(live here) – Residents living near the Ahuza branch of the 'Reali' school claim that the educational institution has demarcated a public area, installed gates, and locked access to the area with padlocks. According to them, this is an area that they have used for years for various activities, but has recently been completely blocked by the school.
Resident complaints to the municipality – unanswered
One resident said he had contacted the Haifa municipality several times over the past few years regarding the school's takeover of the area. "The first time the municipality called me and said they were sending someone to inspect, but when representatives from the landscaping department arrived, they didn't understand what it was about. The second time inspectors arrived, I presented them with documents proving that it was public land, but I haven't heard from them since. A few months ago I sent the required documents and photos again, but again I didn't receive any response," he claims in frustration.
Blocked emergency exit
According to the residents, in addition to blocking access to the area, the fencing erected by the school also prevents access to a nearby private area, which belongs to a family that does not live in the city. "At the time, I spoke to the municipality and explained that this was the only passage that allowed people to go down to the wadi in the event of a fire," the resident explains. "When the school closed off the area with fences, the possibility of going down through it was completely blocked. I only asked them to open the fence so that the fire department could reach the place if necessary, but my request was not granted."
As if their territory
The resident adds that the school has taken over the area to the left of the building, installed gates, hung signs restricting entry, and even placed tables there. "They treat the area as if it belongs to them," he says, "but it's a public area intended for all residents."
"The area is cultivated by us for the benefit of everyone"
The Reali School administration responded by saying that the area is located next to the Ahuza branch, and that the school administration is the one that maintained the area. "We added synthetic grass and a pergola, with the intention of creating a pleasant and accessible public space for the benefit of the entire community," the school said. However, they claim that some residents caused problems when they used the area. "Unfortunately, some residents turned the area into a dog park and did not clean up after themselves. Following complaints from other residents, we were forced to close the area in the afternoons, to allow for orderly and pleasant use for everyone. Following the municipality's request, the area was reopened in the afternoons as well, in the hope that it will be kept clean and maintained for the benefit of the entire public."
Municipality: "The area has been reopened for public use"
The Haifa Municipality stated that, following their request, the area was reopened for use by the general public. However, the residents are demanding a long-term solution and a clear response from the municipality, in order to prevent similar incidents in the future and to preserve the right of residents to enjoy the public spaces in their city.
Privileges are allowed everything 🤷🏼♂️
May Michali's strength be with you on these matters.
Please add fitness facilities for the public. There are none in the entire area within walking distance.
You're right, in every mansion there is not a single garden with fitness facilities!!!
The excuse made for the public's sake does not hold water. This is pure takeover and the situation must be restored to its former state...not just opening the gates to the public...the municipality's lack of understanding regarding the seriousness of the offense will set a precedent.
This is how they take over. What we notice is that school administrators do what they see fit. They need to set boundaries. If the principal puts locks on the gates, the place is given to the world. Absolutely no locks. I am in favor of a tent, only in the entire school area. A tent, what they took, that will be open to the residents of the place, is impudence.
And what about what they did at the Technion?
Areas where we could once walk (Sabbath marches), or climb to the university via goat trails in the woods that began near the main gate, are now closed to the public.
I can still understand blocking vehicles, but why expropriate areas from the public?
It's a complete lie that the residents caused environmental damage and that's why Real closed the area!!!
From the beginning, when the complex was built, the gates were closed at the end of the school day.
How is it possible that the real estate agent took public space for himself and the municipality cooperated?
If a resident were to act in this manner, inspectors and police would immediately arrive and demolish.