'It will be better for you undeservedly, and for us in Trnsko and Siget?' Works planned in Sveta Klara cause outrage

Zagreb's local government has chosen a designer for the main project to extend Cimermanova Street, a road connecting the Trnskog area to Avenija Dubrovnik. The planned extension will create a link to Horvatova Street, a development the local committee of Sveta Klara considers significant for several reasons.

The project includes a connection from Utinjska Street to the new road via a railway crossing, with provisions for a potential new railway station and bus stops in both directions. This new traffic link is also expected to improve connections to Podbrežje and Avenija Većeslava Holjevca, as well as the Avenija Dubrovnik area and the future route of the extended Vatikanska Street through Sveta Klara.

Local officials emphasized the project's importance for creating safer pedestrian and cycling routes and enhancing public transport access to Sveta Klara. The selected designer has four months to complete the project documentation, including geodetic work and the development of main and execution designs. Following this, the process of obtaining building permits and submitting the complete documentation to the City of Zagreb will commence.

However, the announcement has stirred significant anger among residents of neighboring areas. Many expressed concern that the development would destroy natural green spaces, increase pollution, and disrupt the peace of their neighborhoods. Comments on social media included fears of "unearned" improvements for some areas at the expense of others' quality of life, and accusations of "devastating nature" for the sake of convenience.

Some residents recalled a successful petition against developing this green belt, questioning why the same "green option" now appears to advocate for road construction. The fear is that the increased traffic will be funneled through the quietest parts of Novi Zagreb, leading to a decline in living standards.