Zagreb Mayor Defends Affordable Housing Project Amidst Strong Resident Opposition

Residents of the Borovje neighborhood have formally opposed the city's plan to build 600 affordable housing units, submitting more than 1,000 signatures to the Zagreb city administration. The residents argue that the project will result in the "betonization" of their neighborhood and create chaos in an already densely populated area.

Despite the strong local opposition, Mayor Tomislav Tomašević affirmed that the city will proceed with the affordable housing initiative. He emphasized that providing affordable rental units is a cornerstone of his administration's platform and that the project has been planned for years on land designated for residential development. "I hope and believe that most citizens consider that the City should build affordable rental housing because rental prices have become unbearable," Tomašević stated at a press conference.

The mayor also addressed concerns about the scale of the project, noting that the city is currently building a similar facility with 300 units in Podbrežje without controversy. He pointed out that the Borovje site has always been intended for housing and that the urban plan reflects this long-standing intention. "The decision to prepare an urban plan was made several years ago, so no one can say we have deceived anyone," he added.

The project is being developed under a new Urban Development Plan for Borovje – south zone, which is currently undergoing public consultation. While the city plans to consider all public comments, the final decision rests with the City Assembly. Tomašević acknowledged that infrastructure development would take time, with construction likely several years away.