned a study costing more than five million crowns for this purpose. However, the new leadership of the region has a different concept and does not want a large transport airport or industrial zones to be established in Milovice.
    The population of Milovice has been rapidly increasing in recent years. The sharp rise is related to the reconstruction of houses previously occupied by Soviet soldiers. Many young people, who are starting families, have moved in.