Panel building in Havlíčkův Brod will be demolished

Havlíčkův Brod - The Havlíčkův Brod councilors approved the demolition of a panel building with 18 apartments in the city center. They believe that the building, located near the historic Havlíček's House, spoils the view of the old buildings. People living in the municipal house will receive alternative accommodation from the city hall and a financial contribution to cover the costs associated with moving. The building is already partially empty, stated councilor Libor Honzárek (TOP 09).
      Demolition is part of the planned revitalization of Smetanovo náměstí. According to current estimates, it could cost between three to five million crowns. Tenants can move to another one of the municipal apartments, where they will receive a contract on the same terms. The city hall will provide each person with 20,000 crowns for the move. According to the city hall spokesperson Alena Doležalová, there are currently enough vacant municipal apartments for people to choose from. The last four tenants from the problematic panel building have not yet resolved their housing situation.
      The demolition was approved by the votes of the city council coalition. Opposition councilors spoke out against it. Jiří Čáslavský (ČSSD) unsuccessfully proposed to postpone the decision on the demolition until September. In his opinion, the panel building has its value and its appearance could be improved with repairs. Social Democrat Zdeněk Kopecký was also dissatisfied that it was not specified what would be built on the vacated land.
      Supporters of the demolition, on the other hand, stated that this issue has been discussed at the city hall for years. According to Honzárek, there are several possibilities for the use of the vacated site. One of them is to leave the land empty. The construction of a facility for cultural events is also a possibility.
      The controversial building is situated between two squares in the center of Brod, the historic Havlíčkův and Smetanovo, which is dominated by panel construction. Smetanovo Square was created in the 1970s in the place of the former horse market, where old houses were demolished. The revitalization of the entire Smetanovo Square will cost tens of millions. The city hall aims to secure grants for it, as was achieved in the case of Havlíčkův Square, the renovation of which was completed this month.