There are some signs on Strefi Hill that bear witness to the reconstruction project announced during the previous mayor's term. Starting to climb several levels of the hill, one notices crude fences on the slopes, sheets of metal and nets rolled at various places ready for use.
Athenian or not, an observer who is not informed of the latest developments regarding the reconstruction projects cannot understand the disagreements that some of the residents of the Exarchia had or what transpired between the new municipal authority and Kostas Bagoyannis. The only sign: “Out! Free Mountain' someone wrote on the galvanized fence near the police-guarded entrance.
Despite its image of abandonment, there are few who take advantage of the mountain's fresh air and greenery with their dog in tow. However, on the way up, they are further reduced by a difficult climb on a dirt road encroached by tree roots, which create “traps” for the riders. The descent is even harder and more dangerous. This situation prevents visitors from enjoying the panoramic view of the northern suburbs of Athens and from Lycabettus to the Acropolis and the sea.
Narrow dirt roads leading up.
Many questions arise. For what reasons did one of the last green lungs in Athens achieve this status? Why has the new plan not progressed over the years, despite plenty of political commentary and journalistic posturing? What residents really want and what the new mayor is planning after the announcement that the project is getting a “fresh start”.
A New Beginning”
On Monday 29/01, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas put an end to the “redevelopment” of Strefi Hill started by former Mayor Kostas Bagoyannis. “Vima” spoke Mr. Doukas' colleagues explain that the project has not really progressed yet, lacking a plan and close monitoring of its progress:
“To the naked eye, nothing has been done… at least half of the sponsorship money has been paid for the reconstruction (including Prodia's 1.15 million euro sponsorship). Due to the backlash and lack of close monitoring of the project by the municipality, work has not progressed. Therefore, a major revitalization project, project, social In peace and in consultation with the residents, we are confident that we cannot proceed.”
“The design will be completely new”
As the new mayor's allies point out, the planning starts from the beginning, priority is given to tasks related to the safety of residents “The project of the previous municipal authority included the construction of a belvedere (viewpoint). The installation of cameras. We are talking about a new beginning regarding the regeneration of the hill. The design will be completely new. “We will not let up. The new plan will include all necessary efforts to immediately complete the works necessary for the safety of the residents. A rehabilitation plan will be drawn up in consultation with the residents,” he said.
“They lost the sponsorship because they didn't execute the project properly,” said Mr. Bagoyiannis takes charge: “We are exploring all possibilities.”
What is Bagoyannis's response?
With his announcement, Kostas Bagoyiannis and the “Athens High” section responded to what the new mayor said, shooting arrows against the new municipal authority, saying that they are telling lies and halting the reconstruction of this iconic hill. About the progress of the project.
In fact, the Bakoyannis side says that important works have been carried out, but the project remains unfinished: “The remaining works are particularly important, not only for the completion of the project, but also for the safe access of visitors to the site, for example, the electric lighting network is finished, but if the masts and lights are not installed, some parts of the mountain will be dark. On the slopes where there have been rockfall events, the installation of nets and barrier fences has not continued, resulting in them being even more dangerous for visitors.
In the announcement “Who will put up the money?” begs the question. And it said: “The new municipal commission must explain how and if it intends to implement the remaining works. Will it follow the approved studies? If so, why does he not allow the sponsor to finish without the citizens being financially burdened? Disagree with the approved studies? Will he write other studies? How soon will this happen? ? Will he bid on another project, when? With what resources?'
Referring to the CoE's decision to stop the works, the previous municipal authority said the decision “allows the continuation of all work on the hill, except for a temporary stop (and not a permanent stop) of work. Belvedere”.
What residents are saying about the plans
In the wake of this development, residents are expressing their disappointment that the projects are not proceeding at the moment. Specifically, the President of the Exarchia Residents and Professionals Association, Maria Athanasopoulou, who has lived in the Exarchia since 1972, wonders with “insurance” how plans will be carried out when they are permanently blocked by the Council of Ministers or incomprehensible through chaos or various opposition events. Reasons for their discontinuation: “Some projects may continue. For example, the power supply that Srefis is currently in the dark because everything is broken after fifteen years of power theft.”
“The mountain was left to its own devices”
He brings to the fore the concerns of residents and the issues plaguing the mountain: the word “stop” worries residents, who complain of a lack of access. Where should residents go? Where to walk except for dog walkers. The mountain was left to its own devices and withered away. The playground of Kaklamanis was built three times and remains in ruins. We've had unbelievable situations, parties on the hill ended at eight in the morning and then a garbage truck had to come to pick up the amount of trash. Tents, homeless people, dirt. What happens to the slopes, the surrounding mountain has been collapsing since Kamina age. No new trees can be planted. Another problem is the rain network. When it rains, the water runs down the judokos bigi to the academy for three days. In other words, the hill is really affected, the situation is dramatic”.
from the page Yula KuyaA resident of the area for 42 years says the residents no longer have the mountain: “It's not the mountain the residents enjoy. The trails are being abandoned, drug use and smuggling routes are being destroyed.”
Mrs. Athanasopoulou talks about the specific minority that holds both the mountain and the Exarchia as a whole “hostage”, while he also supports the importance of security in protecting any project: “Unfortunately, a minority of 20 people regulate the situation in the region. A minority that is not afraid of anything. This dynamic minority that has plagued the region for years, They are very responsible for the decline of the neighborhood. It is sad that the new municipal authority is being formed with all of them at this time. The problem is what kind of projects the new municipal authority intends to do and how to protect the mountain. So what do we want free spaces in the lawlessness that we don't respect? Mr. Mayor says he doesn't want cameras. decided. Except that Mr. Mayor didn't walk in Strefi. Whatever work was done in Strefi, it had to be protected, otherwise it would be a waste of effort and money.”
Mrs. Regardless of the political figures, Kouya also stands by the general situation of the Exarchia, “I'm not interested in people or politics, I want to have a bank as a resident of the Exarchia, I'm interested. I want a bus. Now there's no bank in the area. No buses. The mail is gone.”
