Contractor Hillel Karadi, who is building a mall in Dimona, is demanding that the mayor veto Peretz Bonei Hanegev from building a competing mall outside the town.
Karadi reminded Dimona’s mayor of his promise in February 2002 not to approve another mall in the town until 2010, and threatened to sue the town planning and building committee members personally if they approve Peretz Bonei Hanegev’s project.
“Globes” reported that Peretz Bonei Hanegev is planning a $60 million project, including a 17,000-sq.m. commercial center, outside Dimona. Part of the space has already been leased in conditional contracts. The cornerstone ceremony is scheduled for June 19.
In February 2002, Dimona’s mayor wrote to Noga Real Estate, which owns the Dimona Mall, stating, “The municipality believes there is no justification for a second mall in the town, and therefore it will not approve zoning commercial land for the construction of a mall for the next eight years.”
Peretz Bonei Hanegev deputy CEO Eyal Peretz said in response, “Based on a legal opinion we’re preparing, there is no need, in accordance with the latest ruling, for the town planning and building committee to rezone [the land] from industrial to commercial use. Therefore, we may not apply for a permit. I haven’t read Karadi’s letter, and our design and leasing plans for the land are unchanged.”
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on May 18, 2003