The committee on principle planning matters of the National Planning and Building Council today approved the regional outline plan for the Ayalon Park. The committee did not approve construction of a 10,000-unit housing project proposed by Shrem Fudim Kelner & Co. (TASE:SFK) subsidiary Hazera Quality Seeds.
The decision allows for the establishment of a municipal park in the entire 8,000 dunam (2,000) site, which will serve the residents of southern Tel Aviv. The disused Hiriya garbage dump and surrounding area will be rehabilitated.
The majority of committee members state that they voted against the housing project within the designated park because the regional outline plan, a long-term plan like national outline plans, does not require responding to immediate economic considerations.
Prime Minister Ariel Sharon today welcomed the decision to establish the Ayalon Park. Sharon instructed his staff to prepare with the relevant ministries and agencies a proposal for developing the park to submit to the cabinet as soon as possible. Sharon emphasized that the planning procedures for the park should be completed as quickly as possible and implemented forthwith.
The cost of developing the park is estimated at several hundred million shekels, shared by the government, local authorities, foreign donors, Mifal Hapayis - Israel National Lottery, and the Jewish National Fund.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on November 23, 2004