The project in Sefer Square in Haifa The residents oppose the new plan

For many years, the real estate developer Jacob Feingold has had permission to build a project near Safar Square in Haifa. The project has already received permission for 13 floors in the past, which is unusual in the view of the street, where the standard is about four floors. It turns out that the permission given for the relatively many floors is not Enough for Feingold and he submitted a new plan, in which he demands more, much more...

The residents, compared to the vision of the developer Feingold, do not agree, and raise many problems that may arise along with the construction of the multi-story building. First, the visibility problem, the entire area is an area of ​​houses with a limited number of floors, the building will destroy the visibility of the street and stand out in a way that does not compliment the urban landscape in the area.

In addition, a commercial center is to be built on the 1st floor and an underground parking lot with 200 parking spaces (which will be paid parking for those who are not residents of the building). According to the opponents of the plan, these parking lots will be a source of another influx of residents of the area, which will increase the loads, cause air pollution, congestion and dirt. In addition, the opponents claim that the project also includes expropriation of public parking lots on the small Kiryat Safar street (see diagram), in favor of turning it into a two-way street.

Talia Flick, one of the opponents of the project, told Haifa News Corporation:
The streets of Dishrali, Sinai Ave., Givon, Kiryat Safar and Ayalon are currently facing a severe parking shortage, congestion, traffic jams and parking blockages. The parking shortage is due to the density of the construction, as well as due to 2 schools and kindergartens located on Dishrali St., a school, a synagogue, kindergartens, MILB and old people's homes on Sinai Ave.

When the construction becomes more crowded, the quality of life of the residents will be affected, from the moment construction begins, for many years and will cause irreversible damage to the residents who live in the neighborhood during the day. Many parts of the plan are formulated in a vague way, areas defined as "service areas" and not clearly defined allow developers to add many commercial areas beyond what is allowed.

Today, TMA 38 projects are being added throughout the Carmel area, with the expectation of the addition of many housing units in each project, which means more residents coming to live in the area and more cars and loads in a congested and busy area even now. Many houses that do not have private parking will find themselves without any parking near their home. As a result of the project, a total of 50 public parking spaces will be eliminated on the streets where residents of the area can currently park free of charge. The proposed "transportation solution" will be a transportation disaster.

It is strange to me that such a grandiose plan was approved in such a sensitive and complex place and that the Haifa Municipality would not object to the project, despite the many transportation and ecological problems that would harm a vital and central axis in Carmel.

The new plan is only superficially similar to the one that was approved in the past and it contains many mistakes and deceptions that the local committee missed.   

The plan claims to improve the neighborhood, but in practice causes fatal damage, Talia adds.

Furthermore, the plan is "spot-on" - covering only one side of the square, the street, the neighborhood and the entire Carmel - and mainly reflects the interest of a number of entrepreneurs. Of course, if the plan is approved, more entrepreneurs will be able to demand "equal rights" for their plans and their interests, even though they too - like the current plan - are destructive to the current and future residents of Carmel.  

The response of Mr. Jacob Feingold, the project developer of the tower in Safar Square, Lahi Fe - the news corporation:

First, regarding the visibility claim, I think that all the squares on the Moriah axis should be built higher. Haifa must rise along the entire axis of the ridge, which starts from the university to Carmel. This way it will be possible to bring an established population to Haifa. Moreover, this building does not "hide" anyone, it does not harm and does not prevent anyone from enjoying the view of Haifa. Tall buildings will enliven the street and bring life back to Carmel, not only that, I believe there should be a series of such projects.

Regarding the parking problem, a large public parking lot is going to be built. In the entire area on which the tower is going to be built, there are maybe 9 parking spaces, and we solve the parking problem with the parking lot. The claim they made is irrelevant, the cost of parking should not stop the progress of the project and the area.

Haifa must develop, every axis of Moriah already has shops for rent, some of which are already closed. What kind of magic will happen in Moriah village if there is no new construction?
The Moriah axis will die and die, as is happening now, when there are few active businesses in this area. If they go to Elhanan Street and see the huge building, maybe that's how they'll understand the difference, between this and the planning in Moriah. No one sees the big picture but the picture next to their house, one has to look at Haifa from a spatial perspective. It is impossible to look at personal interest, but at Haifa's interest, if it fits it will be done, if not then not.

I remember that even in the Oskar Schindler 7 project there was significant opposition from local residents, and now everyone is thanking me for the amazing project and the increase in the quality of life of the residents of the area. Students and residents enjoy coming to the place, and the many businesses that sit there.

As part of the project, we will of course arrange everything, so that the public is harmed as little as possible by the construction process.

The time has come for the residents of Haifa to take care of the development of the city and not their personal comfort, or they will be forced to look for their children to move to Tel Aviv because the city will not be attractive for the young people.