Residents of Beit Shemesh – It’s Time to Act!
Over 1,000 people have already signed the petition against the massive construction planned at the junction of Nahar HaYarden and Nahar HaYarkon streets in RBS A. The planned project is expected to severely impact the quality of life across the city, especially in the neighborhoods of Neve Shamir, RBS Alef, Mishkafayim, and RBS Gimmel and Daled.
The plan is to transform 90 dunams of prime land at the entrance of Neve Shamir, into a huge building project at the intersection of Yarkon and Eliyahu Hanavi streets. Originally designated as a green space with a pastoral park and pleasant pathways, this land is now slated for rezoning. The plan, currently under review by the District Committee, has sparked widespread opposition.
The planned project has a massive business and residential development at the heart of a quiet neighborhood, instead of placing it in a designated area, such as the Hi-Tech Park currently under construction near Highway 38.
Residents fear many issues, including the loss of promised green spaces, originally marketed to buyers as KKL forest and community parks. The plan also shows the narrowing of streets like Yarkon and Eliyahu Hanavi to accommodate the new development.
Severe Traffic Congestion
The projects will add significant traffic to roads that are already struggling to handle the current load, particularly at the traffic circles of Nahar HaYarden, Nahar HaYarkon, and Eliyahu HaNavi streets. People are currently sitting in huge traffic jams for 20 minutes in the morning, just trying to leave the neighborhood.
Damage to the Character of the City and Neighborhoods
Even now, our neighborhoods suffer from a lack of adequate infrastructure – narrow and overcrowded roads, insufficient schools, community centers, and other essential services. The proposed plan will only worsen the situation, introducing extreme building density and severely harming the residents’ quality of life. Without significant investment in infrastructure, our neighborhoods will not be able to withstand the added burden, leading to heavy strain and destabilizing the local community
Loss of Green Spaces
The area designated for construction was originally intended to be a green space for the benefit of all city residents. Part of the construction is actually planned to replace the beautiful Yarmut park section that extends into Neve Shamir (see map below).
Read the full article here: https://www.shemesh.co.il/en/highlights/residents-of-beit-shemesh-it-s-time-to-act
