Turnov will financially support the repairs of architecturally interesting buildings

Turnov (Semilsko) - The Turnov City Hall wants to contribute to the repairs of houses in the municipal heritage zone, which are not themselves heritage sites. Stricter rules also apply to them, which owners must follow during renovations. However, they cannot typically obtain grants for the reconstruction of these houses. Therefore, starting next year, the city will offer them contributions from a new fund it will create. The city hall proposes that this fund has three-quarters of a million crowns for the year 2012, said today to ČTK the head of the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports, René Brož.
    The list of buildings that can receive financial support will not be limited to just the heritage zone. Members of the municipal heritage commission, along with experts from the National Heritage Institute in Turnov, have identified other architecturally or historically significant buildings that can also qualify. "They are not marred by any fundamental reconstruction or are interesting villa-like structures," described the department head. This list includes about thirty buildings and can be supplemented.
    The conditions for the allocation of funds will have to be assessed by the heritage commission. "The owner will come with some intention, and at the moment when the material and technical aspects meet the commission's approval, we will discuss how much the city could contribute from its budget," Brož outlined. However, according to him, the city will not cover the majority of the costs.
    For next year, an amount of 750,000 crowns is currently being considered. The decisive word will be with the councilors during the budget approval. This will traditionally be voted on in Turnov at the beginning of next year. According to the city hall leadership, the reason for creating the fund is primarily to ensure an attractive appearance for the city center. A similar system has been functioning for several years, for example, in Jilemnice.