We recently reported that neither the pergola cut down completely nor the broken fountain at Popiełuszko Square will be repaired, as the most attractive site in the city from an investment perspective is soon to be sold. Today we can say how the authorities intend to develop the square.
The issue was raised at the 12th session of the City Council, held on 29 August. One item on the agenda was a report by Bolesławiec Mayor Piotr Roman on plans for developing the square in question. The subject sparked considerable controversy. Józef Burniak, a councillor representing the Left and Democrats, even claimed that the mayor was trying to “lure councillors into a trap” and shift some responsibility for his decisions onto them. One point of contention was the fact that the former mayor wanted the square to be developed under a PPP (Public-Private Partnership), which, according to Piotr Roman, would be unprofitable and could lead to legal sanctions.
The antagonism between the two politicians clearly resurfaced. Attacked by the LiD councillor, the current mayor briefly left the Council Chamber. The two men repeatedly made barbed allusions to each other (Roman, about Burniak’s question: “I had the best grades in logic at university, but I don’t understand this syllogism”). Councillor Burniak felt that the mayor had ridiculed him and indirectly called him mentally incompetent in front of the councillors. The left-wing councillor compared the concepts for developing Popiełuszko Square to a cross between a giraffe and a camel. During the discussion about the square, Józef Burniak definitively left the chamber.
Nevertheless, the vast majority of councillors spoke positively about this agenda item. The councillors decided that it was better for the mayor to inform them of his plans than for them to learn about them from newspapers.
To the point: Popiełuszko Square
The square—located in the very centre of the city—is owned by the Bolesławiec Municipal Commune. Once developed, the property (covering more than 2 hectares) is to serve two purposes: commercial and public. As noted, construction on the square will necessitate rebuilding and modernising the transport network. New parking spaces are planned; underground car parks have not been ruled out.
Option one
This concept involves dividing the square into two plots. Commercial facilities will be built on one, while a swimming pool will be built on the other. The property will be granted under perpetual usufruct (for 99 years). The swimming pool would be built using funds from the Bolesławiec Municipal Commune; a long-term loan would be necessary.
The advantage of this option is that the Commune would receive 25% of the plot’s value when it is granted under perpetual usufruct, annual fees amounting to 3% of the plot’s value, and property-tax revenue. Another advantage of this concept is the possibility of using European Union funds.
Option two
This concept involves establishing a special-purpose company to develop the entire square. The company would be able to conduct business activities (a shopping arcade, hotel, flats, apartments), with any profits allocated to the public section (that is, the swimming pool). This option, in turn, makes it possible to deduct VAT.
Why now?
Is this the right time to build a commercial gallery in the city centre? As Piotr Roman admitted, this is the only way to build a swimming pool in Bolesławiec. During the discussion, it was noted that a motorway would soon be built near Bolesławiec. It is therefore possible that some Bolesławiec residents will choose to shop at the enormous shopping centre currently being built in Zgorzelec. The example of other cities shows that Poles are increasingly keen to shop in galleries and shopping arcades. Taking these arguments into account, the time is right.
The investment would create new jobs. The city, meanwhile, could gain a modern entertainment centre. There has been talk of a bowling alley, ice rink or multiplex cinema. These are all plans. According to the councillors, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. One thing is certain today. As councillor Hubert Prabucki of Ziemia Bolesławiecka noted, something worthy of the 21st century should be built on the site of the square.
A beacon of learning for older people
It is also worth noting that efforts have begun to establish a University of the Third Age in our city. The councillors allowed the mayor to provide financial support to the Oskar Lange University of Economics in Wrocław (the Faculty of Regional Economy and Tourism in Jelenia Góra), which wants to open such an institution. The Bolesławiec Municipal Commune would, among other things, provide free premises where classes would be held.
(information and photographs: UM/GA)