Prodaja občinskega zemljišča v središču Nove Gorice sproža polemike

The city council of Nova Gorica has sold 5,000 square meters of municipal land in the heart of the town for 1.55 million euros, sparking public debate. The decision was made during a June meeting of the city council, with the sale approved by 15 votes in favor and eight against. The area, located between Kidričevo Street and Gradnikovih Brigad Street, is part of the central urban zone designated for major activities, including residential and commercial developments. According to current spatial plans, the site is intended for both housing and business spaces, with approximately 70 apartments planned in the basement levels. Public opposition has been vocal, particularly on social media platforms, where critics accuse the municipality of selling its “silver”, a metaphor suggesting valuable or irreplaceable property. The opposition argues that the timing of the sale, just before the end of the current mandate, raises questions about transparency and long-term planning. Several council members have expressed concerns over the decision, emphasizing the need for more deliberation and democratic accountability. Elena Zavadlav Ušaj, a member of the Democratic Party, voiced her dissent during the council session, stating, “Why rush this decision right before the end of our term, if we could instead defer it to the next administration?” Similarly, Damjana Pavlica from the SDS party argued that such a significant sale should have been decided after elections, saying, “It’s a shame we’re selling such land. We should think carefully about who and why we’re selling it. I believe now isn’t the right time.” Andrej Pelican from the “Mi, socialisti!” group also voted against the sale, adding, “If someone had guaranteed that these would be non-profit or rented units, not market-rate ones, I’d have voted differently.” The Krajevna Skupnost Nova Gorica, a local community organization, did not provide consent for the sale, according to its president Oton Mozetič, who is also a city council member. He noted that while the municipal decree suggests that local communities should be consulted on such decisions, the council failed to engage them adequately. Mozetič stated, “The Community Council never discussed the sale of one of the most important municipal lands, even though the ordinance requires their input. As a city council member, I voted against it because I believed the decision was rushed and driven primarily by financial interests.” In contrast, the Goriška.si political group maintained a neutral stance, with its members abstaining from voting. Gabrijel Fišer, representing the group, explained, “On such important issues, it would have been necessary to hold a public discussion, address the positions of different political groups, and only then decide on the sale of such strategic space in the city center.” Mayor Samo Turel defended the decision, citing the city’s developmental needs. “We want to enable further development of the city, better utilization of space, and respond to one of the biggest problems in Nova Gorica, the lack of housing,” he said. In response to criticisms that the area should be reserved for other uses or kept as green space, Turel pointed out that the eastern part of the site is planned for public programs, while the western part will be used for residential construction.