More than 70 questions were on the agenda of the plenary meeting of the city council last Wednesday, with the largest number concerning the alienation of apartments owned by the municipality! Both empty and occupied. The reporter – deputy Aija Melle (“Progressives”) – eventually reached the famous Čiekurkalns water tower, which recently almost led to a physical confrontation among the deputies.
“The object is not used for economic activities,” A. Melle characterized the site with the water tower in Čiekurkalns – an architectural monument of the Art Nouveau era (1912) and industrial heritage, with a total area of 2830 sq.m. Previously owned by the municipal water utility Rīgas ūdens, the structure designed by architect Wilhelm Bokslaff is now proposed to be transferred free of charge for 10 years to the community of residents of the historical microdistrict. They are already taking care of the tower, and during celebrations, they decorate it in national colors!
The technical condition of the water tower is such that commercial investments in it would have to be too large. The public activists, for their part, have committed to maintaining it in a conservation mode – and the city will provide a 90% discount on property tax. “We mow the grass and ensure the premises are inaccessible,” this is how they express this very mode...
– On what grounds does this society operate there? – asked V. Stepanenko. Ernests Saulītis, head of the city’s Real Estate Department, explained that the Department of City Property has already signed the third agreement with the activists (although the architectural monument has had broken windows for 10 years).
– Will it not be the case that in a few years someone, who will no longer be a deputy, will be able to privatize this property? – inquired independent deputy Mairis Briedis. To this, Mr. Saulītis replied in the sense that everything is in the hands of the Council...
One of the architectural wonders of Riga.
“This society belongs to Mr. Spunde,” R. Bremanis pointed out to his colleague from the National Alliance. “It is registered at his address!”
To which Aija Melle wished the opposition tribune to pay closer attention to the list of empty buildings in Riga and, if desired, to claim them. “We are dissatisfied instead of being happy. We will not let this tower fall!”
Meanwhile, deputy Girts Lapiņš (National Alliance) played his trump card – accused the “Sovereigns” of working for the Russian special services. The result: a majority of 36 deputies voted in favor of the tower!
You’re the Fool!
Before starting work, Mayor Viesturs Kleinbergs explained why the presidium is adorned with a flag featuring a yellow cross on a blue background and the slogan: “Our share is only freedom.” This is the flag of the free-loving warriors of allied Ukraine, which they presented to the people of Riga in gratitude for their support...
Subsequently, deputy Inna Djeri asked the mayor – why is a flag in a foreign language displayed? “Keep it in your office!” V. Kleinbergs explained: Riga donated 6 buses to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
– On the 5th floor of the Riga City Council, there is an exhibition of gifts, including a robe from Kazakhstan, why don’t you wear it? – said Vyacheslav Stepanenko in response.
The mayor then tossed the ball back to the opposition: Mr. Stepanenko, while in power, appropriated gifts! Not expecting such a twist, the deputy accused the mayor of slander and demanded facts. “Legends abound,” V. Kleinbergs sidestepped the topic.
– I have also heard opinions about your ruthless dependence on alcoholic beverages, – the opposition countered.
