Brasov City Hall To Secure Land After Building Bridge

Ovidiu Vrânceanu, BraŞov

The Brasov City Council convened for an ordinary meeting to discuss the City Hall"s motion to approve the documentation for the expropriation of a plot of land in the Darste area supporting one of the legs of the bridge linking DN1 and the Brasov Ring Road. "Vankay"s Land," as it has come to be referred to, measures 460 square meters for which the City is willing to pay 270 EUR/sq.m. based on the valuation made by an official expert. The total price tag would be 126,900 EUR.

However, Alderman Mihai David (PSD) said that 270 EUR/sq.m. was too much: "As land in the city centre and other areas was sold to banks and other investors for 500 euro per square meter, it is too much to pay 270 euro per square meter in the Timis basin." Brasov Mayor George Scripcaru begged to differ as the land upon which banks and other businesses existed had a different nature.

"The land in the city centre was conceded to entities that built some buildings on it and should be the owners of the land. From now on, they will pay tax on the land and the buildings. In the other case we have a special situation. It"s no one"s fault. I"m referring to the Darste Bridge. I believe the valuator"s figures are correct. In my opinion, the valuator made a good judgement, considering the current situation. We have seen documents made by other valuators and different banks concerning land in the vicinity and I think that this price is compatible," Mayor Scripcaru added.

The motion carried, although five PSD aldermen abstained. Before the vote, Ladislau Vankay, the owner of the 2,800 sq.m. land he tries to sell to the City, wanted to address the Council but was refused. "I wanted to explain to Mr. David that, although he thinks the price is too much, the valuation was made six months after I won in the local court. Anyway, it"s not the valuation that matters. I want a fair negotiation. I want my rights as a citizen and owner to be respected. In my opinion, this decision is an abuse. My opinion and my rights as a citizen of this community continue to be ignored.

Ladislau Vankay said he would further try to negotiate with the City Hall for his land, upon which the authorities had built a bridge.