Strides towards solving housing crisis: 1,600 new apartments approved for Chareidi Community

Exposed by “Bechadrei”: A meeting was held early this afternoon (Sunday) between Minister of ‘Environmental Protection’, Ze’ev Elkin, and head of the Finance committee Moshe Gafne, Director of housing Avigdor Yitschaki. Also taking part in the meeting was Harav Yitschok Reich, head of Rechasim regional council. The meeting produced the agreement between the parties to continue the expansion plans of Rechasim by adding 16,000 new housing units for the Chareidi community.

An agreement was reached in which the ‘Department for environmental protection’ would remove all objections and obstacles so that the planning can continue unhindered and without delay. The sides are set to reach a permanent solution- satisfactory to all sides, within a month.

Minister Elkin originally objected to the plans after he was approached by ‘Green’ organizations who claimed that the new expansion will be damaging to the environment. Minister Elkin subsequently filed his complaint with the housing committee which in turn did not even bring up Rechasims planned expansion, leaving of the table.

Thanks to today’s meeting the obstacles have been removed and plans for the 16,000 new housing units are continuing. Also present at the meeting was Shaul Goldstien CEO of ‘Nature and Parks Authority’ together with a team of architectures who are involved in the planned expansion in Rechasim.

Ashel Amroni head of ‘ministry of housing and construction’ sees tremendous potential in Rechasim. While touring the city, he said “Rechasim has great potential… and it can help solve the Chareidi housing crisis” He also added that his office is taking responsibility in moving the plans forward. He also plans on setting up a joint committee of the many government offices involved, creating one big committee to oversee the planned expansion.

As well, he plans on hosting a joint meeting of all the agencies involved, in the near future.

By Yackov Grodka
Translated by Eli B.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!