Update 19.43: What does the architect of Sector 5 City Hall say about the project
The documentation regarding the project for building tower blocks on Progresului Street on the agenda of the Sector 5 Local Council meeting on Wednesday is legal, stated the Chief Architect of Sector 5, Robert Başca, as reported by Agerpres.
When asked by journalists on Tuesday, as he was leaving the Sector 5 City Hall, if he supports the construction of tower blocks on Progresului Street, he emphasized that he is in favor of the city’s development.
“The mayor invokes and brings to the public’s attention, not just yesterday or today, certain aspects, but from the moment the Save Bucharest Association was founded, he wants to save it (…). Our institution wants and will do this, it wants to apply the current legislation regarding the authorization procedure of an investment at the national level, in the sense that we are talking about a decision of the General Council, a HCG”
Urbanism Approval Process in Sector 5
In 2019, the urbanism documentation of type PUZ for this property was approved by the Sector 5 Chief Architect, if I’m not mistaken. Our institution’s role is to enforce the current legislation by detailing this PUZ documentation through a PUD documentation. Subsequently, after the approval by the municipal councilors of Sector 5 for this investment and urbanism documentation, the authority will analyze and issue the building permit,” stated the Chief Architect of Sector 5.
Investment Challenges in Sector 5
The Chief Architect highlighted that Sector 5 is lagging behind in terms of investments compared to other areas in Bucharest. “All investments are directed towards the northern area, predominantly the north, and we are striving to catch up with the other sectors through these investments. Of course, with skill and adherence to the law. This aspect is not up for debate,” added Robert Başca.
UPDATE 19.18: Reaction On
One Cotroceni Towers SRL acquires land for sustainable development
In 2023, the subsidiary One Cotroceni Towers SRL purchased a 45,000 sqm land located in Sector 5 on Progresului Avenue. At the time of acquisition, the land was regulated by an Urban Zoning Plan approved by the General Council of the Municipality of Bucharest and also had a building permit issued by the Mayor of Sector 5, these urban planning documents being valid from the moment of issuance until now.
Since its establishment, One United Properties has placed a strong emphasis on sustainable construction practices, environmentally friendly technologies, and cutting-edge ecological approaches. Following the acquisition, procedures were initiated for the development and submission of a Detailed Urbanistic Plan, which will be discussed at the agenda of the Sector 5 Local Council meeting tomorrow, July 31, 2024.
What does this PUD entail? The purpose is to…
Creating a Sustainable Mixed-Use Project
Our project aims to create a sustainable mixed-use development at the highest international standards. In addition to reclaiming a piece of land that has been abandoned for over 20 years, which is part of an old industrial area, the project will bring economic and fiscal benefits to the city. This includes job creation, area development, stimulating suppliers horizontally, and substantial contributions to the State budget.
Project Details
1. The developer is obligated to donate approximately 7,000 square meters of the acquired land for the construction of road infrastructure and urban mobility. This will help improve traffic flow and build sidewalks for pedestrian access, which are currently lacking.
2. The construction will be on smaller surfaces than those allowed by the already approved Urban Zoning Plan by the General Council of Bucharest Municipality, and even smaller than the authorized surfaces.
These measures will ensure that our project not only meets the highest standards but also contributes positively to the community and the environment.
Building Permit Issued by Sector 5 Mayor’s Office
The building permit issued by the Sector 5 Mayor’s Office does not involve an expansion of the project, but rather a reduction in its scope. Additionally, the project will include the implementation and setup of educational units such as nurseries, kindergartens, and afterschool programs.
Compliance with Legal Requirements
Our actions are in line with the legitimate demands of the local community, despite the ongoing harassment we face. It is important to note that all One United Properties projects are developed in full compliance with legal provisions and have obtained all necessary permits as required by urban planning regulations.
Therefore, we will continue to utilize all available institutional mechanisms to protect our right to create jobs, support local entrepreneurs, and contribute significant funds to both central and local government budgets.
Statement from Mayor Nicușor Dan
Mayor Nicușor Dan of Bucharest has urged local councilors in Sector 5 not to vote on the Detailed Urban Plan for the construction of high-rise buildings on Progresului Street. He believes that the plan is illegal and should not be approved.
Request to Withdraw the Project
Mayor Dan sent a formal request to the Sector 5 City Hall to remove the project from the agenda of the Wednesday Local Council meeting. He has asked councilors not to vote on the plan, and if they do, the general secretary should not sign it for legality.
Illegal Project Shut Down Due to Lack of Approval
There are multiple reasons why this project is illegal, with the most important one being the withdrawal of the circulation permit. Any urban planning documentation, including building permits, must have a circulation permit. The Municipality of Bucharest granted a circulation permit in August 2023 for this project, which I have now revoked. Without the circulation permit, the project cannot be voted on tomorrow,” stated Nicușor Dan on Tuesday during a press conference.
According to the Mayor of Bucharest, the permit is signed by the director of the Transport and Traffic Management Department of the Bucharest Municipality, and as his hierarchical superior, he has the authority to revoke it.
“For new residential buildings, we have a Government Decision stating that the maximum land occupancy for predominantly residential construction should be 40%, while here it is 60%. We also have an article in the Urbanism Law that prohibits such high occupancy rates,” he added.
The Legal Battle Over Urban Development Plans in Bucharest
Nicușor Dan, the mayor of Bucharest, has raised concerns about the legality of an urban development project in the city. According to Dan, the project violates several regulations, including a rule that any project with a footprint larger than four units must be approved by the General Council, not the Urban Development Plan.
One of the main issues, as highlighted by Dan, is that the 2019 Zonal Urbanistic Plan, on which the development plan is based, is considered illegal. This plan was challenged in court by local residents, and the court ruled that the environmental decision on which it was based is also illegal.
Furthermore, the proposed development does not comply with the environmental decision, as it includes less green space than required. The project involves converting an area with a different purpose into a residential zone, which has been subject to regulations since 2019.
The Importance of Green Spaces in Urban Development
Nicușor Dan highlighted the fact that in the capital city, there is a lack of green spaces allocated to residents, as promised. This condition has not been met, raising concerns about the quality of urban development in Bucharest.
He pointed out that there are several constructions in progress in the city, with questionable legal documents. These constructions represent significant investments, totaling millions of euros. The lack of oversight from the Romanian state raises questions about the legality and sustainability of these projects.
It is crucial for the authorities to address these issues and ensure that urban development projects comply with legal regulations. Investors and financial institutions should also be cautious when supporting real estate projects in Bucharest, considering the instability caused by questionable legal documents.
Construction of One Cotroceni Towers Proposed in Bucharest
A new mixed-use building project, named One Cotroceni Towers, is proposed to be constructed on the site at Progresului Street 48-80 in Bucharest. This project will be adjacent to One Cotroceni Park, which was built on the former Ventilatorul factory site.
The development is set to include residential units, offices, commercial spaces, a multipurpose hall, services, a pool, a medical clinic, access points, and additional amenities. It will consist of 5 towers, with a maximum height of 3S+P+35E+Eth, based on a 3S+P+1E extended base structure.
In February of last year, One United Properties purchased the 5-hectare Titan Mar land previously owned by the family of former Bucharest mayor, Adriean Videanu. The site allows for the construction of towers with a maximum of 35 floors.
At the time of the land acquisition, One United Properties announced plans to build 1,300 apartments, with completion expected in the near future,” added Nicușor Dan.
The tallest residential development in Bucharest
A new residential development is set to rise in Bucharest, featuring three towers with a total of 33 floors each, making it the tallest residential complex in the city and the region.
Unique design and amenities
Two of the towers will have 23 floors, while another building will have 16 floors. The plans include connecting the residential towers at the ground and first floor levels, where there will be service spaces and amenities for residents.
Impressive investment
The gross development value was estimated at 400 million euros at the time, making it a significant investment in the real estate market of Bucharest.
