Jerusalem Municipality: The tenders' discriminatory conditions prevent couples from buying homes at reasonable prices.
The Jerusalem Municipality has asked the Ministry of Housing and Construction and the Israel Land Authority to cancel the planned sale of lots for the construction of 128 long-term rental apartments and 166 apartments under price for tenants tenders in the city's new Country project in the Ramot neighborhood. The projects are part of tenders for land for 606 apartments in the area. The municipality said that it objects to the tenders because of their discriminatory conditions, which prevent young couples and working families from buying a home in the area at a reasonable price.
"734 housing units are planned for the Country neighborhood altogether, surrounding a country club with sports fields and swimming pools. The neighborhood's location near the Har Hotzvim industrial zone, Hebrew University's Mount Scopus campus, the Arazim Valley Metropolitan Park, and the new business center at the city's entrance will attract young Jerusalem couples," said the Jerusalem Municipality.
"The municipality reached agreements in principle with IDF Housing Administration and the Ministry of Finance for the allocation of some of the project's apartments to career soldiers, in line with the government's decision on the most recent Jerusalem Day to encourage the allocation of lots, exempt from tenders, for career soldiers. The municipality objects to the marketing of the lots via the proposed tracks in part because the criteria discriminate against people eligible for discounted housing. These criteria contravene the Trajtenberg Committee recommendations, which were approved by the Israeli government, and they complete ignore the need for affordable housing for the middle class and working families as reflected in the recent social protest."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 8, 2012
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