Emails Show Reykjavík Leadership Knew About Warehouse Scale Before Construction

Morgunblaðið has uncovered emails that cast serious doubt on the Reykjavík city council's claims of being caught off guard by the scale of the warehouse development at Álfabakki 2a. These communications, exchanged between elected officials, civil servants, and the developer Eignabyggð ehf., indicate that the majority leadership possessed significant knowledge about the project's scope prior to its construction. This directly contradicts public statements suggesting the council was taken by surprise once the building was erected.

One particularly revealing email from Dóra Björt Guðjónsdóttir to Mayor Einar Þorsteinsson expresses concerns that the warehouse at Álfabakki 2a does not offer a 'pleasant interface' for the neighborhood and that 'such activity does not suit the neighborhood.' The email further requests the opinion of the city planner, emphasizing the need for 'harm reduction' strategies in anticipation of 'furious opposition' from residents. This suggests a pre-existing awareness of potential conflict and a strategic approach to managing public perception, even as permits were being processed.

“

the warehouse at Álfabakki 2a does not offer a pleasant interface for the neighborhood and that 'such activity does not suit the neighborhood.'

The timing of these emails is crucial, sent when doubts about Álfabakki 2a were already surfacing within the city administration and before the required permits were officially granted. Morgunblaðið's investigation points to a potential pattern of insufficient transparency and a willingness to proceed with developments despite internal reservations and anticipated public backlash. This situation raises questions about accountability and the decision-making processes within the Reykjavík city government, particularly concerning urban development projects that impact local communities.

“

need for 'harm reduction' strategies in anticipation of 'furious opposition' from residents.