Due to objections from local residents, the Ropaži Municipality has postponed the meeting for the public discussion of the winter highway construction in Upesciems, the LETA agency has learned.
As stated on the municipal website, the Ropaži Municipality has postponed the public discussion of the winter highway construction project to review the compliance of procedural actions with regulatory acts.
The municipality promises to provide further information on the next stages of the project discussion.
Approximately 100 questionnaires from residents requesting the rejection of the construction project have been submitted to the Ropaži Municipality.
Among the main reasons for the refusal are the impact of noise and traffic on residential areas, conflict with the spatial value of the Upesciems ponds and nature conservation interests, risks of deteriorating air quality and environmental pollution, as well as a decrease in quality of life and property values.
Residents of the areas adjacent to the highway generally do not oppose the idea of the highway itself but are against its location and would prefer to see it further away from residential neighborhoods.
As acknowledged in a conversation with the LETA agency by one of the neighbors of the planned highway, Andis Krūmiņš, the main objections are related to the risk of oils and other petroleum products entering the soil, groundwater, and subsequently the Krivupe River, which feeds the local ponds.
Referring to ichthyologists, Krūmiņš noted that winter disrupts the peace of fish, which may suffer from vibrations and die as a result of serious disturbances.
According to him, the noise from the highway will also significantly affect both the residents of the nearby surroundings and his business activities. Krūmiņš manages the Albert ponds located near the planned highway.
The highway parking will be located 10 meters from his recreation base, and 50 meters from the water. He is convinced that people wishing to enjoy a peaceful winter holiday will not appreciate the noise from cars speeding by.
Krūmiņš is determined to defend his rights.
As reported, a project for the construction of a winter highway has been submitted to the Ropaži Municipality for land plots in Rendas and Lauces.
The project involves the construction of a seasonal winter highway, the removal of the topsoil layer approximately 20 centimeters thick at the proposed highway site, as well as leveling excess soil across the area. The highway will be covered with the existing soil.
The highway is planned to be used only in winter, exclusively when there is a frozen or snow-covered surface. The main goal is to use the highway for training, teaching children and youth, as well as to give residents the opportunity to acquire driving skills in slippery conditions, explain the authors of the idea.
As noted by the municipality, the placement and arrangement of facilities related to sports and recreation are permitted in the specified area. Since the construction project area borders a recreational facility—the Upesciems ponds—the project is subject to mandatory public discussion.
The responsible person for the construction project is Janis Lepšis. He is a deputy of the Ropaži region from the "United List" and also the deputy chairman of the Committee on Education, Culture, Sports, and Youth of the Ropaži Council.
According to his official declaration, Lepšis is a member of the board of the "SK Garkalne racing" society.
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