The Holyland project in Jerusalem's Beit Vegan neighborhood is not the only real estate eyesore in Israel. There are other monstrosities around the country and more are on the way. These projects suggest, however, that stupidity, not corruption, is behind many projects that are rising in the heart of Israel's cities.
The Monster on the Mountain
Long before suspicions of bribery and corruption arose over the Holyland project, the site was known as the "Monster on the Mountain" and other unflattering nicknames. Located opposite the Malha Mall in southern Jerusalem, overlooking Emek Hazvaim (Gazelle Valley), the developers, led by Ziel Feldman-controlled Polar Investments Ltd. (TASE:PLR), first demolished several old buildings and uprooted a pine forest on the site angering environmental organizations and local residents.
The planning authorities also approved a 34-storey high-rise for the site, which described as a wound to the area's natural landscape. The project's four buildings are connected by a bridge at the upper floors. The Jerusalem Local Planning and Building Commission approved the project despite hundreds of objections, for which, in an extraordinary act, the commission refused to hold a hearing.
The Shadow over Neve Tzedek
Completed in 2007, the Neve Tzedek Tower is a 147-meter high 44-storey skyscraper with 300 luxury apartments in the middle of the historic Neve Tzedek neighborhood and close to the equally historic Templar neighborhood (also known as the American Colony) in south Tel Aviv. The project was controversial, with opponents arguing that it did not fit in with the neighborhood texture and that the looming structure cast shadows over large parts of the historic neighborhood. Local residents are still battling Tel Aviv Municipality plans to build more high-rises in the area.
The Great Wall of Haifa
Shorefront construction has been a sore point for years, damaging Israel's coastline and public access, according to environmental organizations. One of the more noteworthy projects is the Hof Hacarmel building in Haifa, known to the city's residents as "The Wall", which blocks the city's Mediterranean vista. The building was approved in the 1970s as part of a project of six high-rises. Two buildings, with 473 apartments, were built in the 1990s, and the developers, including Delek Real Estate Ltd. (TASE: DLKR), are trying to pursue the project over bitter objections.
One thing can be said in favor of this Mediterranean monstrosity, which is included in a list of Israel's worst architectural designs: it helped propel passage of the Coastal Environment Preservation Law, which bans construction within 300 meters of the shoreline. The law has blocked several major developments.
The Rich Man's Ghetto in Jaffa
Andromeda Hill overlooking the Jaffa Port is not a high-rise, but was the center of a public storm for years because it blocked public access to the beach, and because its violence to the urban texture of the area. Nicknamed "The Rich Man's Ghetto" and "Eyesore", it was seen as a foreign enclave in the poverty-ridden alleyways of Jaffa. Deliberately planned to gentrify Jaffa, the town's Arab residents considered the project as a Jewish settlement in their midst. Although not originally planned as a gated community, there is still an entry barrier despite a 2007 court order to allow free public access.
Brutality in the Square
Three massive high-rises are planned for Kikar Hamedina in north Tel Aviv, an open public circle that has for decades served as a park for the area's residents. Development plans for the circle's center, whose land is privately owned, have ignited battles between the landowners and the area's residents and storeowners, who argue that Kikar Hamedina is not merely open public space, but is a symbol of the city.
Opponents to the project also argue that the planning of skyscrapers in the middle of an urban neighborhood breaches all norms of urban planning. The project still faces delays, in part due to objections by the defense establishment to the skyscrapers' height, which are planned to have 43 floors each. This will now likely be reduced to 25 floors. Given the ongoing planning and legal battles, the last word on the project has not been said.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 12, 2010
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2010